Review: 76173 Spider-Man and Ghost Rider vs. Carnage
Posted by CapnRex101,
76173 Spider-Man and Ghost Rider vs. Carnage contains an alarming muscle car which appears suitable for the infamous King of Hell, reflecting his intimidating design. The enlarged rear tyres seem especially impressive and I love this black colour scheme as well.
Comparisons have been drawn between 75893 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and 1970 Dodge Charger R/T and 76173 Spider-Man and Ghost Rider vs. Carnage which bodes well as the Dodge Charger from Speed Champions was superb. Additionally, an exclusive Ghost Rider minifigure is available here and looks excellent.
Minifigures
LEGO has created numerous versions of Spider-Man since 2002. Almost every version takes inspiration from his traditional red and blue attire, hence they seem rather similar. Nevertheless, this minifigure definitely improves upon its immediate predecessor in my opinion, including black webbed designs across the head and torso and a smaller spider emblem.
However, the plain blue legs are disappointing since several sets produced during 2019 and 2020 contained Spider-Man minifigures with dual-moulded legs. After introducing such details, choosing to exclude them subsequently is bewildering. The figure does include decorated arms though, becoming only the second such Spider-Man minifigure after the depiction from multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe sets.
The continued web decoration looks splendid across both arms and Spider-Man carries two white Power Blast parts. I was surprised that his standard web accessories are not provided, although the set instead contains a selection of trans-orange elements which are required to create flaming details across Ghost Rider's muscle car.
76058 Spider-Man: Ghost Rider Team-Up provided the first Ghost Rider minifigure and took inspiration from the most famous incarnation of this character, Johnny Blaze. This minifigure instead depicts Robbie Reyes, the newest holder of the Ghost Rider mantle. His pearl silver head matches the comic book character and I love the trans-orange flames which are glued to the head, returning from the previous Ghost Rider minifigure.
The torso looks excellent too, featuring the white pattern which instantly distinguishes Robbie from the other Ghost Riders. Ideally, complementary patterns would continue across the legs and I think the orange highlights around the shoulders also appear slightly odd. Nevertheless, this minifigure undoubtedly captures the menacing visage of the original hero, particularly with such prominent teeth!
Carnage appears regularly within the Marvel theme and an alternative villain may have been preferable, although this maniacal character seems appropriate to contend with Ghost Rider! The same head, torso and leg elements have been in use since 2019 and they include great detail, featuring black tendrils which stretch across each component and even reach the feet.
Unfortunately, the minifigure lacks decorated arms which were present with the character from 76036 Carnage's SHIELD Sky Attack, produced during 2015. Personally, I favour that original design because it faithfully recreated Carnage's gruesome appearance from the comic books. However, I like the new tendrils which are mounted on the villain's back and can be individually articulated to ensnare fresh victims.
The Completed Model
Contrasting with earlier Ghost Riders, Robbie Reyes drives an imposing 1969 Dodge Charger R/T which explains the obvious similarities between this model and the classic car from 75893 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. The black bodywork looks beautifully sinister and certain building techniques remain unchanged between this vehicle and the design from 2019, especially across the top and around the cockpit.
This model is slightly longer than the variant from Speed Champions, measuring almost 17cm long, but the most obvious difference is undoubtedly the enlarged rear wheels. The resulting forward rake suits this vehicle, although it is depicted without such dramatic rake in the comics. Moreover, the pronounced air scoop which protrudes from the bonnet comprises stud shooters. Their shape is not entirely accurate but there are the correct number of intakes and further play value is always welcome.
While the black Dodge Charger looks impressive, I prefer to display this vehicle with flaming accessories attached. These elements were originally created for interaction with minifigures and past efforts to integrate them with vehicles have proven unsuccessful in my opinion. This design looks fantastic though, using almost the entire accessory pack to represent hellfire!
Pearl silver highlights adorn either end of this model and I like how trans-clear 1x1 round tiles are mounted upside down beneath the radiator, corresponding exactly with the original Dodge Charger. The distinctive divider that typically appears down the centre of the radiator is absent here, although Robbie Reyes' Hell Charger is sometimes drawn without that feature.
The weakest aspect of this model is shared with the Dodge Charger from Speed Champions, where the transition between the roof and the sides of the vehicle seems abrupt. I think a new windscreen element would probably have been required to improve upon that design. There is space for one minifigure inside and the combined roof and windscreen assembly can be easily removed for access.
My favourite trans-orange details are those on either flank, where components which would usually wrap around minifigure hands are employed to disguise the flame attachment points. The round elements connected to the left front and right rear tyres look magnificent too and I appreciate the pearl silver 1x1 round plates that form fuel caps, standing out against the black bodywork.
Constructing the rearmost section feels particularly familiar, featuring the building techniques from 75893 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. That permits the accurate tail light shapes and surprised me since such intricacy is rarely present in Marvel Super Heroes sets, unfortunately. Two further flame elements are situated at the rear and 1x2 slopes are included to replace them when returning the Dodge Charger to its standard design.
Overall
Despite containing three minifigures and one vehicle, 76173 Spider-Man and Ghost Rider vs. Carnage appears pleasantly unusual within the Marvel Super Heroes theme. The minifigures are definitely appealing and I am pleased to see another Ghost Rider variant, although I think Robbie's distinctive Hell Charger is probably the outstanding aspect of this set.
The vehicle includes brilliant detail and I love the careful integration of the flame accessories, significantly improving upon their previous uses in my opinion Furthermore, I think the price of £17.99 or $19.99 represents excellent value and I would certainly recommend this set, even to owners of 76058 Spider-Man: Ghost Rider Team-Up and the last Ghost Rider minifigure.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
111 likes
36 comments on this article
First, I guess. Love the build, but I’m not really a marvel guy
The Spider-Man minifigure is a touch disappointing considering we know dual-moulded legs are readily available. Does arm printing push dual-moulding out of the price bracket?
Really enjoy this, reminds me of the speed champion charger set from a few years back. I’ll definitely get it but I might make it slightly wider just to increase accuracy
This Ghost Rider and Hell Charger are directly inspired by Gabriel Luna's portrayal of the character in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjA4NzcyNzgwM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNTM5NjY0MjI@._V1_.jpg
@rljf311 said:
"This Ghost Rider and Hell Charger are directly inspired by Gabriel Luna's portrayal of the character in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjA4NzcyNzgwM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNTM5NjY0MjI@._V1_.jpg"
Not really. Both this set and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. were inspired by the comics where Robbie Reyes was introduced during 2014.
I’m planning on leveling out the Charger when I get this set, and I have a spare set of dual-molded legs that I’ll be giving to Spider-Man. I’ll probably use more power blast assortments to add more orange to the wheels, as well.
Honestly, I thought the last Spidey torso looked like he was in his jammies, so I'm really happy with this one. Arm printing really does do wonders.
I love this set as it is something that'll fit into my CITY.
I've never understood why Ghost Riders head and hair was glued together at the factory, love the figure but that hair piece looks really useful had it not been glued. I can only assume the piece wouldn't be as strong in some places if it was a separate piece.
I like this set. Cool Charger especially with the flame effects but wish they put some extra parts to swap out the stud shooters and make a cool looking supercharger.
Also Ghostrider's design doesn't match the comic version all too much especially the bottom half of face. Needs to be more angular and the pearl silver head is too dark compared to the Reyes comic book version.
Aside from the car being ridiculously huge like many Lego vehicles are now, it's a nice little set.
The bike and minifigure from 76058 are more likely to be inspired by the Danny Ketch incarnation of Ghost Rider than the Johnny Blaze version.
Love seeing the Robbie Reyes version here. I agree that some surroundings (like the lamp post/newspaper boxes from 76058) would be welcome, but this is yet another really strong $20 pricepoint set (which always seem like the best value/dollar for the superhero sets even going all the way back to 6866: Wolverine's Chopper Showdown, or 76004: Spider-Man: Spider-Cycle Chase)
his face looks really off to me.
I know Spider-man is kind of the poster boy for these marvel sets... But it would be nice to see some different characters other than our friendly neighbourhood hero, as he's not a character I particularly connect with Hell Rider. Though I appreciate the spider-brand is probably what sells the set.
"The distinctive divider that typically appears down the centre of the radiator is absent here, although Robbie Reyes' Hell Charger is sometimes drawn without that feature."
We can pretend it has a '68 grille, that year didn't have the divider yet. The taillights are definitely more '69 than '68 though.
Arm printing spidey! Oh wow LEGO props to you. BTW this set is great 9.5/10 and you can just put dual molded legs on this one if you have a pair. Oh and all of this for 20$!!!
I heard many people have problem with this et as back wheel is not freely rotating. Anyone had same problem?
The set is really good. LOVE that car.
I think the orange highlights at the top of the torso are supposed to be the glow from his head.
Finally a Marvel set i want to buy again.
But i really don’t get why they chose Carnage. They should have gone for Demogoblin or Morbius. They would fit better as a villain against Ghostrider imo.
By the way why always those repeating villains. How many vultures, green goblins, venoms, doc ocks and carnages do we need? Very lame.
@Brickodillo said:
"Finally a Marvel set i want to buy again.
But i really don’t get why they chose Carnage. They should have gone for Demogoblin or Morbius. They would fit better as a villain against Ghostrider imo.
By the way why always those repeating villains. How many vultures, green goblins, venoms, doc ocks and carnages do we need? Very lame. "
I completely agree! I remember back when Carnage came out in 2018? I was so excited for him but now after the venom crawler, and this I think he’s getting repetitive.
I like Spidey torso and I would have loved to get dual molded legs for him.
As for Ghost Rider, his face is a bit disappointing: I would have preferred a real skull instead.
I got this set a couple of days back, not built yet. Seeing it together I love everything except the stud shooters. Will need to come up with something, preferably with some orange or red in it.
Why can't Ghost Rider's head flames be detachable?
(Don't tell me, I know why)
This article really downplays the build only mentioning it as "more intricate than normally seen in a Marvel set this size." I was taken aback by it, lots of SNOT and really cool techniques using clip tiles and upside down building methods to give it that look. It was one of the first Marvel sets in a long time at this price that felt like a really meaty build that I have had a hands on experience with.
@Mirakle Robbie Reyes in the comics is shown with a metallic skull head. His appearance on Agents of Shield though was with a natural skull head though.
https://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/4/20/5797a1573a87d/clean.jpg
Definitely getting this one when it goes on sale for 20% off
Definitely has the 68 front grill as the 69 was the only one to have the divider. The 68 should have four round tail lights, so just replace with round studs and good to go. 68 on top 70 on bottom https://images.app.goo.gl/tK8dhsW6SX1EAH65A
Officially, the Hell Charger is supposed to be the 1969 Dodge Charger. However, the vehicle has been drawn with and without the central divider, as you can see here:
With the divider: https://dodgeforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Ghost-Rider-Hell-Charger-1.jpg
Without the divider: https://dodgeforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Hell-Charger-In-Space-e1575311474447.jpg
On that basis, I am satisfied with this model lacking the divider.
I would love to see a picture of the two cars side by side.
@Brickodillo said:
"Finally a Marvel set i want to buy again.
But i really don’t get why they chose Carnage. They should have gone for Demogoblin or Morbius. They would fit better as a villain against Ghostrider imo.
By the way why always those repeating villains. How many vultures, green goblins, venoms, doc ocks and carnages do we need? Very lame. "
Hopefully we'll get a spider man and blade vs. Morbius set.
@Mister_Jonny said:
"The Spider-Man minifigure is a touch disappointing considering we know dual-moulded legs are readily available. Does arm printing push dual-moulding out of the price bracket?"
Almost every MCU Spider-Man figure has had both so I'm not sure why. Maybe the movie license is different from the comic license?
I don't want to be that nerd, but Robbie Reyes' Ghost Rider has never been the King of Hell, only Johnny Blaze.
That aside, it's a great set at great value, especially when you compare it to some other licensed sets which include 2 or 3 minifigs and a build. I love these sets that are in line with the comics rather than the movies or a game, so naturally I bought the day it released
Ordered just for the car. With some modifications, this should fit in nicely with my old 6-wide speed champions.
I think the Ghost Rider in 76058 represents Danny Ketch, not Johnny Blaze.
The orange on the shoulders is the light from the flames on his head shining on his leather jacket, so I don’t find it odd but a nice touch.
I’ll be ordering this soon.
Update: Just got this set earlier and oh wow it is worth 20$
@lordofdragonss said:
"I heard many people have problem with this et as back wheel is not freely rotating. Anyone had same problem?
The set is really good. LOVE that car. "
Yep, just built it, same problem. Larger back wheels don't rotate smoothly.
@sinan_collects said:
" @lordofdragonss said:
"I heard many people have problem with this et as back wheel is not freely rotating. Anyone had same problem?
The set is really good. LOVE that car. "
Yep, just built it, same problem. Larger back wheels don't rotate smoothly."
Put the rear tyres on properly. This tyre likes to be “massaged” onto the rim.