Iron Man Mark 43
sh167 · Marvel Super Heroes
Avengers: Age of Ultron · 2015. Released alongside the MCU film Avengers: Age of Ultron, marking a significant era of high-detail armor printing for the Marvel theme.
Figure ID
sh167
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2015. Released alongside the MCU film Avengers: Age of Ultron, marking a significant era of high-detail armor printing for the Marvel theme.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited exclusive, it appeared in specific mid-to-high range sets during a specific production window which has now closed.
Head
Classic Iron Man helmet with a hinged gold faceplate. Under the helmet is a dual-sided Tony Stark head featuring a confident smirk and a 'HUD' (Heads-Up Display) overlay on the reverse side.
Torso
Dark red torso with intricate gold and silver armor plating. The front features a circular Arc Reactor. Back printing includes rear armor detailing. Arms are solid dark red.
Legs
Dark red with extensive gold, silver, and dark crimson armor printing on the front and hips. No side or back printing.
Accessories
Typically includes 'Power Blast' translucent blue clips or round plates to simulate repulsors (not shown in image). The helmet and faceplate are the primary structural accessories.
Color Scheme
The primary color is dark red, accented with metallic gold and silver/grey for mechanical details and the Arc Reactor.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with excellent registration. The armor detail is dense, covering most of the torso and extending down to the toes of the legs. Alignment between the torso and hips is usually very precise.
Variants
This specific variant (sh167) is the standard MK43. It differs from the sh498 variant which has slightly different silver detailing or the 'Junior' versions which have simplified printing.
Condition Notes
The most common wear points are the Gold faceplate (prone to scratching) and the arm joints (susceptible to hairline cracks in dark red plastic). Check the 'toes' of the legs for paint rubbing.
Estimated Value
Used: $8 - $12 USD. New/Mint: $15 - $20 USD. Value is stable as it is a core MCU armor but common enough to prevent massive price spikes.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure). Sold in sets ranging from $29.99 (76031) to $59.99 (76032/76038).
Compatible Sets
76031 The HulkBuster Smash; 76032 The Avengers Quinjet City Chase; 76038 Attack on Avengers Tower.
Character Background
The Mark 43 (MK XLIII) is Tony Stark's primary suit at the beginning of Avengers: Age of Ultron. It is a refinement of the Mark 42 'Prehensile' tech, featuring an autonomous prehensile propulsion system and improved combat durability.
Design Notes
This version uses the 'classic' chunky Iron Man helmet mold which was the standard from 2012 until redesigned in 2022. It is praised for its accuracy to the intricate film plating.
Similar Minifigures
Iron Man Mark 42 (sh065), Iron Man Mark 45 (sh164), and Iron Man Mark 46 (sh254).
Collectibility
High. Iron Man armor Hall of Armor builders always seek out the Mark 43 as it is a 'hero suit' from a major film. It maintains steady demand.
History
Launched in 2015 as part of the second major wave of MCU Avengers sets. It represents the peak of the 'traditional' helmet mold era before LEGO experimented with printed-only or smaller-mold heads.
Interesting Facts
The Mark 43 is the suit Tony Stark wears while piloting the Hulkbuster inside the Hulkbuster (suit-in-a-suit), a detail LEGO captured by fitting this minifigure inside the 76031 Hulkbuster build.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for a 'Hall of Armor' display. Looks best when paired with the sh165 Ultron Sentry or placed inside the cockpit of the 2015 Hulkbuster.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; legs and torso are frequently used to create other 'Red/Gold' hero customs or customized Iron Man variants.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential MCU Iron Man minifigure. It offers excellent print detail and the iconic helmet mold. Rated 8/10 for any Marvel collector.