Lex Luthor - Dark Blue Armor
sh493 · Super Heroes
DC Comics Super Heroes · 2018 (First appeared in the set 76097 Lex Luthor Mech Takedown)
Figure ID
sh493
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2018 (First appeared in the set 76097 Lex Luthor Mech Takedown)
Rarity
Uncommon; it was exclusive to a single mid-priced licensed set which has since been retired.
Head
Light flesh tone with an orange/red digital HUD interface or mechanical eye patch over the left eye, brown eyebrows, and a smirk. It is a dual-sided head with a worried/angry expression on the reverse.
Torso
Dark blue with silver, light blue, and black technological armor plating prints. Includes dark blue arms and hands. Covered by a bulky dark blue neck-bracket armor piece.
Legs
Dark blue with detailed silver and light blue mechanical/cybernetic circuit patterns on the hips and front of the legs. No side or back leg printing.
Accessories
Includes a bulky dark blue chest armor piece (armor with neck ring) and a matching dark blue specialized helmet with a small visor opening. In its original set, he also utilized a large brick-built power suit.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic Dark Blue base with metallic silver and light blue highlights, providing a high-tech corporate villain aesthetic.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head, torso, and legs. The level of detail on the leg circuits is particularly intricate, representing the peak of 2018 printing technology.
Variants
This is one of several Lex Luthor designs; other versions include his classic green/purple power suit (sh011), a business suit version (sh223), and the Superman-style 'Rebirth' armor (sh385).
Condition Notes
The dark blue plastic shows scratches and 'play wear' more easily than lighter colors. Check for stress marks on the torso sides caused by the heavy armor piece and ensure the facial HUD print isn't rubbed off.
Estimated Value
Current used value ranges from $5.00 to $8.00 USD. New/Mint condition versions can reach $10.00 to $12.00 USD. Value is stable but not rapidly appreciating.
Price (New)
The original set (76097) retailed for $39.99 USD in 2018. The price-per-minifigure ratio was approximately $8.00 based on the 5 figures included.
Compatible Sets
76097 Lex Luthor Mech Takedown (2018).
Character Background
Alexander Joseph 'Lex' Luthor is Superman's arch-nemesis, a billionaire industrialist and scientific genius. This version represents him in a specialized tactical armor for direct combat with the Justice League.
Design Notes
Features a heavy reuse of modern space/scientific armor molds but recolored in dark blue to match the LexCorp aesthetic. The HUD print on the head is a standout creative touch to simulate a helmet display.
Similar Minifigures
Lex Luthor (sh385), Batman - Tactical Batsuit (sh447), and various LEGO Space/Galaxy Squad armored figures.
Collectibility
Moderate collectibility. Every Justice League fan needs a Lex Luthor, and this is one of his most visually distinct 'battle' versions without being overly expensive.
History
Lex Luthor first appeared in LEGO form in 2012. This 2018 version marked a shift toward more 'cinematic' and detailed armor designs compared to the earlier comic-style green and purple versions.
Interesting Facts
Despite being a 'villain' set, this minifigure's armor piece is the same mold used for various heroic characters in themes like Nexo Knights and Galaxy Squad, showing LEGO's efficient part reuse strategy.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed inside a LexCorp MOC lab or alongside his brick-built mech from set 76097. Looks excellent when posed opposite a Superman or Wonder Woman minifigure.
Modification Potential
The dark blue armor parts are highly desirable for MOC builders creating custom sci-fi soldiers, futuristic police (E.S.P.D.), or custom Warhammer 40k-inspired Space Marines.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-detailed villain figure. While not the most valuable DC figure, the technical leg printing and unique HUD head make it a standout for fans of the DC Universe. Rating: 7/10.