Superman - Black Suit
sh077 · DC Super Heroes
Man of Steel / San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive · 2013 (Released as a promotional exclusive for San Diego Comic-Con)
Figure ID
sh077
Theme
DC Super Heroes
Year Released
2013 (Released as a promotional exclusive for San Diego Comic-Con)
Rarity
Ultra-Rare; this figure was an exclusive giveaway at SDCC 2013 and was limited to only 200 copies, making it one of the rarest DC minifigures ever produced.
Head
Dual-sided light flesh head. Side one: Angry expression with red heat-vision eyes and furrowed brow. Side two: Determined/neutral expression. Black swept-back hair piece with a small curl (spit curl) on the forehead.
Torso
Black torso with detailed muscle definition in silver/grey. Features the House of El 'S' shield in white/silver on a black background. Printing continues to the back. Black arms and light flesh hands.
Legs
Black legs with silver and white accent lines on the hips and front of the thighs to continue the suit's 'Man of Steel' aesthetic.
Accessories
Black soft-fabric cape. Unlike standard capes of the era, the SDCC exclusive version often came in a specific presentation card which adds significant value to collectors.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic; primarily black with silver, grey, and white printing. The only splash of color is the light flesh skin tone and red heat-vision eyes.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of 2013-era exclusives. Features fine silver linework to mimic the textured Kryptonian suit from the Man of Steel movie.
Variants
There are several versions of Superman, but this specific black suit variant is unique to the 2013 SDCC release. A different black-suit version appeared later in set 76117 and the Justice League 'Snyder Cut', but they feature different printing and hair.
Condition Notes
Prone to fraying on the cape edges. The silver printing on the torso can be susceptible to rubbing/wear if handled. Due to its value, many forgeries exist using high-quality decals; authentic figures have specific mold marks inside the legs and neck.
Estimated Value
New (with card): $4,000 - $6,000 USD; Loose/Used: $2,500 - $3,500 USD. Value is highly volatile and depends entirely on verified authenticity.
Price (New)
Distributed for free via a daily raffle at San Diego Comic-Con 2013. Its 'retail' value was technically $0, but it immediately hit the secondary market for hundreds of dollars.
Compatible Sets
Not included in any retail sets. Exclusive to SDCC 2013 Giveaway.
Character Background
Based on the recovery suit worn by Superman in the comics after his resurrection (The Death and Return of Superman) and specifically styled after the suit seen in the Man of Steel movie conceptual art.
Design Notes
Uses the same mold for the hair as the standard Man of Steel Superman but shifts the color palette to silver and black to represent the Solar Suit/Regeneration Suit.
Similar Minifigures
sh003 Superman, sh735 Superman (Black Suit - Silver Logo), and sh075 Superman (Man of Steel version).
Collectibility
Extremely high. It is a 'holy grail' item for DC LEGO collectors due to the extremely low production run (200 units).
History
Released during the height of the SDCC exclusive minifigure era (2011-2017) when LEGO produced very low-count runs of iconic characters for promotional use.
Interesting Facts
Despite the 'Man of Steel' branding on the card it came with, the black suit did not actually appear in the theatrical cut of the 2013 movie; it was only seen in deleted scenes and much later in the Snyder Cut of Justice League.
Display Suggestions
Should be kept in a UV-protected acrylic case. If loose, a stand with a clear 'flying' bar is recommended to showcase the cape and torso printing.
Modification Potential
Due to its value, modification is strongly discouraged. Purist 'Man of Steel' MOCs often use the hair and head from this figure with other bodies, but doing so with an authentic sh077 is rare.
Overall Assessment
A pinnacle piece of LEGO DC history. While technically simple in design compared to modern 360-degree printing, its rarity and the iconic nature of the 'Black Suit' make it an s-tier collectible.