Iron Man Mark 42 Armor
sh073 · Marvel Super Heroes
Iron Man 3 · 2013 - Released alongside the Iron Man 3 film
Figure ID
sh073
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2013 - Released alongside the Iron Man 3 film
Rarity
Uncommon/Discontinued - Exclusive to 2013 Iron Man 3 sets
Head
Standard 2-piece helmet with opening gold faceplate; Head underneath features Tony Stark with a confident smile/serious alternate face on light flesh skin tone.
Torso
Dark red torso with detailed Mark 42 gold plating print on front and back; includes silver circular Arc Reactor and dark red arms with yellow hands.
Legs
Yellow legs with dark red hips; extensive printing on the front depicting gold armor plating, knee joints, and mechanical detailing.
Accessories
Typically includes 2 translucent light blue round plates (studs) and 2 translucent light blue power blast (hand) elements or 1x1 round tiles.
Color Scheme
Pearl Gold and Dark Red; featuring white/silver for the Arc Reactor and eyes.
Printing Details
High-detail pad printing on the torso (front/back) and legs (front); the gold color is semi-metallic to mimic the 'Prodigal Son' armor look.
Variants
Standard version (sh073); a similar Junior version (sh232) exists with simpler printing, and later versions of Tony Stark move to different armor marks.
Condition Notes
Prone to 'gold' ink wear on the torso edges; helmet hinge can loosen over time; check for neck cracks on the dark red torso and arm sockets.
Estimated Value
New: $35 - $50 USD | Used: $20 - $30 USD | Prices vary based on helmet presence and faceplate condition.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $12.99 (76006) to $39.99 (76007/76008) in 2013.
Compatible Sets
76006 Iron Man: Extremis Sea Port Battle, 76007 Iron Man: Malibu Mansion Attack, 76008 Iron Man vs. The Mandarin: Ultimate Showdown.
Character Background
Tony Stark's 'Autonomous Prehensile Propulsion Suit' from Iron Man 3, which could be summoned in individual pieces to the wearer.
Design Notes
Marks a transitional period in LEGO design where leg printing became standard for main characters; utilizes the classic flip-up helmet mold.
Similar Minifigures
Mark 6 (sh015), Mark 7 (sh036), Mark 17 Heartbreaker (sh074), and Mark 43 (sh167).
Collectibility
High - Essential for any Iron Man Hall of Armor collection; considered one of the most iconic armors from the early MCU waves.
History
Debuted in the first major MCU Iron Man solo film wave; since retired as LEGO moved into Avengers: Age of Ultron and Infinity Saga sets.
Interesting Facts
The Mark 42 is frequently poked fun at in the film for being unstable; the LEGO version was unique for having more gold than red, mirroring the film's controversial color swap.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for a Hall of Armor build; looks best when posed with transparent blue 'liftoff' studs under the feet to simulate flight.
Modification Potential
The head and helmet are frequently used for other custom 'Iron' suits (Iron Patriot, War Machine) or custom MOC armors.
Overall Assessment
A standout 2013 figure with excellent printing detail. While not the rarest Iron Man, its unique gold-dominant color scheme makes it a visual highlight of the Marvel theme.