Review: 76174 Spider-Man's Monster Truck vs. Mysterio
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO has released myriad distinctive vehicles belonging to Spider-Man recently, despite the web-slinger's extraordinary agility and limited need for transportation. Such vehicles include helicopters and motorcycles which commonly appear somewhat outlandish!
Another unusual creation accompanies 76174 Spider-Man's Monster Truck vs. Mysterio. The titular monster truck seems decidedly strange but the minifigure selection is exceptional, including exclusive depictions of Mysterio, Doctor Octopus and Spider-Gwen! These minifigures look superb, improving upon previous designs.
Minifigures
Spider-Man minifigures are periodically updated and another new design has been introduced this year, featuring improved torso decoration and printed arms. The arms appear particularly impressive and display the same webbed pattern as the head and torso. However, previous versions of Spider-Man have included dual-moulded legs, hence I am disappointed that they have not returned here.
Two previous sets have contained Spider-Gwen, sporting her characteristic black and white attire which distinguishes Gwen Stacy from other Web Slingers. The torso remains unaltered between those appearances and this one, including perfect pink highlights on both shoulders and some muscle definition. Unfortunately, these pink accents do not continue onto the arms, although they do surround the eyes.
The only difference between this minifigure and past examples is the new hood element which represents a substantial improvement. Spider-Gwen includes a purple skateboard and various web accessories are provided for both characters. Their trans-clear colour is unique and looks superb, especially because the inherent texture of these parts creates an interesting shade.
An exclusive Mysterio minifigure opposes the heroes, retaining certain elements from 76149 The Menace of Mysterio and introducing new ones. The villain's famed helmet is probably the most important such update, now comprising a trans-opalescent blue sphere which contains a light bluish grey head inside. The resulting colour creates an effect of swirling smoke and looks wonderful.
Otherwise, the minifigure remains unchanged from 2020, featuring a green torso which takes obvious inspiration from the comics. The metallic gold fastenings for Mysterio's cape look nice and I also love the contrasting magenta fabric component. Unusually, this cape is only secured once around the neck, returning from 4+ sets which typically include capes in this style instead of those with two holes.
70437 Mystery Castle contained an outstanding ghostly element for Nehmaar Reem and that dual-moulded piece returns here. The original colour scheme of black and trans-light blue has been replaced with trans-bright green and lime green, creating an intimidating stand to elevate Mysterio. This minifigure also wields two exclusive trans-bright green Power Blasts.
Doctor Octopus has appeared more frequently than any other Spider-Man villain, repeatedly varying in design. The newest example seems more serious than most, forgoing bright colours in favour of dark green and dark bluish grey. This minifigure appears remarkably reminiscent of Doc Ock from the recent Spider-Man video game in that regard, particularly in combination with this reddish brown hair piece.
While the colour scheme is relatively dark, Octavius' double-sided head displays an evil smile and an angrier expression. These both look marvellous for the character and I love the printed goggles as well. Printed legs would have been a pleasing addition to both Doctor Octopus and Mysterio, although their omission does not spoil either minifigure.
The most integral aspect of any Doc Ock minifigure is undoubtedly his renowned robotic arm assembly, which has undergone frequent updates since his earliest LEGO appearance during 2004. This design incorporates small ball joints which look impressive and provide outstanding articulation, enabling the criminal genius to stand using only his robotic arms!
Furthermore, the individual claws are attached using hinges and can accordingly grip almost anything, from small golden ingots to larger sacks of money. These accessories are provided with two printed banknotes and a diamond. The only potential improvement would have been printing the green highlights on the arms, rather than using stickers. Even so, I appreciate the consistency between these green icons and those inside each claw.
The Completed Model
Mysterio deployed drones to enact his illusory plans during Spider-Man: Far From Home and two superb drones are included here. They closely resemble the Stark Combat Drones which appear onscreen, featuring the same white armour with green optical sensors. Combining the aforementioned comic-based minifigures with these drones seems unusual, although I cannot deny their excellent design!
Stud shooters are mounted on each drone, flanking more realistic weapons. Fortunately, they provide pleasing play value but can be removed easily if you prefer greater accuracy. Stickers are applied across the top, further corresponding with the source material and complementing the trans-bright green 1x1 round tile which represents the primary sensor.
Numerous vehicles belonging to Spider-Man have appeared throughout the Marvel Super Heroes theme. This monster truck is among the more outlandish such vehicles and I cannot imagine many instances when the Web Slinger would really require a monster truck, although Spider-Man's brute strength might not contend with all his opponents and the design appears surprisingly appealing.
The proportions of this monster truck seem unusually realistic, comprising enormous wheels alongside a modest cab structure. This resembles a standard truck body, perhaps suggesting that Spider-Man recovered an older vehicle before transforming it into his monster truck. I love the balloon tyres and the colour scheme looks good, featuring distinct strips of white, dark blue and red.
Those familiar colours continue across the stickers, several of which are applied on the truck. Such reliance upon stickers is quite disappointing and I dislike those displaying Spider-Man's name in particular. However, the number plates are splendid and I like this simple cab design, especially because the roof narrowly projects above the windscreen to great effect.
Despite the considerable size of this monster truck, there is only enough space for one figure inside. There should certainly have been seats for two characters inside the cab or potentially more extensive controls than the single steering wheel. The basic side view mirrors are neatly integrated though and the external colour combination continues inside which is excellent.
Three additional stickers are situated on either side of the vehicle and several Technic pieces also emerge from within. These appear totally out of place and could have been hidden using brackets so their visibility is irritating. Moreover, the web shooter remains exposed even when retracted, although that does not necessarily bother me because Spider-Man evidently has no interest in subterfuge when driving this truck!
Another gap exists on the back, accommodating the plunger for the web launcher. This does appear awkward but I can excuse such potential issues based upon the nature of the vehicle. After all, concealing any weaponry seems futile when Spider-Man possesses a monster truck and advertises this across the exterior. However, I think the yellow Technic component should have been disguised.
Turning this conspicuous yellow Technic element on the side of the monster truck deploys the web launcher, as demonstrated below. The entire launcher is angled upwards which improves its range when shooting the web and the circular web usually opens nicely, improving upon the older launchers which offered poor range and rarely caused the folded net to open.
Spectacular suspension systems are important to successful monster trucks and this vehicle impresses in that regard. The front and rear axles are connected centrally using Technic pins, permitting an extensive rocking motion in either direction. This motion is interrupted by rubber beams which cause the truck body to bounce back as the vehicle traverses obstacles.
This mechanism is relatively simple but provides an impressive range of movement, enabling the truck to climb over substantial obstacles comfortably. The resulting vehicle feels incredibly tactile and fun, as one would expect. I think the simulated suspension details behind each tyre leave something to be desired, although the 1x1 round bricks look reasonable to me.
Overall
Fundamentally, I dislike the concept of 76174 Spider-Man's Monster Truck vs. Mysterio. Spider-Man has little requirement for transportation and I think his foes should receive the vehicles in Marvel sets. However, I also believe this model has been cleverly executed. The suspension mechanism is great and the enormous tyres appear perfectly suitable for this kind of vehicle, featuring dramatically exaggerated proportions.
The minifigure selection is undoubtedly the highlight though, comprising several unique variants of popular characters. Mysterio and Doctor Octopus both improve upon earlier versions of each villain in my opinion and I am particularly pleased with Dr. Octavius' articulated arms! I think the US price of $39.99 represents reasonable value as well, although the UK cost of £44.99 seems quite expensive. Nevertheless, this set has proven pleasantly surprising.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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43 comments on this article
Spider-Man’s Spider-Van
I think it's interesting to see the Dr. Octopus minifigure taking some design cues from the PS4 game! There was a section in there where Spidey had to fight on top of a large truck to save the day (won't go into spoilers), so I wonder if that influenced this set any. Just change up the colors and throw in a few goons and you'd have a decent display for that.
Great review.
The drones look fab but Lego do need to include transparent supports for floating drones and the like by default.
Honestly, if the vehicles were more generic (Stark Industries, Civilian, even SHIELD, Hydra, or AIM) I'd like them more, but they probably wouldn't appeal to kids as much, and I'm pretty sure I'm out of their target demographic. Ghost Rider's car is a good mix between "Superhero" and normal, which makes it better in my opinion. Minifigs are amazing though. As mentioned, at least give the vehicles to the enemies... Would love a HYDRA tank or the like in Avengers sets vs. non-existent Avengers truck, motorbike, or plane for the 5th time. For example, 76030 and 76050 do this well.
As always, good review. This line in particular made me laugh; “After all, concealing any weaponry seems futile when Spider-Man possesses a monster truck and advertises this across the exterior.”
Keep up the good work, Brickset team!
So basically this set is comics + Spider-Man PS4 + Spider-Man: Far From Home + monster truck rally.
Weird.
Spider-truck
Spider-truck
That sure is a Spider-Truck
Spins its wheels
Tracks through mud
Why do we have a Spider-Truck
Watch out! Don't know whats going on.
The first half of the review was cool minifigures, cool drones, then I got to the monster truck and was reminded why this set isn't on my wish list. Shame really, everything else except the main build is spectacular.
I never really got into super-powered superheroes having vehicles unless it's part of their persona (e.g., Ghost Rider and his motorcycle). Spider-man in a "spider-crawler" or "spider-truck?" What's the point of their super-powers then? Maybe I'm just a purist, but the comic books I grew up with didn't include "super vehicles."
That said, I do like the minifigures in this set and will likely pick it up (once it goes on sale) for those.
Sure, Spider-Man probably doesn't NEED a monster truck. Then again, does anybody really need a monster truck? Is it not enough to simply want to drive something with large wheels?
@CapnRex101 ,
Thank you for yet another great review and set of pictures.
I have to disagree with you (and others) that Spidey doesn’t need vehicles. Quite apart from the appeal to kids, there is a perfectly valid in-universe reason for them: not every environment is like Manhattan with tall buildings from which to tarzan. In a setting with low buildings or very few, what is the Web-Slinger to do, run from place to place? Catapult himself using what structures there are? That wouldn’t be a good look, is unreliably dependent on where he needs to go, and would probably get tiring even for someone of Peter Parker’s prodigious stamina. Some vehicles, such as vans, are also good for stake outs when there aren’t structures about.
What is odd from an in-universe perspective is to have his vehicles emblazoned with Spider-Man insignia and colour schemes. Probably better to have vehicles with low profiles.
I like the idea that Doc Ock and Mysterio are robbing somewhere out in the middle of nowhere, some little place in the middle of the badlands or something, thinking that with no tall buildings to swing from they're safe from Spider-Man at last...and then this thing rocks up showing that Spidey will get you anywhere XD
Also, while i think the new hood component works on, say, Jedi characters who are given a cape to complete the flowing look and effect, not sure I agree its an improvement on Spider-Gwen. Just kind of makes her head look big, the older hood piece actually hooded her
I really want Spider-Gwen, and Mysterio with his swirling stand. The truck is a big ugly red blob that I don't need. So, I think I may have to Bricklink the minifigs then...
Definitely not worth the 59.99 EUR pricetag.
So disappointing that the dual moulded legs didn't become an uncompromised standard after the 2019 sets.
I love Lego vehicles with working suspensions! My 6950 drove over my Crater Plates (and other things) many, many times.
Does Spider-Man even have a driver’s license?
It would probably be pretty easy to modify that monster truck to replace the net shooter with an actual interior and a roof, removing the exposed technic from the side walls in the process. I totally understand why they didn't design it that way as a set for younger children, though.
The minifigs look great but that hood piece reminds me of the women in the Handmaiden's Tale and now I can't unsee it...
Also, I love the monster truck and its colour scheme, but wouldn't apply the stickers and would modify it for 'town' usage.
As usual, these set harken the toy collector in me back to my days messing around with some of the fantastically awesome ToyBiz sets from the 90s era of my collecting years. ToyBiz wrote the book on Spidey vehicles, as a matter of fact there is a great Toys That Made Us episode on their impact on Superheroes toys in general.
What you have here is a beautiful collision of multiple worlds and there isn’t much not to love about every aspect of it.
To quote a Youtube video I watched the other day: "Why does Spider-Man need a ******* truck?!"
The other elements of the set are really cool, the minifig selection is great. I even like the monster truck in and of itself, the suspension looks awesome... but it doesn't make any sense for it to be there.
The way Lego keeps "Batman-izing" Spidey with an endless stream of outlandish vehicles is odd, and honestly kind of off-putting.
(Euro price is pretty dang ugly to boot)
@Rob42 said:
"To quote a Youtube video I watched the other day: "Why does Spider-Man need a ******* truck?!"
The other elements of the set are really cool, the minifig selection is great. I even like the monster truck in and of itself, the suspension looks awesome... but it doesn't make any sense for it to be there.
The way Lego keeps "Batman-izing" Spidey with an endless stream of outlandish vehicles is odd, and honestly kind of off-putting.
(Euro price is pretty dang ugly to boot)"
To be fair, Spidey did go through a phase in the comics of having random cars/bikes etc so it isnt just lego who do it
If TLG is going to release all these ridiculous Spidy vehicles could we at least get Flash's van from the Justice League Unlimited TV Series?
Here comes a Spider-vaaaaann!! Lol..
My favourite things in this set are spidey, Gwen, and the New Mysterio and his Green Illusion parts the Drones are cool too!
Not overly keen on the Vehicle or the new Doc Oc..
I hope there's more to offer in the Summer wave from Marvel.
I really wish they'd start printing legs for Marvel figures again, it feels like they've given up on it
Not a huge fan of this outside of the minifigures, but I will say that if the vehicles have to be themed specifically to Spider Man then I prefer that they go completely wild with them like this. I (and I'd think kids as well) will take whacky vehicles like a Monster Truck over yet another helicopter, motorcycle, or jet any day of the week. That said I still would have preferred something else, like a Shield or villain vehicle.
Well, it's not a WandaVision or Falcon & Bucky set but it'll do.
Just as Captain Kirk asked what need God has for a starship, so too, do I ask, what need Spider-Man has for a van.
I really love the look of the monster truck, it feels like it harkens back to some of the superhero toy cars I had when I was a child. Seems quite 1970s with the spider-logo and webbing details.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"Just as Captain Kirk asked what need God has for a starship, so too, do I ask, what need Spider-Man has for a van." Please see my post above.
If Lego insists on giving comic book characters vehicles they don't need, why not just make the Thanos-copter? I bet that would be the best selling superhero set of the year.
I much prefer the old style hood on Spider-Gwen. The new one is a bit too much 'helmet' & not enough hood
As noted the Spider-Man minifigure is a bit of a disappointment, but for me it isn't the lack of dual molded legs it's that the arm printing in red doesn't match the other red on the torso and head.
Personally, I suspect the Monster Truck was built by some ordinary Spiderman fan (every truck needs a theme; why not that one?) and Peter Parker bought it for the fun of it.
Were I to buy this set, the truck would get a place near the Creator equivalent and be taken about as seriously. It's a cute idea, just not very tightly integrated with the rest of the set.
This set is a tragedy for any AFOL: a great selection of minifigures, excellent side builds but ruined by a terrible nonsense vehicle that puts the price tag high. I'd glady pay for everything else included apart from the the ugly truck.
The series of thoughts I usually have is:
1. In strictly practical terms, Spider-Man (and certain other heroes) don’t really need a vehicle at all.
2. This doesn’t actually matter because it’s for kids and the idea of a set with both Spider-Man AND a cool car/motorcycle/helicopter/monster truck is probably awesome to them, the target audience.
3. It’s Lego, so there must be something worthwhile to build other than some minifigs. While this doesn’t mean a set has to have a vehicle, (and could be some kind of scene, a building, or other object) Lego’s product range has so many kinds of vehicles throughout and has for years. It’s clear that these do well, so they end up in sets like this as “the build” portion of it.
Even though it seems really silly on its face, it’s for kids and is steeped in what Lego has determined is a successful premise for their sets. I usually just kind of ignore them since they’re meant for a different audience. In the case of Spider-Man in particular, its tone often has plenty of levity, so a little silliness can be understood.
BUT
In this particular case as a monster truck, I’m making a roundabout exception to this usual dismissal. I think this is a solid, clean looking design, and after covering the giant web shooter looks like any real-world monster truck. I think this could look great in a City layout’s monster truck rally, not as “Spider-Man’s monster truck that he uses in-universe on his adventures” and instead re-contextualized as “A real-world monster truck that is sponsored by Marvel and has Spider-Man branding on it”. Like sklamb said above, it would look pretty good alongside the Creator Monster Burger Truck that came out last year. With that handled, you are left with a handful of cool minifigs inspired from different Spider-Man iterations.
@Lyichir said:
"Sure, Spider-Man probably doesn't NEED a monster truck. Then again, does anybody really need a monster truck? Is it not enough to simply want to drive something with large wheels?"
Agreed...but I'd rather be a web-slinger than a truck driver. Just need to get bit by that ever-elusive radioactive spider.
The concept feels like a 4+ idea that kinda outgrew it's origins.
That said I do like the truck, and the figures look great (not sure I'll ever get use to the new style hood though) it's just the set as a whole that I find jarring. Perhaps some stuff to drive over would have tied it together and justified the price point for me.
This is stupid. I love it!
There's something about that truck that triggers 1980s toy nostalgia for me. I've no interest in Marvel/Spiderman but I'd quite like that van minus stickers and monster truck wheels for generic city use.
That van somehow reminds me of the A-Team. I wish TLG would produce that windscreen and roof piece 7 or 8 studs wide (I know 7 studs wide is weird). I would love to have an 8 stud wide van with room for minifigs sitting side by side inside such a van. Too bad TLG designs so few minifig scale vehicles with room for 2 or 4 minifigs to sit side by side.
The whole Spider-Man vehicle bonanza is lost on me anyway, as Spider-Man who has superpowers, contrary to e.g. Batman, and in the comics I read a long time ago as a kid, as well as the TV-series and some of the films I watched later, never uses nor even owns any vehicles. I suppose kids are fine with this, though I wonder why TLG never designs Superhero sets with vehicles belonging to whom ever the heroes are fighting or may aid them on their adventures. Had this set included that van in another colour without any of these Spider-Man stickers, and some nondescript civilian or henchman without superpowers of either the hero or villains that drives it, it would have made much more sense (at least to me).
This seems like a nice set, though I don't buy that many superheroes sets.
Sure the target audience (6 to +/-13 year old boys, actually this set indicates: 8+) will love this set as it seems to have high play value, four interesting minifigs, and plenty of action features.
Minor criticism: Spider-Man doesn't have duo moulded legs! The arm printing is nice. Red and blue legs with additional web printing on the front and sides is a missed opportunity. It would have made this set more collectable and appealing to adults as well IMO.
The monster truck would've looked a lot better without the "Spider-Man" logo. Makes it seems too childish and kinda cheap. A nitpick, but the Spider-Man sets have been more aimed towards children for a while and its a bummer considering the cooler playsets we could have.
@Mr__Thrawn said:
"Spider-Man’s Spider-Van"
Chuckle
Awesome! It fits right with Spidey’s headquarters.