Vampyre / Vampire Bat Monster (Monster Fighters)
mon003 · Monster Fighters
Monster Fighters Wave 1 · 2012, introduced during the Monster Fighters theme launch which pitted classic horror-inspired monster factions against human investigators
Figure ID
mon003
Theme
Monster Fighters
Year Released
2012, introduced during the Monster Fighters theme launch which pitted classic horror-inspired monster factions against human investigators
Rarity
Uncommon, as it was exclusive to a few medium-sized sets within a short-lived theme that ended in 2013
Head
Custom molded dark bluish-gray bat-human hybrid head with large pointed ears, printed white facial fur, red eyes with black pupils, and baring fangs; dual-printed back face features an alternate angry expression
Torso
Black torso with extensive dark bluish-gray furry chest printing and defined abdominal muscle lines, featuring neck attachment points designed to hold the specialized wing cape piece
Legs
Standard plain black legs and matching black hip piece without any side or front printing
Accessories
Large black fabric/plastic-infused wing element that attaches around the neck bracket, allowing the minifigure to spread out bat wings with claw hands
Color Scheme
Predominantly black with dark bluish-gray accents and bright red highlights on the eyes, embodying a classic gothic vampire aesthetic
Printing Details
High quality pad printing with precise alignment on both the specialized head element and the torso, featuring intricate fur texturing and skeletal muscle highlights
Variants
Appears as a standard minion in the Monster Fighters theme with no major color variants, though Lord Vampyre features a separate, more humanoid royal design
Condition Notes
Key wear points include potential dusting trapped in the fur textures of the molded head, creasing or tearing on the specialized wing accessory, and scratching on the plain black legs
Estimated Value
Estimated current market value ranges from $5 to $10 USD for used complete condition, and up to $15 USD for brand new or pristine condition
Price (New)
Originally available in sets retailing between $20 and $50 USD in 2012, making the original per-minifigure component value roughly equivalent to standard mid-tier LEGO sets of that era
Compatible Sets
9462 The Mummy, 9468 Vampyre Castle, and the Vampyre Hearse polybag promotional items from 2012
Character Background
Represents the loyal bat-minions and hencreatures serving Lord Vampyre in his dark quest to collect the Moonstones and plunge the world into eternal darkness
Design Notes
Features a specialized dual-purpose molded head piece combining the traditional minifigure neck stalk with large bat ears and furry texturing, creating a seamless monster transformation
Similar Minifigures
Lord Vampyre (mon001), Swamp Monster (mon002), Werewolf (mon004), and various Vampire minifigures from the Collectible Minifigures series
Collectibility
High demand among horror and Halloween-themed LEGO collectors, as the Monster Fighters theme has gained a cult following since its retirement
History
Released in 2012 as part of LEGO's original horror-themed property, bridging the gap between classic Studios monsters and modern detailed minifigure design
Interesting Facts
The specialized wing-arm piece is heavily reminiscent of classic Batman cape designs from the early 2000s but modified specifically to attach to standard minifigure necks with claw hands
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a dark or graveyard-themed MOC baseplate alongside other Monster Fighters characters under purple or blue accent lighting
Modification Potential
Great for custom Halloween creations, gothic fantasy dioramas, or purist dark superhero custom builds utilizing the unique wing and bat-head pieces
Overall Assessment
An excellent, highly thematic minifigure with a unique molded head and specialized wings that captures the essence of classic universal monster movies