8877: Vladek's Dark Fortress

Over the decades, since the very first LEGO castle hit store shelves, there have been many castles and factions created. However, very few of those castles have been worthy to belong to that of the villain. 8877: Vladek’s Dark Fortress was a refreshing breakaway from all previous castles with its black and dark red color scheme, as well as its linear design. Additionally, it marked the return to more standard LEGO system parts, no longer relying on bulky baseplates or ‘brick’-plates, as well as many singular use large panel pieces.

Vladek’s Dark Fortress uniquely spawned an expansion with 8802: Dark Fortress Landing serving as an additional rampart with sea access. The set was part of Knights’ Kingdom II, a radical reboot of the beloved castle themes of old, but with a developed story following the knights Jayko, Danju, Santis and Rascus, all in the Kingdom of Morcia.

My Homage Build:

- Build Part Count: 493 pieces

- Features: adjustable side towers & drawbridge; working catapult