Iron Man Mark 42 Armor
sh073 · Marvel Super Heroes
Iron Man 3 · 2013, released during the Iron Man 3 film wave in early spring.
Figure ID
sh073
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2013, released during the Iron Man 3 film wave in early spring.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While it appeared in two sets, the production run was limited to the film's release cycle, making it highly sought after today.
Head
Standard transparent clear head with double-sided printing: one side showing Tony Stark's face with a smirk and HUD/display lines, the other with an angry expression and HUD. It is covered by a hinged Dark Red/Gold helmet (part 61189).
Torso
Dark Red with detailed Gold and Silver printing on the front and back representing the Mark 42 'Prodigal Son' armor plates and circular Arc Reactor. Dark red arms and hands.
Legs
Dark Red with intricate Gold and Silver printing on the hips and front of the legs, continuing the armor plating aesthetic.
Accessories
Typically comes with Trans-Light Blue round 1x1 plates and 1x1 round tiles (studs) to represent palm repulsors and boot thrusters.
Color Scheme
Primarily Dark Red and Pearl Gold, mirroring the inverse-color scheme of the Mark 42 armor seen in the film.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing across the torso, hips, and legs. Features significant detail in the mechanical layering of the suit's gold sections.
Variants
This is the classic 2013 version. Later versions of Mark 42/43 used different printing or the newer 'one-piece' helmet mold.
Condition Notes
Prone to hairline cracks on the sides of the torso (under the arms) and loose hinges on the faceplate. Gold printing can rub off with heavy play.
Estimated Value
Used: $30 - $45 USD; New/Mint: $60 - $85 USD depending on the market and completeness of accessories.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $12.99 (76006) to $39.99 (76007).
Compatible Sets
76006 Iron Man: Extremis Sea Port Battle, 76007 Iron Man: Malibu Mansion Attack.
Character Background
The Mark 42 is the primary suit from Iron Man 3, known for its autonomous prehensile propulsion system, allowing individual pieces to fly and attach to Tony Stark.
Design Notes
Features the 'classic' chunky Iron Man helmet with a functional opening faceplate, which many collectors prefer over the modern, flatter printed helmets.
Similar Minifigures
sh065 (Iron Man Mark 7), sh167 (Iron Man Mark 43), sh231 (Iron Man Mark 45).
Collectibility
High. The Mark 42 is iconic for its unique gold-heavy color palette and remains a staple for any Hall of Armor collection.
History
Part of the second year of LEGO Marvel Super Heroes; it represents the transition toward more detailed, screen-accurate leg printing for superheroes.
Interesting Facts
The Mark 42 is often nicknamed the 'Prodigal Son.' In the sets this figure came in, the faceplate is one of the few pieces that uses a specific Pearl Gold plastic mix.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a Hall of Armor MOC or a Tony Stark laboratory setting with clear 'power burst' stands for flight poses.
Modification Potential
The transparent head is frequently swapped with a standard flesh-toned Tony Stark head for displays where the helmet is removed.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier Iron Man variant. The detail level was ahead of its time in 2013 and it holds its value well as a nostalgic piece of the MCU era.