Review: 76199 Carnage
Posted by CapnRex101,
Spider-Man has encountered many threatening enemies and 76199 Carnage definitely captures the character's barbaric appearance. The model features accurate tendrils which distinguish this design from 76187 Venom and correspond with Carnage's comic depictions.
However, this collection has previously included helmets which usually comprise angular shapes and seem appropriate for LEGO. Organic characters introduce different challenges, although Carnage's intimidating features are instantly recognisable and convey his savage personality.
The Completed Model
76199 Carnage measures 19cm in height, exceeding the majority of previous LEGO helmets. This scale has enabled the designer to capture superb detail, notably including the prominent teeth which are consistently associated with Carnage. The vivid colour scheme looks fantastic too, closely resembling the original character and standing out within this collection.
The construction techniques here are comparatively simple which is perhaps surprising given the inherent complexity of creating organic shapes. The structure is predominantly hollow and such simplicity feels somewhat disappointing beside comparable designs. However, elaborate techniques are unnecessary when traditional design methods can achieve the desired effect.
Attractive display plinths are provided with each model. Their appearance remains consistent across the range, comprising black elements which avoid detracting attention from Carnage's frightening visage. The printed plaque looks lovely and displays LEGO Marvel branding which matches both 76165 Iron Man Helmet and 76187 Venom.
The face is undoubtedly the most detailed aspect of Carnage's head, featuring an appropriate colour combination of black and red. This matches the comic character and seems reasonably consistent, although the red 1x2 slopes situated beside the mouth appear out of place. Several pink elements appear inside, representing gums and contrasting against the black teeth.
Carnage's black teeth appear intimidating which is perfect. However, various depictions of the villain display white teeth and lightening their colour looks good, differing from the surrounding black elements. On the other hand, 76187 Venom features paler teeth, hence some distinction between the models is welcome because that improves their appearance on display together.
Please note that only the black teeth are provided. These tan elements originate from 76187 Venom.
Despite their initial appearance, the angular eyes are asymmetrical. That decision works nicely for an organic character and the variation is pleasingly subtle because the prominent eyebrows partially cover the white elements underneath. Numerous stickers are applied here, forming the intricate tendrils which generally adorn Carnage. Such reliance upon stickers is unfortunate but the resulting decoration does seem accurate.
Viewing this model from the side reveals how its jaw projects, which is not necessarily visible from the front. This design appears somewhat strange, although it avoids the teeth interfering with one another and further conveys Carnage's inhuman aesthetic. Moreover, the connection between the head and the jaw is relatively subtle, disguised using 2x2 wedge tiles which have not been available in red before.
The sides and reverse are comparatively bland, lacking elaborate colour integration or shapes. Nevertheless, this design corresponds with the original character and its curvature looks quite successful, although jagged angles appear on both sides. Fortunately, comic book characters generally integrate angular shapes and I think the jaw structure therefore appears reasonable, despite lacking realistic curvature.
Overall
76199 Carnage lacks the complexity of previous models within this series, although its design includes considerable detail. The pointed teeth are particularly important for this character and certainly convey Carnage's notorious savagery. Furthermore, I like the pink elements inside his mouth and the asymmetrical eyes are excellent, befitting an organic model.
The reliance upon stickers is disappointing though, especially because the transition between these stickers and brick-built details is awkward. I think the head shaping may also have been improved around the sides. However, the price of £54.99 or $59.99 represents adequate value and Carnage appears appropriately sinister, perfectly reflecting his maniacal personality.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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47 comments on this article
That side profile looks a bit strange to me with the massive under bite. From memory I don't think it's the pronounced in the comic versions.
I’m only asking what everybody else is thinking....Why does one eye have one stud in it when the other doesn’t? Just to keep things asymmetrical?
Looking forward to the Venom review.
"Like 76199 Carnage, but without the stickers!"
Looks more like a motorbike helmet. Hope Venom will be looking better.
As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)
@greenhorn said:
"As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)"
I think that’s a bit harsh.
Personally I don’t think many of these busts have been great. For the price, they’re asking the buyer to ignore a lot of inaccuracies or oddities due to the nature of it being made with bricks.
Still, I think they did pretty well here. Plus, they’re kinda meant to be ugly/horrifying so... mission accomplished?
Absolutely hideous. You couldn't give me this set. Well, you could, but I'd only use it for parts.
@greenhorn said:
"As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)"
When you accidentally compliment a LEGO set due to unfamiliarity with the subject matter.
@CapnRex101 good review but where is your Samoyed? Only for scale purposes, of course...
@LegoSonicBoy said:
" @greenhorn said:
"As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)"
When you accidentally compliment a LEGO set due to unfamiliarity with the subject matter."
:-D Indeed, than they seemingly did a great job on this.
Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that the helmet/head collection comprises mostly of villains?
Big fan of venom, but won't be getting either of these. The eyes on these really bother me. They are not different enough to be truly asymmetrical and it just looks out of place/poorly thought out. Symmetrical eyes would have been much better. Not a fan of the underbite phases for these characters or the representation in lego, but it is accurate I suppose.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
" @greenhorn said:
"As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)"
When you accidentally compliment a LEGO set due to unfamiliarity with the subject matter."
His nickname says it all. Wikipedia quote: "Greenhorn is a slang for an inexperienced person."
Not sure if Carnage is meant to look so similar to Venom until the film is released in September?
Either way there are now 9 heads or helmets to chose from for those who are interested in sculptures, but I do miss the old fashioned layered brick approach.
I’m appalled at the complete lack of goats in this review.
Not in my cart but gosh that head looks creepy as the propper carnage.
Thanks for the review.
It has confirmed that I will skip this. It looks fine from a certain angle, but the rest is not for me. Plus I never got into Carnage anyway. I have the minifigure of him, that's enough.
Now Venom...I may be more inclined to get, but I'm assuming the other angles will still look off. But then again being all black maybe I won't notice as much.
I think LEGO has an interesting concept here and if it could be a little more polished (but without making a ton of new pieces) it might sell even better. But they are always sold out at Target, so I'm guessing they are doing okay. (I've never seen them at Walmart yet).
@Royweeezy said:
"I’m only asking what everybody else is thinking....Why does one eye have one stud in it when the other doesn’t? Just to keep things asymmetrical?"
In the manual there’s a note from the designer explaining they made the eyes different to help create a more organic look because the model is of a living thing not a helmet.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
"Looking forward to the Venom review.
"Like 76199 Carnage, but without the stickers!""
And black!
He needs some orthodontics.
Where's the sacrificial goat ;)
This desperately needs some curvature or at least some gradient for the sides. As it is now the organic shape is ruined by the flat sides.
Also, I appreciate the picture with venom's teeth. The black teeth don't seem to stand out all too wel, resulting in a severe loss of detail in the mouth area. In the middle the pink insides provide contrast, but around the edges the teeth just get lost in the dark parts. The dark tan teeth are a LOT clearer, especially from a distance.
I suppose it's because of his design in the movie. But if it was because it would be too similar to venom... maybe don't produce both a Venom and Carnage bust at the same time?!
I like it! If the budget will allow it, i’ll buy both, Carnage and Venom. Very cool display pieces that give me joy when looking at it!
Next Green Goblin and Classic Electro please!
@PixelTheDragon said:
" @greenhorn said:
"As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)"
I think that’s a bit harsh."
On the contrary, I think it is a bit of an understatement. This thing is as repulsive as the subject matter, and why LEGO thinks something like this is "befitting their brand values" is beyond me.
The same company that pulls the Osprey mere days from its release for the most laughable of explanations hasn't got the decency to not release something like this.
From what little I have seen from trailers and read from descriptions here on Brickset, the source material is totally disgusting. But hey, who is TLG to not take the money from people who are low enough to get enjoyment from watching such vile stuff.
@AustinPowers said:
" @PixelTheDragon said:
" @greenhorn said:
"As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)"
I think that’s a bit harsh."
On the contrary, I think it is a bit of an understatement. This thing is as repulsive as the subject matter, and why LEGO thinks something like this is "befitting their brand values" is beyond me.
The same company that pulls the Osprey mere days from its release for the most laughable of explanations hasn't got the decency to not release something like this.
From what little I have seen from trailers and read from descriptions here on Brickset, the source material is totally disgusting. But hey, who is TLG to not take the money from people who are low enough to get enjoyment from watching such vile stuff. "
Wow. He’s just a comic villain. A murderous one of course, but it’s just an imaginary character. No need to freak out about it.
Plus it’s for adult marvel fans, not for kids.
@AustinPowers said:
" @PixelTheDragon said:
" @greenhorn said:
"As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)"
I think that’s a bit harsh."
On the contrary, I think it is a bit of an understatement. This thing is as repulsive as the subject matter, and why LEGO thinks something like this is "befitting their brand values" is beyond me.
The same company that pulls the Osprey mere days from its release for the most laughable of explanations hasn't got the decency to not release something like this.
From what little I have seen from trailers and read from descriptions here on Brickset, the source material is totally disgusting. But hey, who is TLG to not take the money from people who are low enough to get enjoyment from watching such vile stuff. "
Today's hot take: a real machine of war licensed with two of the world's biggest military manufacturers is less offensive than a cartoon alien
I feel like when Lego releases these helmet things, they are mainly just paying attention the front. The back back is basically one color, and the sides... are awkward looking. I might buy Venom, though. I'll have to see a review to know for sure.
I do not want to comment on whether Lego should have released this Carnage bust.
But having it released, they can now do pretty much anything else without "violating their brand values" in my opinion.
It’s a shame we get stickers instead of printed pieces but it would have been tricky representing the veiny look of Carnage’s skin with bricks. He’s not covered in tendrils like, say, Swamp Thing, its colouration rather than texture
@AustinPowers said:
" @PixelTheDragon said:
" @greenhorn said:
"As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)"
I think that’s a bit harsh."
On the contrary, I think it is a bit of an understatement. This thing is as repulsive as the subject matter, and why LEGO thinks something like this is "befitting their brand values" is beyond me.
The same company that pulls the Osprey mere days from its release for the most laughable of explanations hasn't got the decency to not release something like this.
From what little I have seen from trailers and read from descriptions here on Brickset, the source material is totally disgusting. But hey, who is TLG to not take the money from people who are low enough to get enjoyment from watching such vile stuff. "
You’re username is Austin Powers and you’re being all up on your high horse about morals?
@Brickodillo said:
"Wow. He’s just a comic villain. A murderous one of course, but it’s just an imaginary character."
Right, of course, how stupid of me not to realize that. I thought he was real.
Guess what, that argument doesn't hold a candle. Not as long as there are countless people who can't separate fiction from fact. Why else are there so many murders that have been modeled after fictional crimes in movies, TV shows, computer games etc?
Stuff like this shouldn't exist, unless there were only people intelligent enough to put it into perspective, which is simply unrealistic unfortunately, as is evident all the time.
@jaredhinton : you're not seriously trying to say that an oddball comedy like Austin Powers is anywhere near the same level as a character that is named "Carnage" (which is by its very definition an absolutely horrific act) and all the things he does that are shown in all their bloodthirsty details and trying to entice enjoyment in the audience by tickling their fancy?
I mean, sure, in the US violence appears to be perfectly acceptable (as long as it can somehow be labeled as "fictional") , but show a pair of nipples and the whole country goes bananas.
Talk about hypocrisy turned up to eleven.
Also, just because my username is Austin Powers doesn't mean that I am like him in any way or that I agree with everything he says or does in those movies, does it?
@deikoon : don't think so. They just pulled that City set which in comparison was ridiculous and totally harmless.
Brand values? ROFL
@AustinPowers said:
" @Brickodillo said:
"Wow. He’s just a comic villain. A murderous one of course, but it’s just an imaginary character."
"Right, of course, how stupid of me not to realize that. I thought he was real."
"Guess what, that argument doesn't hold a candle. Not as long as there are countless people who can't separate fiction from fact. Why else are there so many murders that have been modeled after fictional crimes in movies, TV shows, computer games etc?
Stuff like this shouldn't exist, unless there were only people intelligent enough to put it into perspective, which is simply unrealistic unfortunately, as is evident all the time."
So by your logic, Lego shouldn't produce sets based off comic book villians because there are people that can't separate reality from fiction?
@AustinPowers said:
" @PixelTheDragon said:
" @greenhorn said:
"As someone who is not interested in the subject matter — I don’t know these comics — I have to say that in my opinion, this and 76187 are some of the ugliest LEGO sets within the last several years. ;-)"
I think that’s a bit harsh."
On the contrary, I think it is a bit of an understatement. This thing is as repulsive as the subject matter, and why LEGO thinks something like this is "befitting their brand values" is beyond me.
The same company that pulls the Osprey mere days from its release for the most laughable of explanations hasn't got the decency to not release something like this.
From what little I have seen from trailers and read from descriptions here on Brickset, the source material is totally disgusting. But hey, who is TLG to not take the money from people who are low enough to get enjoyment from watching such vile stuff. "
Are you still going on about the Osprey? We all know you would have complained about it anyway, and probably for the ‘laughable reasons’ you cite here.
Quite shook that there would be anyone having issues with Lego releasing a bust of a comic book villain.
At the same time, I’m not surprised.
@MrJackson said:
" @CapnRex101 good review but where is your Samoyed? Only for scale purposes, of course..."
I have not found an excuse to feature him in a review previously so here he is!
https://images.brickset.com/news/58756_Nimbus.jpg
Curious to know why the eyes are not built the same.
@MarkingX said:
"Curious to know why the eyes are not built the same."
The instructions say that carnage is organic being, not a "helmet". Therefore they made the eyes look different to make him look more "organic".
@Yeetforlego said:
" @MarkingX said:
"Curious to know why the eyes are not built the same."
The instructions say that carnage is organic being, not a "helmet". Therefore they made the eyes look different to make him look more "organic".
"
And Venom is organic as well. They are not helmets, they are symbiotes on a human.
I have the Star Wars and Iron man helmets on display and think they look great. I think the Carnage and Venom helmets are terrible and don’t make nice display pieces to have up so will be passing on them. There must be plenty of better Marvel characters they could have made helmets of a Dr Doom for a start would be good if they wanted to do a villain
@AustinPowers said:
" @Brickodillo said:
"Wow. He’s just a comic villain. A murderous one of course, but it’s just an imaginary character."
Right, of course, how stupid of me not to realize that. I thought he was real.
Guess what, that argument doesn't hold a candle. Not as long as there are countless people who can't separate fiction from fact. Why else are there so many murders that have been modeled after fictional crimes in movies, TV shows, computer games etc?
Stuff like this shouldn't exist, unless there were only people intelligent enough to put it into perspective, which is simply unrealistic unfortunately, as is evident all the time."
You know you are contradicting yourself because of your first remark right? Trying to be smart and being sarcastic, and then stating that people could not know the difference between real and fiction.
Plus people that flip out don’t do that because of movies, games, comics, music and the likes, but because they have some mental problems. Maybe you have them too?
The tan teeth look so much better
@Khamsin said:
"Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that the helmet/head collection comprises mostly of villains?"
I can see why that happens. Helmets, especially ones that cover the face, tend to be worn by villains more often than heroes for a number of reasons: Being able to see a character's facial expressions, making the heroes easier to identify, showing off the famous actor you hired for the role, etc....
Marvel's Thor usually has a helmet in the comics for example, but ditches it right in the first movie. In Star Wars, the only fully masked non-villains are the clone troopers (and even their good guy status is debatable).
Plus, villains often have the more iconic and popular costume designs anyway.
@AustinPowers said:
" @Brickodillo said:
"Wow. He’s just a comic villain. A murderous one of course, but it’s just an imaginary character."
Guess what, that argument doesn't hold a candle. Not as long as there are countless people who can't separate fiction from fact. Why else are there so many murders that have been modeled after fictional crimes in movies, TV shows, computer games etc?
Stuff like this shouldn't exist, unless there were only people intelligent enough to put it into perspective, which is simply unrealistic unfortunately, as is evident all the time."
Wait till you discover greats like Evangelion, Paths of Glory, Goodfellas, Taxi Driver or Monster. Your poor, innocent mind will probably explode. Just because there is a small minority dumb enough to be unable to separate fact from fiction doesn’t mean the remaining 99.99999% should be deprived of thought-provoking cinema, not that I imagine Venom 2 would score anywhere near that mark.
I mean how can LEGO produce sets based on a melodramatic comic book villain that has harmed absolutely no one instead of releasing an Osprey, a vehicle used purely by militaries that have claimed hundreds of lives, and whose licensing fees will go towards funding one of the largest military providers to continue producing machines of war?! I demand to speak with the manager!
@Kynareth said:
Are you still going on about the Osprey? We all know you would have complained about it anyway, and probably for the ‘laughable reasons’ you cite here. ]]
If he were lucky enough to get an Osprey, do you think he would still be complaining? I don't think so LOL
@Rob42: All good points, but Thor's helmet doesn't cover his face.
@TheRightP_art:
Eh, Taxi Driver inspired an attempted murder, don't forget.
@maxxxphinn said:
"Big fan of venom, but won't be getting either of these. The eyes on these really bother me. They are not different enough to be truly asymmetrical and it just looks out of place/poorly thought out. Symmetrical eyes would have been much better. Not a fan of the underbite phases for these characters or the representation in lego, but it is accurate I suppose."
It bothered me too; so I checked out the instructions and it's an easy mod to make it symmetrical.