The Rubik’s Cube is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a mashup of classic puzzle-solving and popular culture. Spin Master released a line of superhero-themed Rubik’s Cubes featuring characters from Marvel and DC Comics.
Known as Rubik’s Cubers, these special editions allow fans to shape-shift their favorite superheroes by twisting and turning. Marvel Universe characters Spider-Man, The Hulk and Iron Man feature on these 3×3 format cubes alongside Batman and The Joker from the DC Universe.
The anniversary edition release also includes a two-pack special featuring Batman and Joker in their classic Silver Age colors. The challenge in the new puzzles is for collectors to recreate the faces of their favorite heroes when they solve the cube.
Rubik's Cube Celebrates 50 Years Of Stumping Puzzlers With New Marvel And DC Cubes https://t.co/Pp64Ed6Z0u pic.twitter.com/94vwyNI7nt
— GameSpot (@GameSpot) August 8, 2024
Superheroes take center stage on Rubik’s Cube
Rubik’s Cubes has promoted the anniversary edition cubes as collector’s items, not just puzzles. Each cube can be turned into a display figure that stands up and shows off a blocky version of the character’s body. For instance, after solving the Batman Rubik’s Cube, fans can attach his iconic ear-tips to complete the figure. Attention has been paid to detail in designing the cubes, especially for the Batman model which includes familiar colors such as grey/gold/black associated with him.
Spin Master also incorporated the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) designs’ popularity into the Marvel-themed cubes. Characters like Spider-Man and Black Panther are displayed in their MCU appearances, making these cubes an attraction for both puzzle enthusiasts and superhero lovers. Additionally, stands have been added to double up as figures.
New high-tech and speed cubes in anniversary edition puzzles
Other than the superhero-themed cubes, Spin Master released two additional types of Rubik’s Cubes that will appeal to different kinds of puzzle solvers. For technology enthusiasts, there is a new Bluetooth-enabled Rubik’s Cube which can be paired with a dedicated app to enable users to monitor their progress while solving it. This modern twist on the classic toy brings the Rubik’s Cube into this century by offering an updated yet still challenging low-tech high-tech challenge.
Spin Master introduced a magnetic Rubik’s Speed Cube for people who are more concerned about speed. This version has been created keeping in mind competitive solvers who want to solve it as quickly as possible. The magnet feature makes turns smoother and faster. Hence, it is more suited for puzzle solvers who are serious about getting better times. This cube nods towards an ever-growing community called “Speedcubers,” who consider solving Rubik’s Cubes as a sport.