The Zavvi ZBox is one of the largest of the UK based geek subscription boxes and one that regularly features exclusive items.
The ZBox can be purchased on a monthly basis, or with a small discount on a subscription. I like the month-by-month option, as that gives you the chance to look at the theme before you buy.
This month’s theme was “Marvellous” (that’s the ZBox spelling, rather than the more common “Marvelous”). This was an easy choice as I’m a long-term fan of Marvel items.
Each box costs £19.99 GBP (around $30 USD) including shipping to the UK. Shipping to the US is only an additional 99c.
Unfortunately, the ZBox this month was shipped through Yodel – one of the least desirable of the courier services. The box was delivered to a neighbour, something I prefer to avoid, although this did arrive onward to me within a few days.
Box Contents
This was one of a number of possible Marvel POP!s included in the boxes. Very pleased to have got this one, out of the choices.
These sell for about $10 USD on Amazon.com.
Ultimate Spider-man Candy Sticks
These were likely a bonus item, as they were included in the magazine. These were also in the box last month and were disgusting – these have already gone in the trash.
Spider-man Silver Scaler (ZBox Exclusive)
The regular Spider-man Scalers sell for around $4 USD on Amazon.com. These are designed to hang off cables and similar items.
The silver scaler is exclusive to the ZBox. I’d push up the value to $5 USD.
Marvel Secret Wars Comic #1 (Exclusive Variant Cover)
This is the first of an eight issue mini series. Cover price for the standard edition is $4.99 USD.
Stan Lee’s Superhumans Season 1 DVD Set
This is a documentary series originally shown on the History Channel which comes on 2 DVDs in card cases. This is a few years old now.
You can buy the standard edition of Stan Lee’s Superhumans for $6 USD on Amazon.com. I presume this is an exclusive pressing to come in the card cases instead of plastic.
Marvel Temporary Tattoos
Another item that isn’t advertised in the ZBox magazine. There are 11 tattoos on 2 sheets. These don’t cost much, maybe $1 USD, but will be fun for some. You can see lots of Marvel temporary tattoos on Amazon.com.
Tops Hero Attax Marvel Trading Card Game Tin And 6 Cards (Exclusive Item)
The tin for these is exclusive. The cards are a promotional giveaway item. You would need to buy cards to do much with these.
Difficult to price these. Normally the tins for similar games comes with cards included. These may well end up collectible, but will put a conservative value of $10 USD on the set.
ZBox Magazine
This is the mini promotional magazine that comes with the ZBox.
Total Film Magazine
This is the June 2015 issue (so would have been on the newstand in April 2015) and is another item not included in the box contents, so I imagine it’s a promotional item (a discount subscription offer is also included).
This is printed on slightly smaller paper than the newstand version, with no bar code or price information, presumably so it will fit in the box. Still very readable. Standard cover price is £3.99 GBP ($6 USD).
More from this box: all our Zavvi ZBox reviews.
Box Review
A winning box this month for Marvel fans, with some good exclusive items. I make the total value $43 USD, way above the $30 USD box cost. You could make the argument that the exclusive items are worth more. It would also cost much more to buy these items individually by the time postage is taken into account.
The POP! is the top item this month. I know that some people have been unhappy at the lack of T-Shirts, but personally I would take a POP! over a T-Shirt every time.
No really cheap items either (with the exception of the candy, which I’m sure is just in there to use the stock up). And, I’m always appreciative of reading in the box, including both Total Film and the Secret Wars comic.
Looking forward to watching the DVDs as well. The premise of looking at real life superhumans is fascinating and I missed this one first time around.
Overall, the Zavvi ZBox continues to impress. I will keep buying them as long as the theme is of interest.
Zavvi ZBox has since stopped running, so the subscription link that originally sat here has been retired. You can still browse every Zavvi ZBox review on this site.
Comments from the original site (2)
Great box, but as long as you want to take the subscription to your death bed.
They won’t cancel within 14 day Distant seller rights.
Having to take action with the Bank to try and stop the subscription.
VBery poor support.
I’m no legal expert, but yes I believe under the UK distance selling regulations, you’re entitled to cancel the order within 14 days. If the items have been dispatched, you’re responsible for returning them in “as new” condition (the only exception is if they are faulty).
The subscription cancellation for future boxes is a different issue and I’ve had that problem myself. The cancel option isn’t easy to find on the website and often your cancellation will not be accepted unless you send it at the right time of the month. Certainly, there’s a lot for Zavvi to learn here compared to how some of the other geek box companies operate.