Since obtaining the DC Comics license with their Batman sets earlier in the 2000s, the team at LEGO have done amazing work, but I think this is truly their best to date.

A set called “Arkham Asylum Breakout”, this building set allows kids, their parents or, most likely, adult collectors to build an amazing replica of the infamous insane asylum/jail jam-packed full of Batman’s enemies.  I love the eye of detail in this set, and some of the obscure choices for mini figures (Arkham City-styled Robin, Dr. Harleen Quinzel and the orange jump-suited Joker) are truly inspired.

The set will be available in January 2013, and retail for $160. The official details, as well as an extensive gallery, are below.

10937 Batmanâ„¢ - Arkham Asylum Breakout

Ages 14+. 1,619 pieces.

US $159.99 CA $209.99 DE 159.99€ UK 129.99 £ DK 1399.00 DKK

The villains have broken out of Arkham Asylum and must be stopped!

Sound the alarm! The Joker, The Penguin, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow have escaped from Arkham Asylum with the help of Dr. Harleen Quinzel. These villains are about to wreak havoc in the streets of Gotham City! Help Caped Crusaders Batmanâ„¢ and Robin swoop into action and put those good-for-nothing criminals back where they belong! Chase after the security van as it breaks through the gothic gates! Then throw each villain back behind bars in 8 highly detailed rooms. Includes 8 minifigures: Batmanâ„¢, Robin, The Joker, The Penguin, Poison Ivy, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, Scarecrow and a guard, all with assorted weapons or accessories

• Includes 8 minifigures: Batmanâ„¢, Robin, The Joker, The Penguin, Poison Ivy, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, Scarecrow and a guard, all with assorted weapons
• Features Arkham Asylum, security gate, gothic dÁ©cor, moss, vines and ice elements
• Vehicles include security van
• Security van features opening back doors, removable roof and stretcher
• Arkham Asylum features opening cell doors, special Poison Ivy cell with transparent doors, the Mr. Freeze icy tower room, the Dr. Harleen Quinzel office and changing room, medical treatment room and security reception area
• Security gate features opening double doors and security camera
• Weapons include Batarang and kendo stick
• Recapture the villains!
• Break through the gate with the security van!
• Open all of the cell doors and let the villains out!
• Unleash The Joker from his cage restraints in the security van!
• Arkham Asylum measures over 12" (32cm) high, 13" (34cm) wide and 5" (14cm) deep
• Security van measures over 2" (7cm) high, 5" (13cm) long and 2" (6cm) wide
• Security gate measures over 5" (12cm) high and 9" (24cm) wide