LEGO Monster Fighters The Vampyre Hearse

Having just gotten back into Legos (probably hadn't bought any since Star Wars: Episode 1 first came out) my thoughts may definitely not be the thoughts of a typical AFOL (Adult Fan of Lego). Still, as a fan of monsters, turn of the century styled vehicles, slightly steampunkish battlers of the supernatural, and zombies, the Lego Monster Fighters theme was enough to attract my attention and force me to lay down some cash to obtain the entire series. The general story seems to be that the Lord Vampyre (that is how Lego spells it) is attempting to gather together a series of artifacts called Moonstones, gem like stones that each feature an icon representing a different monster. When 6 of the stones are collected together, the earth will be cast into permanent darkness, allowing the realm of the monsters to crossover into the regular Lego world. The Monster Fighters are attempting to keep this from happening. Pretty fun plot for a Lego set, if you ask me.

This set runs between $30 and $40 dollars retail, but does contain enough stuff to give it some good play/ display value. It comes with the two main characters, Lord Vampyre and Dr. Rodney Rathbone, as well as a zombie to drive the hearse. Of course, it also comes with a fairly large hearse and a neat little motorcycle for Dr. Rathbone to fight some monsters with. Does this set have some bite or does it really suck? Here are my thoughts:

Positives:
* This might be the best introductory set, as it includes vehicles for both factions and the two main characters along with a zombie and a coffin. Lots of play/ display value and packaged with some fun accessories.

*The minifigures are really nicely done. Dr. Rathebone's outfit is detailed, has a mechanical leg, and is armed with a very cool rapier and revolver. Lord Vampyre has a glow in the dark head, a sword, and a different facial expression than the figure which comes with the Vampyre castle.

*The Hearse is fantasticand has some neat features. The hearse has a 1950's funny car modified appearance. While the "curtains" on the hearse give it a very somber appearance, the giant engine and dragster appearance definitely allude to this not being your typical hearse. I really like how not only can you place the Vampyre's coffin in the back of the hearse, but the hearse also has a cool feature that allows the Vampyre to spring through the roof and catapault from the hearse. Its fun and doesn't hinder the appearance of the vehicle.

*The motorcycle is a cool little vehicle with some nice flames shooting out of the back and a storage rack for a bundle of dynamite.

Negatives:
*The Rodney Rathbone figure and zombie driver appear to be the exact same figures that appear in a few other sets with no noticeable changes.

*The coffin can be difficult to remove and fit back into the hearse.

Conclusion:
This seems like a great set to pick up if you are flirting with the idea of collecting the Monster Fighters theme. 3 minifigures, two of which are the main characters, a moonstone, and 2 vehicles gives you lots of options. The hearse is a fun build and too me a little longer than I expected. If you're comfortable with the price of Legos (which always seem a little high to me, but the quality is unquestionable) this is a fantastic set to sink your fangs into. Seriously, if you find this set, go ahead and bite. Ok, I'm out of bat vampire jokes (last one, I promise) so I'll go ahead and give this set a thumbs up and be done!

My daughter loved putting it together, she can do it in a few hours. Overpriced as usual, but aren't all Legos?

I managed to find this hearse at a shopko near me.I'm very impressed with this set. It includes Rodney Rathbone, lord Vampyre, and a zombie driver. I'm going to start with Rodney. He has a grey bowler hat, a pistol, and an epee. Lord Vampyre has a double-sided face, one angry, and one semi-angry. The zombie driver is a repack of the one from the zomie set, so nothing to say, really. Rodney's motorbike is really cool, I like the flames on the side of the bike. The hearse is the main vehicle of the product. You can shoot lord Vampyre from his coffin in the back. Overall this is a great set and I would recommend this to any lego fan. Get one before they're all gone!