LEGO Animal - Penguin, Classic Style
98380pr0001 · Various (LEGO Animals / City / Batman)
Arctic Expedition / Zoo / Seasonal · First debuted in 2012 in the LEGO Batman theme.
Figure ID
98380pr0001
Theme
Various (LEGO Animals / City / Batman)
Year Released
First debuted in 2012 in the LEGO Batman theme.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While widely produced in multiple sets, it is a highly sought-after animal figure that is rarely sold individually in high quantities.
Head
Integral to the body mold. Features an orange beak and white/black printed eyes with a reflection dot.
Torso
The entire penguin is a single molded piece. The torso area features a distinctive white printed 'belly' or chest patch on a black base.
Legs
The base features two molded orange feet with 1x1 circular stud compatibility on the underside for attachment to plates.
Accessories
None specifically attached to the figure, though often paired with fish elements or ice-themed bricks in retail sets.
Color Scheme
Primary Black and White with Orange accents for the beak and feet.
Printing Details
Pad printing on the chest (white) and eyes (white/black). The alignment for the eye-printing is a common high-quality standard for LEGO animals from the early 2010s.
Variants
Variations exist including a 'Friends' version (more stylized eyes), a CMF Series 16 Penguin Suit boy (a minifigure in a costume), and a brick-built version.
Condition Notes
Prone to scuffing on the white belly print and beak. The orange feet can show teeth marks or stress whitening if removed aggressively from studs.
Estimated Value
$1.50 - $4.00 USD (Used), $5.00+ (New/Mint). Values fluctuate based on the specific set batch and eye-print quality.
Price (New)
N/A (Typically part of sets ranging from $10 polybags to $200+ modulars/Batcaves).
Compatible Sets
70909 Batcave Break-In, 60191 Arctic Exploration Team, 10255 Assembly Square, and 40541 Seasonal Gift.
Character Background
Generic arctic/zoo animal. In the DC Super Heroes theme, these are often the 'trained' explosive penguins used by Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin).
Design Notes
One of the most accurate biological representations in the LEGO animal kingdom. It utilizes a 1-stud footprint, making it highly versatile for small dioramas.
Similar Minifigures
Penguin Suit Boy (col16-10), LEGO Friends Penguin (10345pb01), and Brick-Built Penguin (2017).
Collectibility
High. LEGO animal collectors often 'army build' these for arctic displays or custom zoo MOCs.
History
Replaced the older brick-built penguins with a specialized mold in 2012, significantly improving the aesthetic of arctic and city scenes.
Interesting Facts
The mold is designed so that the penguin's beak is exactly at the height of a minifigure's hand, allowing for 'feeding' poses.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on trans-light-blue plates to simulate ice, or in large groups to create a 'colony' effect.
Modification Potential
Excellent for custom painting into different species (Gentoo, Macaroni) or adding small custom capes for humor.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential LEGO animal. It is simple, cute, and highly functional, representing the peak of LEGO's transition into more organic animal molds.