Superman - Bright Blue Suit
sh003 · Super Heroes
DC Universe · 2011/2012; debuted as a NYCC promotional preview and later released in retail sets.
Figure ID
sh003
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2011/2012; debuted as a NYCC promotional preview and later released in retail sets.
Rarity
Uncommon to Common; widely available in three main retail sets during the initial DC Super Heroes wave.
Head
Double-sided; one side features a determined/serious expression with light blue eyes, the other shows a heat vision/angry expression with red eyes. Includes black hairpiece with the iconic 'S' curl mold.
Torso
Bright blue torso with front and back printing: 'S' shield logo on front, muscular definition lines, and a yellow belt. Arms are bright blue with light flesh hands.
Legs
Bright blue legs with a red hip piece and red boot printing at the bottom (dual-molding was not yet standard for this figure, so it relies on print).
Accessories
Traditional red fabric cape (soft or stiff variant depending on set/production run). Some sets included a translucent clear rod for flying poses.
Color Scheme
Classic primary colors: Bright Blue, Red, and Yellow, staying true to the Golden and Silver Age comic appearances.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. Front and back torso muscles, clear 'S' crest, and face detail including the red-eyed variant for heat vision.
Variants
Variants include sh003a (spongy cape), the 2011 NYCC exclusive (identical figure, different packaging), and the later sh219 (New 52 version) and sh382 (Justice League version).
Condition Notes
Pay attention to the cape for fraying or creasing. Check the 'S' logo for scratching. The neck area often shows stress marks if the cape is bunched.
Estimated Value
$10.00 - $18.00 (Used/Complete), $25.00+ (New-ish condition). Value is stable due to the iconic nature of the character.
Price (New)
$12.99 to $69.99 (Retail price range of the sets it was included in).
Compatible Sets
6862 Superman vs. Power Armor Lex, 6864 Batmobile and the Two-Face Chase, 30160 Batman Jetski (Polybag alternative).
Character Background
Clark Kent, an alien from the planet Krypton sent to Earth, possessing god-like powers fueled by the yellow sun. This version represents his classic comic book appearance.
Design Notes
This was LEGO's first wide-release Superman. It introduced the specific hairpiece mold with the 'curl' which has since become a standard for the character.
Similar Minifigures
sh219 Superman (New 52), sh382 Superman (Justice League), sh077 Zod, sh095 General Zod.
Collectibility
High; every DC collector needs the basic quintessential Superman. It is a cornerstone figure for the Super Heroes line.
History
Followed the ultra-rare 2011 SDCC exclusive version. This specific design remained the 'standard' Superman for several years until the 'Man of Steel' movie line.
Interesting Facts
The first 200 of these distributed at NYCC 2011 are identical to this retail version but came on a unique cardboard backing, making the packaging worth thousands while the figure remains affordable.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a clear 'poseable' bar to simulate flight, alongside the sh002 Batman (Grey Suit) and sh004 Wonder Woman for the classic Trinity.
Modification Potential
Commonly modified with dual-molded red/blue legs from later figures or custom fabric 'wired' capes for more dynamic posing.
Overall Assessment
9/10; An essential LEGO minifigure. Though more detailed versions now exist, the sh003 remains the most iconic 'Toy' version of the Man of Steel.