Iron Man Mark 42 Armor
sh065 · Marvel Super Heroes
Iron Man 3 · 2013 - Debuted in the Iron Man 3 wave as Marvel's prominence in LEGO was exploding.
Figure ID
sh065
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2013 - Debuted in the Iron Man 3 wave as Marvel's prominence in LEGO was exploding.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While it was in two sets, it remains highly sought after by collectors for its iconic gold-dominant color scheme from the third film.
Head
Double-sided Tony Stark head with a confident grin on one side and a determined/frustrated 'HUD' display look on the other. Includes a Pearl Gold flip-up visor over a Dark Red helmet base.
Torso
Pearl Gold and Dark Red with intricate mechanical printing. Features the circular Arc Reactor and heavy gold plating details. Back printing includes suit paneling.
Legs
Pearl Gold with Dark Red hips. Features intricate printing on the front including knee plating and foot stabilizers; no side or back leg printing.
Accessories
Typically includes two Trans-Light Blue 1x1 round plates (studs) to represent repulsor blasts, as seen in the image. Does not include a hairpiece in its original sets.
Color Scheme
Pearl Gold is the dominant color, accented by Dark Red. This 'inverted' look is characteristic of the Mk 42 'Prodigal Son' suit.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with fine black and silver lines to define the mechanical gaps in the armor. Features a circular white Arc Reactor.
Variants
None for this specific armor mark (Mk 42), though it is often compared to the Mk 43 (sh167) which has a similar design but more red than gold.
Condition Notes
The Pearl Gold plastic is prone to swirl marks from the molding process. Common wear points include the thin hinges of the visor and torso cracks under the arms.
Estimated Value
Used: $25–$35 USD; New/Mint: $45–$60 USD. Prices fluctuate based on the condition of the visor hinges and torso integrity.
Price (New)
Available in sets 76006 ($19.99) and 76007 ($34.99) in 2013.
Compatible Sets
76006 Iron Man: Extremis Sea Port Battle; 76007 Iron Man: Malibu Mansion Attack.
Character Background
The Mark 42 was the primary suit in Iron Man 3, known as the 'Autonomous Prehensile Propulsion Suit' which could fly to Tony piece by piece.
Design Notes
Utilizes the classic two-piece bulky flip-up helmet mold (part 89524/89525), which many collectors prefer over the modern flat-printed 2022 helmets.
Similar Minifigures
Iron Man Mark 43 (sh167), Mark 17 Heartbreaker (sh073), and Mark 7 (sh036).
Collectibility
High. It is a 'must-have' for Hall of Armor collectors due to its unique gold-heavy aesthetic and its inclusion in the fan-favorite Iron Man 3 wave.
History
Released during the second year of the LEGO Marvel theme, representing a transition toward more detailed suit-specific printing.
Interesting Facts
The 'Gold' used is specifically Pearl Gold; LEGO has never produced a Chrome Gold Iron Man. This figure is frequently mislabeled as Mark 43 in used listings.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a Hall of Armor MOC or on a transparent stand to simulate the flight-ready 'prehensile' nature of the suit.
Modification Potential
The head is frequently swapped with newer Tony Stark heads that include a 'bruised' face for battle-damaged looks.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier Iron Man variant. The high gold-to-red ratio makes it stand out visually among a sea of red suits. Highly recommended for Marvel collectors.