Tony Stark - Iron Man Mark 42 Armor (Heads-Up Display Face)
sh065 · Marvel Super Heroes
Iron Man 3 · 2013; released in tandem with the Iron Man 3 theatrical debut.
Figure ID
sh065
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2013; released in tandem with the Iron Man 3 theatrical debut.
Rarity
Uncommon. Only appeared in two sets during the 2013 wave and is now retired.
Head
Light flesh tone with dual-sided printing; side one featuring a concentrated HUD (Heads-Up Display) with blue digital graphics over the eyes/face, and side one featuring a standard determined expression.
Torso
Dark red with gold and silver armor plating printing; features a round white Arc Reactor in the center. Dark red arms and hands. Detailed back printing with rear armor plating.
Legs
Dark red legs with extensive gold and silver armor plating printing on the front of the hips and legs. No side printing.
Accessories
Missing from image: Traditionally includes a flip-up Iron Man helmet with a gold faceplate and two trans-light blue round 1x1 plates representing palm thrusters.
Color Scheme
Primarily Dark Red (maroon) with Warm Gold and Flat Silver accents to mimic the Mark 42 'Prodigal Son' suit.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. The HUD head was a significant innovation for 2013. Printing covers the torso (front/back) and the front of the legs.
Variants
This is the HUD version. Other variants of the Mark 42 exist without the HUD face (sh072) and later versions used different helmet molds.
Condition Notes
Inspect the neck for cracks and the gold printing on the toes for rubbing/wear. The HUD printing is known to be fairly durable but can scratch if played with heavily.
Estimated Value
Used: $12.00 - $18.00; New/Sealed (Minifigure only): $25.00+; Complete with helmet is required for full value.
Price (New)
Included in sets ranging from $12.99 (76006) to $19.99 (76007).
Compatible Sets
76006 Iron Man: Extremis Sea Port Battle and 76007 Iron Man: Malibu Mansion Attack.
Character Background
Based on Tony Stark's primary suit from the film Iron Man 3, known for its autonomous prehensile propulsion system that allows the suit to fly in pieces and latch onto Tony.
Design Notes
Notable for being the first 'Mark 42' representation, utilizing the classic 'hinged' helmet mold before LEGO transitioned to the fixed-faceplate molds in later years.
Similar Minifigures
sh072 Iron Man Mark 42 (Plain head), sh164 Iron Man Mark 43, sh213 Iron Man Mark 45.
Collectibility
High demand due to the popularity of the Mark 42 suit and the unique 'Heads-Up Display' face, which is a favorite for MOC-builders and scene recreators.
History
Released during the first major expansion of the Marvel theme; it represented a shift toward more screen-accurate movie suits rather than comic-inspired designs.
Interesting Facts
The HUD face print is designed to look like the POV shots seen in the MCU movies where the internal interface is reflected on Tony's face.
Display Suggestions
Display in a 'Hall of Armor' setting or inside a clear acrylic case. Best paired with a transparent posing bar to simulate flight.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'suit-up' MOCs. The HUD head is frequently used by customizers for other high-tech characters like Cyborg or Blue Beetle.
Overall Assessment
A foundational piece for any LEGO Iron Man collection. The print detail is excellent for its era, though the missing helmet in the provided image significantly reduces its display value and market price.