Iron Man Mark 42 Armor
sh073 · Super Heroes
Marvel Super Heroes: Iron Man 3 · 2013, coinciding with the release of the Iron Man 3 film during a peak era of Marvel Cinematic Universe LEGO sets.
Figure ID
sh073
Theme
Super Heroes
Year Released
2013, coinciding with the release of the Iron Man 3 film during a peak era of Marvel Cinematic Universe LEGO sets.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While not a limited convention exclusive, it was only available in two sets from 2013 and is highly sought after due to the popularity of the MK 42 design.
Head
Light flesh tone with dual-sided printing. One side features Tony Stark with a smirk and HUD (Heads-Up Display) translucent blue graphics; the other features a determined expression with HUD. (The helmet is missing in the image).
Torso
Pearl Gold with Dark Red and Silver printing. Features the Mark 42 chest plate armor with a circular Unibeam/Arc Reactor. Back printing includes rear armor plating. Dark Red arms with Pearl Gold hands.
Legs
Pearl Gold legs with intricate Dark Red and Silver printing on the front and hips, detailing the mechanical knee joints and foot plating characteristic of the MK 42 suit.
Accessories
Missing in image. Originally includes a Pearl Gold Iron Man helmet with a flip-up faceplate (part 2446 with 6022755) and translucent light blue power blast/hand repulsor plates (part 6141).
Color Scheme
Primarily Pearl Gold with Dark Red as the accent color. This inverted color scheme (more gold than red) is the signature of the Mark 42 'Prodigal Son' armor.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with significant detail on the torso and legs. Features metallic silver highlights for mechanical depth. Alignment is typically very precise.
Variants
This is the standard MK 42. It is often confused with the MK 43 (sh167) which has more Dark Red on the torso and legs, or the MK 17 Heartbreaker (sh072).
Condition Notes
Common wear points include ‘heel cracks’ on the back of the legs and torso side cracks. The Pearl Gold plastic can show surface scratches more easily than solid secondary colors.
Estimated Value
Used (Complete): $25-$35 USD. Used (Incomplete as shown): $15-$20 USD. The helmet and faceplate account for a significant portion of the value.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $12.99 (76006) to $39.99 (76007). Currently, the figure alone is worth more than the original retail price of the entry-level set.
Compatible Sets
76006 Iron Man: Extremis Sea Port Battle (2013) and 76007 Iron Man: Malibu Mansion Attack (2013).
Character Background
Tony Stark's 'Autonomous Prehensile Propulsion Suit' from Iron Man 3. It was designed to fly in separate pieces and latch onto Stark's body via subcutaneous sensors.
Design Notes
This figure marked a transition in LEGO Iron Man designs toward highly intricate, movie-accurate leg printing. The MK 42 was the first 'Gold-dominant' suit produced by LEGO.
Similar Minifigures
Iron Man Mark 43 (sh167), Mark 17 Heartbreaker (sh072), and Mark 7 (sh036).
Collectibility
High. Iron Man Hall of Armor collectors consider the MK 42 a staple piece. Demand remains steady as it is one of the most iconic movie armors.
History
Part of the first major wave of Iron Man 3 sets. It replaced the more circular/bulky printing styles of the 2012 Avengers wave with more streamlined, detailed graphics.
Interesting Facts
The 'HUD' headpiece printing was a major innovation for Iron Man figures, allowing kids to 'see' what Tony sees inside the helmet when the faceplate is flipped up.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a 'Hall of Armor' MOC or a floating flight pose using a clear bar piece. Protect from sunlight to prevent the Pearl Gold from dulling.
Modification Potential
The HUD head is a popular part for custom Tony Stark figures. The Pearl Gold limbs are often harvested for 'Gold MOCs' because they lack the swirly marbling of older gold parts.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier Marvel minifigure despite the missing helmet. Its unique color-swap design makes it stand out in any collection. Quality rating: 9/10 (when complete).