Review: 76285 Spider-Man's Mask
Posted by CapnRex101,
Spider-Man is arguably the most recognisable of all mask-wearing superheroes, particularly from Marvel. However, elaborate curves and patterns are notoriously difficult to depict in LEGO, which seems certain to cause significant problems with 76285 Spider-Man's Mask.
I was accordingly surprised when the model was revealed, as I think its shape looks quite realistic in official images. The intricate web pattern also appears effective on the whole, so I am approaching this review with tentative optimism!
Summary
76285 Spider-Man's Mask, 487 pieces.
£59.99 / $69.99 / €69.99 | 12.3p/14.4c/14.4c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Spider-Man's mask looks surprisingly attractive, but is best viewed from the front
- Remarkable shaping, especially on the face
- Excellent eye design
- Several printed parts
- Large number of stickers
- Some visible gaps
- Quite expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Spider-Man's mask follows the same format as previous Marvel helmets, standing on a black base, which contrasts well with the mask. However, this model sits higher on the display base than usual, as the sides of the mask do not wrap around the vertical support in the middle. The overall impression is consistent with the other helmets though, including the printed plaque.
Considering the curvature of Spider-Man's mask, I think the shaping is excellent. There are a few areas where panels do not meet seamlessly, most visibly on the cheeks, but 6x8x2 shells are used to superb effect across the face. These elements and the 2x4 curved slopes beneath the eyes are printed, thankfully, but a total of 11 stickers are applied further towards the back.
The building techniques used are simple, for the most part. Much of the mask is constructed around bricks with studs on the side and brackets, with little Technic integration and very few overlapping panels, in contrast with 76251 Star-Lord's Helmet released last year, for example.
Even the cheek panels and the decorated 6x8x2 shells are only connected with clips. However, the eyes make use of small ball joints and nestle perfectly between the surrounding panels, so completing the model with those and the forehead section feels quite satisfying. I like how 1x2 clamps are employed too, comprising the nose.
The shape of the eyes is absolutely perfect, incorporating 3x3 curved slopes, with more curved slopes and tiles around the edges. Additionally, the seams between the forehead panel and the eyes seem very neat and wedge plates are used on the outer edges to complete the continuous curvature of the mask.
Unfortunately, the panels underneath are a little less successful, with noticeable gaps around them. The transition from the cheeks to the sides of the mask looks awkward in particular, but this only becomes obvious when viewed from either side. The web pattern is also interrupted a couple of times, although that was unavoidable and I think the overall effect looks good.
The back of the mask includes another 6x8x2 shell beneath two printed 3x3 curved slopes, so the pattern continues. I dislike the exposed studs and ridges in this area, although the general shape looks realistic from a distance. Nevertheless, this is definitely a model best viewed from the front, unsurprisingly.
Overall
Spider-Man is overwhelmingly popular and I am happy to see the character represented in the series of Marvel helmets, at last. More importantly though, I think 76285 Spider-Man's Mask is quite well-executed. Taking the challenges of such a rounded mask and its iconic patterns into consideration, the model looks splendid on the whole, particularly from the front.
There are certain gaps and areas where the pattern looks unfinished, but these problems were essentially unavoidable, in my opinion. The price of £59.99, $69.99 or €69.99 feels expensive though, which is frustrating because this set has pleasantly surprised me. Once discounted, I think Spider-Man's Mask is worthy of consideration.
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28 comments on this article
It looks great...but $70??? That's a big ask.
I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price.
People would say that it would look a lot worse, but I would be much more on board with this set if it was a basic studs on top of studs construction, then it would actually look like a Lego Spider-Man head.
Needs more Batman. And purple.
@MrGurt said:
"I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price."
Without getting into the specifics of this set, that sounds like a line of questioning that could be asked of any LEGO subject. Why buy and build LEGO sets of pretty much anything, when one can instead just get a regular toy or model kit or whatever of the same subject?
Nice capturing the look of Spidey but in regards to shaping, there’s not enough back of the head.
@PurpleDave said:
"Needs more Batman. And purple."
Shouldn't it be black, and sometimes very very very dark gray?
I think this will look good with my Venom & Carnage.
I dunno, I just can’t seem to look past how the corners of the eye lenses seem to extend past the head, like they’re attached to the arms of spectacles or something. Just the inherent blocky nature of Lego not quite managing to capture those particular curves I suppose
@kwickbrick said:
"I think this will look good with my Venom & Carnage. "
I agree. Perhaps @huw will get a photo of several together to show us a way to display them.
@Blondie_Wan said:
" @MrGurt said:
"I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price."
Without getting into the specifics of this set, that sounds like a line of questioning that could be asked of any LEGO subject. Why buy and build LEGO sets of pretty much anything, when one can instead just get a regular toy or model kit or whatever of the same subject?"
Because, with most subjects Lego tackles, ease of customisation and interchangeability of parts, the actual System, adds a lot of value that a model kit lacks. However, when it comes to these 18+ display pieces for adults, where the purpose is to build a replica of something and leave it on a shelf, where the whole point is "I can't believe it's Lego!", those Lego advantages are less relevant and the flaws of trying to replicate something in a blocky plastic medium with a limited colour palette become way more apparent and I genuinely don't understand wanting, say, the typewriter set over an actual typewriter that would both be cheaper and look better on a shelf gathering dust.
The busts have always been a bit too expensive for what you get, IMO. Feels like pricing that’s inflated solely because they know these are targeted at the adult demographic.
Looks good, overall, but if it’s going to cost $70 I don’t think it’s crazy to say ALL the stickered pieces should be printed. And I say that as a Speed Champions fan, so stickers usually don’t bug me.
I'll probably get it, but not without a big discount.
@MrGurt said:
"I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price.
People would say that it would look a lot worse, but I would be much more on board with this set if it was a basic studs on top of studs construction, then it would actually look like a Lego Spider-Man head."
Just put this head on a spiderman minifig body and you created yourself a spiderman from a dimension where all the people have extremely big heads. Go go multiverse!
Ridiculous to have stickers on a set like this.
It would have been interesting to see this one both with and without stickers. Not that I'd pay £60 for it.
I feel like if the whole thing was just tilted down a bit, it would look better
Man, that price is a stinker. … This could have been a real easy purchase. …Looks good for what it is.
@Blondie_Wan said:
" @MrGurt said:
"I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price."
Without getting into the specifics of this set, that sounds like a line of questioning that could be asked of any LEGO subject. Why buy and build LEGO sets of pretty much anything, when one can instead just get a regular toy or model kit or whatever of the same subject?"
You're saying this rhetorically but it is absolutely the question that should be asked of every Lego product, and the answer used to readily be: because there's a unique brand and identity being offered, in addition to the focus on customization and interchangeability as mentioned by the other user who replied to you. With products like this, that isn't the answer that can be provided anymore, because aesthetically and functionally this serves the same purpose as a regular bust or model kit, except it's hit a HARD wall at the limitations of the medium and is just worse than those in every way.
It's the same as how all the most iconic licensed minifigures of yore, like the original Darth Vader and C-3PO, were so successful because they were charming, truly Lego versions of recognizable characters. The most recent renditions of those same characters are just trying so desperately to be as accurate as a 6" Hasbro figure with none of the charm or true Lego aesthetic, just as much detail as possible crammed onto the Lego form, and so likewise it becomes a genuine question of "why shouldn't I just buy Black Series action figures?"
Lego is both a system and a brand, but it seems anymore they've totally sacrificed their own brand and just decided to use the system to hopelessly chase the coattails of other kinds of products.
It's just missing box-art of a drunk person giggling as they try to actually wear the mask.
@123MrBrick said:
" @Blondie_Wan said:
" @MrGurt said:
"I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price."
Without getting into the specifics of this set, that sounds like a line of questioning that could be asked of any LEGO subject. Why buy and build LEGO sets of pretty much anything, when one can instead just get a regular toy or model kit or whatever of the same subject?"
You're saying this rhetorically but it is absolutely the question that should be asked of every Lego product, and the answer used to readily be: because there's a unique brand and identity being offered, in addition to the focus on customization and interchangeability as mentioned by the other user who replied to you. With products like this, that isn't the answer that can be provided anymore, because aesthetically and functionally this serves the same purpose as a regular bust or model kit, except it's hit a HARD wall at the limitations of the medium and is just worse than those in every way.
It's the same as how all the most iconic licensed minifigures of yore, like the original Darth Vader and C-3PO, were so successful because they were charming, truly Lego versions of recognizable characters. The most recent renditions of those same characters are just trying so desperately to be as accurate as a 6" Hasbro figure with none of the charm or true Lego aesthetic, just as much detail as possible crammed onto the Lego form, and so likewise it becomes a genuine question of "why shouldn't I just buy Black Series action figures?"
Lego is both a system and a brand, but it seems anymore they've totally sacrificed their own brand and just decided to use the system to hopelessly chase the coattails of other kinds of products."
I like building LEGO busts. I like displaying them. I like Star Wars minifigures. I like detailed Star Wars minifigures. I like LEGO. I guess I’m not seeing this great disservice LEGO is perpetrating on us.
I'm surprised that designed it in a way that 2 of the shells have the same pattern while the third is different, rather than just making all 3 identical.
@PurpleDave said:
"Needs more Batman. And purple."
I was thinking that those seemed incompatible until I remembered https://brickset.com/sets/COMCON036-1/Batman-of-Zur-En-Arrh
@Brickodillo said:"Just put this head on a spiderman minifig body and you created yourself a spiderman from a dimension where all the people have extremely big heads. Go go multiverse!"
I *want* to see this in Beyond the Spider-Verse.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @PurpleDave said:
"Needs more Batman. And purple."
I was thinking that those seemed incompatible until I remembered https://brickset.com/sets/COMCON036-1/Batman-of-Zur-En-Arrh
@Brickodillo said:"Just put this head on a spiderman minifig body and you created yourself a spiderman from a dimension where all the people have extremely big heads. Go go multiverse!"
I *want* to see this in Beyond the Spider-Verse."
I dub it the 'bobblehead universe'!
@yellowcastle said:
" @123MrBrick said:
" @Blondie_Wan said:
" @MrGurt said:
"I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price."
Without getting into the specifics of this set, that sounds like a line of questioning that could be asked of any LEGO subject. Why buy and build LEGO sets of pretty much anything, when one can instead just get a regular toy or model kit or whatever of the same subject?"
You're saying this rhetorically but it is absolutely the question that should be asked of every Lego product, and the answer used to readily be: because there's a unique brand and identity being offered, in addition to the focus on customization and interchangeability as mentioned by the other user who replied to you. With products like this, that isn't the answer that can be provided anymore, because aesthetically and functionally this serves the same purpose as a regular bust or model kit, except it's hit a HARD wall at the limitations of the medium and is just worse than those in every way.
It's the same as how all the most iconic licensed minifigures of yore, like the original Darth Vader and C-3PO, were so successful because they were charming, truly Lego versions of recognizable characters. The most recent renditions of those same characters are just trying so desperately to be as accurate as a 6" Hasbro figure with none of the charm or true Lego aesthetic, just as much detail as possible crammed onto the Lego form, and so likewise it becomes a genuine question of "why shouldn't I just buy Black Series action figures?"
Lego is both a system and a brand, but it seems anymore they've totally sacrificed their own brand and just decided to use the system to hopelessly chase the coattails of other kinds of products."
I like building LEGO busts. I like displaying them. I like Star Wars minifigures. I like detailed Star Wars minifigures. I like LEGO. I guess I’m not seeing this great disservice LEGO is perpetrating on us.
"
And that's fine for you, but saying "I like buying products" isn't really any kind of argument or response to people who voice negative opinions.
@123MrBrick said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @123MrBrick said:
" @Blondie_Wan said:
" @MrGurt said:
"I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price."
Without getting into the specifics of this set, that sounds like a line of questioning that could be asked of any LEGO subject. Why buy and build LEGO sets of pretty much anything, when one can instead just get a regular toy or model kit or whatever of the same subject?"
You're saying this rhetorically but it is absolutely the question that should be asked of every Lego product, and the answer used to readily be: because there's a unique brand and identity being offered, in addition to the focus on customization and interchangeability as mentioned by the other user who replied to you. With products like this, that isn't the answer that can be provided anymore, because aesthetically and functionally this serves the same purpose as a regular bust or model kit, except it's hit a HARD wall at the limitations of the medium and is just worse than those in every way.
It's the same as how all the most iconic licensed minifigures of yore, like the original Darth Vader and C-3PO, were so successful because they were charming, truly Lego versions of recognizable characters. The most recent renditions of those same characters are just trying so desperately to be as accurate as a 6" Hasbro figure with none of the charm or true Lego aesthetic, just as much detail as possible crammed onto the Lego form, and so likewise it becomes a genuine question of "why shouldn't I just buy Black Series action figures?"
Lego is both a system and a brand, but it seems anymore they've totally sacrificed their own brand and just decided to use the system to hopelessly chase the coattails of other kinds of products."
I like building LEGO busts. I like displaying them. I like Star Wars minifigures. I like detailed Star Wars minifigures. I like LEGO. I guess I’m not seeing this great disservice LEGO is perpetrating on us.
"
And that's fine for you, but saying "I like buying products" isn't really any kind of argument or response to people who voice negative opinions."
I didn’t say “I like buying products”, but wowsers do I ever. :o)
I said I like building and displaying LEGO busts and I love the varying and detailed minifigures. You were arguing that LEGO has sacrificed its core values chasing a Hasbro aesthetic. I wholeheartedly disagree with this opinion and challenged it with the idea that the build is still an unwavering core value. In many ways, LEGO improves on the action figure or display market as the sets can always be torn down and rebuilt into something else.
Additionally, it’s way easier and cheaper for me to access the full Star Wars world through LEGO than it is through any other medium outside books and games.
I embrace negative opinions on LEGO as they help me reexamine my own evolving relationship with the hobby. LEGO venturing into new areas like busts and dioramas and midi-scale ships is not a bad thing. These forays aren’t for everyone but they help keep the brand fresh. I’m not into the midi-scale of dioramas but I don’t bemoan those that are. Producing sets that aren’t for everyone is both fine and welcome.
I think this is the most successful of the Helmet Collection sets! The build really surprised me too and it does look striking on display. But for $70, all of the decorations should be printed. The printed parts included are fantastic but there are too many stickers for a set this overpriced.
@yellowcastle said:
" @123MrBrick said:
" @Blondie_Wan said:
" @MrGurt said:
"I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price."
Without getting into the specifics of this set, that sounds like a line of questioning that could be asked of any LEGO subject. Why buy and build LEGO sets of pretty much anything, when one can instead just get a regular toy or model kit or whatever of the same subject?"
You're saying this rhetorically but it is absolutely the question that should be asked of every Lego product, and the answer used to readily be: because there's a unique brand and identity being offered, in addition to the focus on customization and interchangeability as mentioned by the other user who replied to you. With products like this, that isn't the answer that can be provided anymore, because aesthetically and functionally this serves the same purpose as a regular bust or model kit, except it's hit a HARD wall at the limitations of the medium and is just worse than those in every way.
It's the same as how all the most iconic licensed minifigures of yore, like the original Darth Vader and C-3PO, were so successful because they were charming, truly Lego versions of recognizable characters. The most recent renditions of those same characters are just trying so desperately to be as accurate as a 6" Hasbro figure with none of the charm or true Lego aesthetic, just as much detail as possible crammed onto the Lego form, and so likewise it becomes a genuine question of "why shouldn't I just buy Black Series action figures?"
Lego is both a system and a brand, but it seems anymore they've totally sacrificed their own brand and just decided to use the system to hopelessly chase the coattails of other kinds of products."
I like building LEGO busts. I like displaying them. I like Star Wars minifigures. I like detailed Star Wars minifigures. I like LEGO. I guess I’m not seeing this great disservice LEGO is perpetrating on us.
"
It's the price.
I'll be getting this once I see it for half-off.
@Ridgeheart said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @yellowcastle said:
" @123MrBrick said:
" @Blondie_Wan said:
" @MrGurt said:
"I don't get this set at all, why would I want a Lego set that doesn't look like a Lego set just so it can be a kinda off looking Spider-Man head on a stick? Same problem as the Atari, and the Pac-Man set too, you could probably get a mannequin head and a knit Spider-Man Mask for this price."
Without getting into the specifics of this set, that sounds like a line of questioning that could be asked of any LEGO subject. Why buy and build LEGO sets of pretty much anything, when one can instead just get a regular toy or model kit or whatever of the same subject?"
You're saying this rhetorically but it is absolutely the question that should be asked of every Lego product, and the answer used to readily be: because there's a unique brand and identity being offered, in addition to the focus on customization and interchangeability as mentioned by the other user who replied to you. With products like this, that isn't the answer that can be provided anymore, because aesthetically and functionally this serves the same purpose as a regular bust or model kit, except it's hit a HARD wall at the limitations of the medium and is just worse than those in every way.
It's the same as how all the most iconic licensed minifigures of yore, like the original Darth Vader and C-3PO, were so successful because they were charming, truly Lego versions of recognizable characters. The most recent renditions of those same characters are just trying so desperately to be as accurate as a 6" Hasbro figure with none of the charm or true Lego aesthetic, just as much detail as possible crammed onto the Lego form, and so likewise it becomes a genuine question of "why shouldn't I just buy Black Series action figures?"
Lego is both a system and a brand, but it seems anymore they've totally sacrificed their own brand and just decided to use the system to hopelessly chase the coattails of other kinds of products."
I like building LEGO busts. I like displaying them. I like Star Wars minifigures. I like detailed Star Wars minifigures. I like LEGO. I guess I’m not seeing this great disservice LEGO is perpetrating on us.
"
It's the price.
I'll be getting this once I see it for half-off."
I am a helper, I am here to help. Here's the mask, half-off already.
https://townsquare.media/site/622/files/2016/05/Ramon-Perez-Instagram.jpg"
Wrong half.