Review: 76170 Iron Man vs. Thanos
Posted by CapnRex101,
76170 Iron Man vs. Thanos features two famed characters which seem appealing, although the omission of unique minifigures is disappointing for seasoned Marvel collectors. Both characters enjoy notable popularity though and I welcome their presence together.
The accompanying models seem comparatively simple, as one might anticipate for a 4+ set. Nevertheless, these match their respective pilots and various interesting pieces are provided, including new display bases for each minifigure!
Minifigures
An impressive Iron Man minifigure was introduced with 76140 Iron Man Mech and that figure has subsequently appeared on numerous occasions, including here. Greater variety would be appreciated, although this colour combination of red, dark red and metallic gold looks fantastic. The golden faceplate appears particularly attractive, contrasting against the white eyes.
Outstanding decoration continues across the legs and the reverse of the torso, where metallic silver accents are prominent. Additionally, I love the dark tan highlights which are visible within metallic gold panels, producing lovely texture. Removing the helmet reveals Tony Stark's head which features a heads-up-display on one side and a standard smiling expression on the other, as normal.
Thanos lacks an alternative expression, instead conveying permanent anger! This minifigure originates from 76141 Thanos Mech and his diminutive appearance worked quite nicely there, given the comical nature of those mechs. I think he suits the 4+ range perfectly too, especially because Thanos' bigfig appearances are restricted to more expensive sets.
The malevolent Mad Titan sports a golden helmet, matching continued metallic gold designs across his torso. However, the legs are undecorated which is disappointing because the last minifigure from 76141 Thanos Mech did feature printed legs. Nevertheless, I think this villain appears sufficiently intimidating with plain dark blue legs instead.
Neither minifigure incorporates new printing but unique trans-light blue and trans-orange bases are provided. These exclusive elements somewhat resemble the power accessory packs which have accompanied earlier sets, featuring similar texture around their edge. However, the pieces include two studs with anti-studs underneath on this occasion, firmly securing a minifigure.
The Completed Model
Of course, Thanos rarely appears without the Infinity Gauntlet. Its design varies considerably though and this golden element returns from 76072 Mighty Micros: Iron Man vs. Thanos. The knuckles could perhaps have included colourful printing to represent Infinity Stones, although simplifying the gauntlet complements the minifigure. Moreover, I like the muted colours of the protected plinth, ensuring that the Infinity Gauntlet stands out.
Thanos rarely requires vehicles or weaponry, particularly when wielding the Infinity Gauntlet. Nevertheless, an impressive cannon is provided here, launching a rubber-tipped missile that launches when a button is pushed. The function works nicely and I appreciate the consistent colours between Thanos and this weapon, despite the Mad Titan seeming unconcerned with such matters!
Printed 2x3 pentagonal tiles are attached on either flank, returning from 76141 Thanos Mech, while the dark blue 2x3 curved slopes around the base are brand new. Thanos can sit neatly above the missile launcher but without controls, unfortunately. While this weapon looks good, Thanos' presence in a 4+ set offered LEGO an amazing opportunity to produce the infamous Thanos-Copter and it is unfortunate that was not taken.
Contrasting with his opponent, Iron Man employs numerous vehicles throughout the comics. This distinctive craft is constructed around the established 12x12 fuselage base component which has proven remarkably versatile. The element certainly feels robust which is great for young children and I appreciate the contrast between this light bluish grey piece and the red bodywork.
The vehicle measures 12cm in length and features projecting vertical stabilisers. They appear disproportionately large in my opinion and could perhaps have been replaced with one central stabiliser. However, I do like the adjustable dark red elements on both sides, matching another dark red component which is situated between the stabilisers.
Consistent colours continue throughout this model, including around the cockpit where trans-light blue windscreen elements form an appealing shape. The golden accents look superb as well, beginning on a printed component towards the front. This element also integrates an arc reactor adorns the nose, presumably generating energy which powers the aircraft.
Unfortunately, viewing the model from behind reveals the exceptional simplicity of the engine nacelle. This design appears too basic in my opinion, although I do recognise that the 4+ age recommendation restricts alternative possibilities. The disc launchers, on the other hand, look reasonable and remain easily accessible beside the engine for play.
Overall
76170 Iron Man vs. Thanos was designed for younger Marvel Super Heroes fans and satisfies that requirement. These models comprise basic construction techniques and their appearance does therefore suffer somewhat, albeit not to the dramatic degree sometimes seen elsewhere! The integration of the functions is particularly impressive, especially on Thanos' cannon where the unsightly launcher is well hidden.
These minifigures, or slightly better equivalents, are available elsewhere with 76140 Iron Man Mech and 76141 Thanos Mech. Exclusive variants could have been included and might have been appealing, although offering younger children an opportunity to acquire these appealing characters is undoubtedly the most important factor. For this age group, the price of £17.99 or $19.99 represents good value but there is little to interest older collectors here.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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22 comments on this article
This is an interesting set, but the Thanos minifig seems disappointing. A lot of cool part thought, especially the 2x3 pentagonal tiles.
I'm not a fan of the versatile Iron Man helmets that replace the hinged ones. One side of his more recently common face with controls doesn't fit without the helmet open over it.
@HandPositions I agree, but considering how versatile the new piece is (it's been used for characters like the Vulture, the Wasp and Rinzler) I don't really blame Lego for going in that direction.
"While this weapon looks good, Thanos' presence in a 4+ set offered LEGO an amazing opportunity to produce the infamous Thanos-Copter and it is unfortunate that was not taken."
PREACH IT! :)
@xboxtravis7992 Oh dang, that WAS a wasted opportunity.
While we’re on the subject of Grimace, I just watched Endgame. Back in Infinity War, he said he could wipe out half of all life with a snap of his fingers (and then proved it). Late in Endgame, he gets his hand inside the Infinity Gauntlet and everyone is struggling to keep him from snapping his fingers again while they also try to wrest the gauntlet off his hand... He said he _could_ kill half of everyone with a snap of his fingers. He never said he _had_ to snap his fingers to kill half of everyone. He could have done it with a whistle. Or a burp. He could have said, “Oh, snap!” He could have blinked his eyes. If he really wanted to win, why didn’t he just skip snapping his fingers and just use the stones? At no point in any previous movie did using any of the six Infinity Stones require a specific hand gesture (and there are probably several Marvel characters who don’t even have fingers to snap, but you’d think they should still be capable of using the Infinity Stones).
Me likes those new energy blast stand pieces. Not worth getting the set for but definitely interesting moulds.
I really wish that the Infinity Gauntlet piece had some printing on it, it would be the perfect minifigure scale equivalent to the big fig one.
@PurpleDave said:
"While we’re on the subject of Grimace, I just watched Endgame. Back in Infinity War, he said he could wipe out half of all life with a snap of his fingers (and then proved it). Late in Endgame, he gets his hand inside the Infinity Gauntlet and everyone is struggling to keep him from snapping his fingers again while they also try to wrest the gauntlet off his hand... He said he _could_ kill half of everyone with a snap of his fingers. He never said he _had_ to snap his fingers to kill half of everyone. He could have done it with a whistle. Or a burp. He could have said, “Oh, snap!” He could have blinked his eyes. If he really wanted to win, why didn’t he just skip snapping his fingers and just use the stones? At no point in any previous movie did using any of the six Infinity Stones require a specific hand gesture (and there are probably several Marvel characters who don’t even have fingers to snap, but you’d think they should still be capable of using the Infinity Stones)."
The Time Stone definitely needed some specific hand gestures to operate, but the directors explained that there had to be some way to nerf the Gauntlet's powers so it required the closing of the hand. A lot of the fight on Titan was based around making it so that he couldn't close his hand while they were also trying to get it off of him. And they also specified that for The Snap, there had to be a unifying, focusing moment since it was such a powerful decision taking place. For something happening in less than a second and affecting the entire universe, you need a clear focal point
SHOUT OUT TO THANOS-COPTER!!!
Bit gutted this Thanos has no leg printing but the very same minifig used in the mech from 2019 does have printed legs!
I also prefer the old school iron-man figs where the face of the helmet lifts up..
But the little vehicle build is fine 6/10:
Hey, this isn't a Thanoscopter...
You had one job lego! Every other city set has a helicopter tot the point where Jangbricks has to put a disclaimer every time he reviews one again, but here we are with no Thanoscopter!
0/10
I'm glad they didn't do the copter here, that deserves to be a big-fig scaled $80 set
If you just want something small to pick up and have a good play story with, this is great at $20!
I'm liking that printed piece on the nose. Tempted to get this set for that and the minifig stands.
I’m disappointed, LEGO. You guys finally perfected your iron man helmet, and you turned it into this stupid thing we have now. Just read any other comment, and they’ll probably say the same.
Thanoscopter makes more sense than giving Iron Man a jet, considering he already has flying capabilities!
@The_Toniboeh said:
"I'm glad they didn't do the copter here, that deserves to be a big-fig scaled $80 set"
Bigfig scale Thanoscopter, UCS/Creator Expert style.
Must get on sale even if you are not a SH fan
Thanos: I am inevitable.
Iron Man: You can't even snap, you don't have fingers. Even if the gauntlet magically gives you opposable thumbs, it clearly only has room for three stones. So snap away, baldy.
I preferred the preliminary images where Thanos had a floating chair instead of the missile launcher. Would have been the main draw, but now I have no reason to pick this up.
@Emmafofemma said:
"I preferred the preliminary images where Thanos had a floating chair instead of the missile launcher. Would have been the main draw, but now I have no reason to pick this up." that, and it’s a juniors set.