Bernie the Groomer
sh152 · Super Heroes
DC Comics Super Heroes: Batman · 2015 - Released in set 76026 Gorilla Grodd Goes Bananas
Figure ID
sh152
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2015 - Released in set 76026 Gorilla Grodd Goes Bananas
Rarity
Uncommon. This figure is exclusive to a single set that had a limited production window compared to evergreen sets.
Head
Light Flesh dual-sided head with round glasses, grey eyebrows, and an open-mouthed expression of fear/surprise. Back side features a slightly calmer, worried look.
Torso
Dark Tan shirt with Olive Green sweater vest and a black tie. Detailed printing includes sweater texture and shirt collar. Arms are Tan with Light Flesh hands.
Legs
Dark Tan standard legs (unprinted). Matches the hip color and shirt base color.
Accessories
In the original set, he comes with a banana and a generic hairpiece/hat was not included as he uses the specialized bald head mold.
Color Scheme
Earth-toned palette featuring Dark Tan, Olive Green, and Light Flesh. It is a muted, realistic civilian color scheme compared to flashy superheroes.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and head. Printing alignment is generally excellent, reflecting the 2015 era manufacturing standards.
Variants
There are no official variants of this specific Bernie character, though the torso was reused for generic civilian figures in City and other themes.
Condition Notes
Prone to hairline cracks on the sides of the torso and loose arm joints. Look for wear on the glasses printing as it is delicate.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD; New: $8.00 - $11.00 USD. The value has remained relatively stable due to the niche nature of the character.
Price (New)
Included in set 76026 which retailed for $49.99 USD. The set contained 6 minifigures, putting his original valuation at approx. $8.33 per figure.
Compatible Sets
76026 Gorilla Grodd Goes Bananas (2015).
Character Background
Bernie is a civilian character created specifically for the LEGO DC set scenario. He is a grocery store worker or 'groomer' caught in the middle of Gorilla Grodd's rampage.
Design Notes
Uses the 'Bald Top with White Side Hair' mold (Part 11258). This was one of the early uses of this mold for a non-licensed background character in the Super Heroes line.
Similar Minifigures
Alfred Pennyworth (sh070), Brainiac (sh154), and various LEGO City 'Grandpa' figures share similar aesthetic or headgear components.
Collectibility
Moderate. Only sought after by DC completionists or those building city dioramas requiring realistic civilian bystanders.
History
Debuted during the 2015 Winter wave of DC sets. Represents LEGO's push to include 'play-starter' civilian characters in hero-vs-villain sets.
Interesting Facts
Despite being named 'Bernie' in the manual, many fans mistaken him for a version of Professor Hugo Strange or simply a generic scientist due to the lab-assistant look of the vest.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a street-level diorama being 'rescued' by the Flash or Wonder Woman, or placed behind a grocery counter.
Modification Potential
Excellent. The torso and head are perfect for creating custom versions of classic older characters like Uncle Ben or Stan Lee cameos.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-detailed civilian figure. While not the star of his set, the unique head print and useful sweater torso make it a versatile piece for collectors.