Spider-Man - Large Eyes (2012 Version)
sh038 · Marvel Super Heroes
Ultimate Spider-Man / Avengers · 2012; released during the initial launch wave of the Marvel Super Heroes line alongside the 'Ultimate Spider-Man' animated series tie-ins.
Figure ID
sh038
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2012; released during the initial launch wave of the Marvel Super Heroes line alongside the 'Ultimate Spider-Man' animated series tie-ins.
Rarity
Uncommon; while it appeared in multiple sets between 2012 and 2014, it has been discontinued for a decade and replaced by dual-molded or more detailed modern variants.
Head
Red with large white eyes outlined in black, featuring a black web pattern. The large 'Ultimate' style eyes are the defining feature of this specific era's head print.
Torso
Blue torso with red printed vest-style area featuring a black spider emblem and black web pattern. The back also features a large red spider emblem. Red hands and blue arms.
Legs
Plain Blue legs without printing. This is a standard feature of early LEGO Marvel Spider-Man figures before dual-molding became common.
Accessories
Typically includes translucent white web blasts or 'web strings' (part 11010), though the figure is shown here without them.
Color Scheme
Bright red and blue, the classic primary colors of the Spider-Man character, with black line work for the web detailing.
Printing Details
Pad-printed head and torso (front and back). The alignment is generally high quality, though older versions can see wear on the thin black webbing lines.
Variants
This is sh038 with the standard head. Variants include sh003 (2012) and later versions with dual-molded legs or different eye shapes (sh420, sh115).
Condition Notes
Main concerns are 'neck wear' (cracks on the side of the torso) and fading of the web print on the face where fingers frequently touch to remove the head.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8; New: $12 - $15. Prices vary slightly based on the tightness of the arm joints and clarity of the facial print.
Price (New)
Bundled in sets ranging from $12.91 (polybags) to $69.99 (Daily Bugle Showdown).
Compatible Sets
6873 Spiderman's Doc Ock Ambush, 76004 Spider-Man: Spider-Cycle Chase, 76005 Daily Bugle Showdown, 10665 Spider-Car Pursuit.
Character Background
Based on Peter Parker as seen in the Marvel Universe, specifically influenced by the aesthetics of the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series which debuted in 2012.
Design Notes
A transition piece between the 2002 movie figures and the modern highly-detailed figures. It represents the first 'standardized' Spider-Man for the modern Marvel line.
Similar Minifigures
sh003 (Spider-Man), sh115 (Spider-Man - Scuba Suit), sh420 (Spider-Man - Homecoming variant).
Collectibility
Moderate; essential for 'Hall of Armor' or character history collectors, but secondary to the rarer 2002 Sam Raimi movie versions or newer dual-molded versions.
History
Followed the 2002-2004 Studios/Spider-Man movie line after a long hiatus; marked the return of the character to the LEGO lineup for the long term.
Interesting Facts
The 'sh038' head print was used across almost every LEGO Spider-Man set for nearly three years, making it the 'face' of the character for a generation of builders.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a clear 'action' stand to simulate swinging, alongside villains like Doc Ock (sh040) or Venom (sh055) from the same era.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' upgrades; many collectors swap these legs for dual-molded (blue/red) legs from newer, cheaper Spider-Man figures.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic and sturdy figure that serves as a cornerstone of the early Marvel Super Heroes collection. It is highly recommended for those building a chronological Marvel display.