Excelsior! Marvel’s S.T.A.T.I.O.N. in London at Excel

Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. opens in London at Excel London on 29th November 2018, following a hugely successful run in New York, Seoul, Paris, Singapore, Beijing, Taipei and Las Vegas, where it has set up a permanent exhibition.

This highly anticipated multi-room experience offers fans of all ages the opportunity to delve into the super-workings and backstory of each member of The Avengers as they train to become an agent of the S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is an acronym for Science Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network, where guests will step inside the popular films and become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe storyline, whether trying to lift Thor’s hammer or taking a sneaky peak at Bruce Banners Lab.

STORGY’s very own Michael Prime assembled when the call was made however, to give you the lowdown of Marvel’s latest and headed to the London Excel centre – barely making it out with a few proton blast scorch marks and had this to say in his debrief report:

Jumping off the DLR to walk around to the London Excel Centre, I wasn’t really sure what to expect of the latest Marvel Offering. It’s a quiet point in terms with the movies, what with THAT ending from Infinity War,  so until Captain Marvel hits our screens next year, the iconic Comic Superhero franchise is firmly pushed into the public eye with this exhibition. It’s a far cry from what I remember as a youngster; The cross-over from gaudy back room comic book stores to runaway mainstream products has been so gradual over the past 10-12, it’s a wonder where the series will go over after Avengers 4, but its currently not showing any signs of slowing down if events like Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N are anything to go by.

The Excel Centre had been transformed from the outside in and looked every part the S.H.I.E.L.D style base it was intended to represent. As you queue outside the entrance you could feel the bass rumble with the Hulk Screaming on the inside. If that tickles your fancy you’re in for a treat…I didn’t get the memo about being able to bring along a younger sidekick like some of the other people covering the event, so was looking a little odd in the wait but it was worth it. You are ushered inside and greeted by a S.T.A.T.I.O.N team member for a debrief. It’s very difficult not to be sucked in as the staff are all in full character throughout and visuals match up to the Marvel Cinematic Universe perfectly. After your 2nd Briefing from none other than Agent Maria Hill you are let loose to explore and experience.

Now that you’re free to explore, there’s a very relaxed vibe inside. The staff are happy to help and take pictures for you, although for the press day it seemed fairly quiet. It remains to be seen how it will be when its running at capacity. As you take the tour of the Iron Man Exhibit and marvel (pun intended) at the beauty of the varied and incredibly accurate Iron Man suits of armour and Gadgetry on display including the hefty Hulk Buster in all its bulky glory, you’ll notice an AR display that allows you to sample the Stark life by climbing into a suit and taking on Ultron Minions in an epic running battle in the street. It’s fantastic as you watch the parts of the suit fly to your body onscreen while you mentally prepare to take Ultron down. (Word of Advice, Dark clothes hamper the process slightly as you are more difficult to pick up against the background) but it’s a marvellous (second pun intended) experience and one that will leave you a bit more tired than when you started – but kids and grown-ups alike will love it…

All the kids want to be Iron Man and all the Dads already think they are Tony Stark, so for the Mums…well…we may have to hold out for another year before we see Pepper’s Rescue Iron Man Armour, so it’s Tony Stark continuing throughout, but you can pick up in-depth knowledge about the core Avengers and extras that have cropped up in the MCU in recent years. Whether you’re interested in the science behind Banner’s Blood or what Ant-Man is able to do with a hive of ants at his disposal, you’ll be entertained throughout.

With Chances to test your metal in different games and challenges throughout the exhibition, your core reactions, knowledge and strength (if you think you are worthy of lifting Mjolnir) test if you are more Hulk or Hawkeye. The sections flow very well and are broken up by main Avenger areas (Thor’s and Captain America’s were my highlights) as well as special areas for the more notable villains that have graced our screens throughout the last decade, so there are 9 to 10 sections overall to get through on the tour.

The exhibits on display are beautiful. It’s all sharp, Clean and clear with the info thoroughly detailed – keeping you entranced, taking in all the minute details. I mean, who doesn’t want to know about Hulk’s special brain cells or how to make your own Tesseract?

All in all, there’s a lot of different things to do at S.T.A.T.I.O.N, with a handful of interactive tasks and experiences. My only criticism was that it was maybe a little short. As I was walking round after about 25 minutes I approached a room and was told that this was the final room and there was no turning back – so I doubled back and went to look at most things again. Now, whether this was due to it being a fairly quiet soft launch I can’t be sure. But it was nowhere near the recommended allowance of 70 mins. At the price of it, it is 100% worth it though; however I would make sure you have arrangements for lunch as I didn’t see anywhere to buy any food or drinks. Also be prepared for the final room where once you have battled the worst of the worst you’ll fight your way through the gift shop.

Stick to the plan and you make it out just fine.

Review by Michael Prime

As part of their training, fans will get the opportunity to interact with props and characters straight from the big screen.

Highlights include:

• The Thor Observatory – dedicated to Thor Odinson, King of Asgard and son of Odin. Test your worthiness by attempting to lift Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, view Thor’s outfits and study the universe and its current parameters using NASA’s EYE on the exoplanets program.

• Check out Captain America’s personnel file and explore the cutting-edge science that made Steve Rogers into Captain America.

• Iron Man Engineering Bay – trainee agents have the chance to not only get up close and personal with Iron Man’s iconic suits of armour but also experience what simulated flight inside the suit would be like.

• Ever wondered what Bruce Banner’s Lab looks like? Explore the Bio Lab transformation of Dr Banners superior brain as he morphs into The Hulk.

In a world first, and keeping up with the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, London’s Marvel’s Avengers Station experience includes never before seen character displays on Black Panther, The Wasp, and Thanos.

The experience has provided a super-powered dose of science and technology by NASA to enhance the authenticity of the experience and pique visitors’ interest in real-world science and technology. With comprehensive educational materials available for teachers, plus supporting materials created by Quantum Victoria, it is a thrilling learning experience for high school kids to follow STEM pathways by amplifying the scientific themes and characters that are core to Marvel’s storytelling.

Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. debuts a huge collection of Avengers movie-based props and interactive technology for a strictly limited time in London’s ExCel between November and March 2019.

There will also be the opportunity to purchase exclusive Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. merchandise available for those with and without a ticket.