Spider-Man - Red Torso, Blue Legs, Large Eyes
sh038 · Marvel Super Heroes
Ultimate Spider-Man / Avengers Assemble · 2012 (First release in set 6873 Spiderman's Doc Ock Ambush)
Figure ID
sh038
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2012 (First release in set 6873 Spiderman's Doc Ock Ambush)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While it appeared in several sets, it is the 'classic' Spidey for the early 2010s era and has since been replaced by newer prints.
Head
Standard red minifigure head with mask printing. Features large white eyes with thick black outlines and a subtle web pattern. No dual-sided printing.
Torso
Blue torso with red printed 'vest' area. Features a small black spider emblem in the center and a black web pattern. The blue arms are unprinted with red hands.
Legs
Solid blue unprinted legs and hips. This version lacks the dual-molding or toe-printing found on more modern premium Spider-Man figures.
Accessories
None shown in image. Typically includes translucent-clear web blast elements or a 'web string' with hand-grips when found in sets.
Color Scheme
Classic Red and Blue. Darker shades than the 2002 movie versions but brighter than the 2020+ 'Integrated Suit' versions.
Printing Details
Pad-printed on the head and torso. The 'webbing' lines are relatively thin compared to the 2004 versions. No side-leg or arm printing is present.
Variants
Variations include sh003 (smaller eyes/older torso) and sh420 (similar but with different eye shapes and darker webbing). This specific eyes-to-web ratio identifies it as the 2012 version.
Condition Notes
The red hands are prone to cracking at the wrists. Check for 'neck wear' where the head attaches to the torso, as this can wear down the red print on the neck stub.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $8.00 USD (Used), $12.00 - $15.00 USD (New/Mint condition).
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $12.99 (6873) to $49.99 (76004). Individual value is low due to high production volume.
Compatible Sets
6873 Spiderman's Doc Ock Ambush (2012), 76004 Spider-Cycle Chase (2013), 76005 Daily Bugle Showdown (2013), and 10665 Spider-Car Pursuit (2014).
Character Background
Peter Parker, the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. This design is specifically based on the 'Ultimate Spider-Man' animated series aesthetic appearing on Disney XD at the time.
Design Notes
This figure marked a shift toward 'cleaner' designs for Spidey after the highly detailed but fragile 'sand-blue' accented figures of the 2000s.
Similar Minifigures
sh003 Spider-Man (2012), sh038a (Junior version), and the later sh420 Homecoming-style figures.
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a staple of any Marvel collection, but its lack of leg printing makes it less desirable than the 2021 dual-molded variants.
History
Followed the 2002-2004 Sam Raimi movie line. It was the first 'standard' Spidey released after LEGO secured the long-term Marvel license from Mega Bloks.
Interesting Facts
This specific head print was reused for many years across various 'Junior' and '4+' sets due to its iconic, friendly appearance.
Display Suggestions
Looks best placed on a translucent clear posing bar to simulate swinging. Pairs perfectly with the 2013-era Doc Ock or Venom figures.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs. Many collectors swap these legs for dual-molded red/blue legs from newer figures to create a 'definitive' Spider-Man.
Overall Assessment
A solid, classic representation of the character. While not the most valuable, it is durable and instantly recognizable. Rating: 7/10 for collectors.