Rocket Raccoon - Dark Blue Suit with Red Piping (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)
sh888 · Marvel Super Heroes
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 · 2023. Released as part of the tie-in sets for the final movie in the James Gunn trilogy, reflecting the more uniform aesthetic of the team.
Figure ID
sh888
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2023. Released as part of the tie-in sets for the final movie in the James Gunn trilogy, reflecting the more uniform aesthetic of the team.
Rarity
Common. This figure appeared in two high-volume retail sets in 2023, making it widely available on the secondary market.
Head
Unique molded raccoon head. Reddish brown base color with white and dark brown printed fur patterns around the eyes and a light gray snout. It is not a standard minifigure head but a specialized animal mold.
Torso
Dark blue torso with 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Ravager/Team uniform print. Features red piping, a silver belt, and the gold flame-styled Guardians emblem on the chest. Dark blue arms and light bluish gray hands.
Legs
Short, non-poseable dark blue legs. These indicate the character's shorter stature relative to standard minifigures. There is no printing on the leg piece.
Accessories
Usually paired with a large brick-built blaster or a small black handgun, plus a transparent brown or dark orange tail piece that attaches between the torso and legs (note: the tail is missing in the provided photo).
Color Scheme
Primary: Dark Blue. Secondary: Reddish Brown (head), Red (piping), and Gold/Silver (uniform details). This represents the official team uniform from the third film.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and specialized printing on the 3D molded head. No arm or leg printing is present on this specific version.
Variants
Standard version (sh888) with the full team suit. This differs from the original Vol. 1 (sh122) and Vol. 2 (sh384) versions which featured orange jumpsuits and different head molds.
Condition Notes
The molded ears are prone to paint rubbing. Check for the presence of the tail piece (Part 18276), as it is often lost. The neck post can become loose over time due to the weight of the head mold.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD. New: $7.00 - $9.00 USD. Values fluctuate based on the inclusion of the tail and weapon accessories.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $34.99 (76253) to $99.99 (76255). It was never sold as a standalone blind pack figure.
Compatible Sets
76253 Guardians of the Galaxy Headquarters, 76255 The New Guardians' Ship.
Character Background
Subject 89P13, known as Rocket, is a genetically engineered raccoon and a core member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. This version represents his look as he steps into a leadership role within the team during Vol. 3.
Design Notes
LEGO updated the head mold and printing for the 2023 wave to look more realistic compared to the slightly more 'animated' style of the 2014 original. The use of dark blue reflects the comic-inspired 'uniform' era of the team.
Similar Minifigures
sh122 Rocket Raccoon (Orange Suit), sh384 Rocket Raccoon (Blue Suit Vol. 2), sh563 Rocket Raccoon (Quantum Suit), and other GotG Vol. 3 figures like Star-Lord (sh871).
Collectibility
Moderate. While common, it is essential for fans wanting the complete 'Final Tour' team lineup. High demand due to the emotional popularity of the character in the MCU.
History
Rocket was first introduced to LEGO in 2014. This version (2023) marks the fourth major redesign of the character's outfit, aligning with the MCU's costume evolution.
Interesting Facts
The tail piece used for this figure is a specialized mold that has appeared in several colors since its debut, but is most common in the brown/orange shades used for Rocket.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside other Vol. 3 Guardians in their matching uniforms. Use a small translucent 1x2 plate under the feet if his heavy head causes him to tip over.
Modification Potential
The head and tail are highly sought after for 'furry' themed MOCs or custom animal-humanoid characters in Space/Fantasy themes.
Overall Assessment
A solid, movie-accurate representation of a fan-favorite character. While missing his tail in the photo, the torso and head printing are crisp. A 'Buy' for MCU completionists.