On one hand, I like being able to see pictures before I buy things so I can budget. On the other hand, I like being able to walk up to the Lego shelves and see things that I’ve never seen before.
Finally got the new Hulkbuster in hand! He was out of stock almost everywhere I went, it was a pure stroke of luck in a store that I don't usually go to that I was able to acquire him at all. The very last one on the shelf, even. I'll skip over the AIM agents because they're exactly what they look like on the packaging. The braced rifle is pretty cool, but that's about it. You're not here to see them. You're here to see Iron Man, Rescue, and the Hulkbuster. Or just Rescue and the Hulkbuster seeing how this Iron Man minifig has been rehashed a couple times already. He still looks cool though, and so does Rescue. It's a shame they didn't use the MCU-style opening helmets for these guys, but I can understand why they did it, since the printed details on the helmets are very intricate. And now onto the main dish. The Hulkbuster is clearly based on the 616 comics version rather than the one in the Square Enix game, and is larger than either of its MCU versions in the standard Lego Marvel Superheroes line. The ones from 76031 and 76108 only come up to this guy's shoulder! The increased size means it looks more substantial and imposing, but also means it can look a little oversized in a hypothetical battle against Lego Hulk. However, its size also lets it have a waist joint, which is a first for a non-UCS Lego Hulkbuster. The two empty clips on its backside are to store the Power Blasts when you're not using them. As is standard, the printed head piece opens up to reveal a seat for Tony. Now, I've seen criticism against this set for the incredibly flat head, and I do somewhat agree with that, but looking at Brickset it was really the best choice at this scale to replicate the comics Hulkbuster design. Also, he's meant to be posed with the torso slightly hunched forwards, which lessens the visual flatness of the head somewhat. Medium-size Lego mechs generally have either hips or ankles, never both. The past two Hulkbusters chose knees, but this one chooses ankles. The knees are fixed into an angle via a clip assembly. It could've been better, but at the same time they're not straight legs so they do look natural in poses. However, the ankles are still a bit on the limited side. Arms are fully articulated, obviously, with individual fingers and a translucent blue repulsor beam launcher that can be repositioned like it's firing its repulsors at an opponent despite having no wrist joint. The waist joint really helps him get into many cool poses, though there's obviously no neck. You can put the turret thing on his shoulder, but... why would you? It looks terrible, and is better left off. I'm glad to have this big chunky armor in my collection. He's a refreshingly unique design compared to the MCU Hulkbusters, and his size and artiiculation give him an edge that the previous models haven't had. If you can get him, get him quick.
Target had a restock of the Jaguar set so I picked it up, will be using it and the Water Strider that arrives tomorrow to fix up the Tuner Car
No pics yet, but description from Promobricks of the 3-in-1 Creator Castle: Spoiler 1500-ish pieces; castle with gatehouse and tower; resembles the old Black Falcon Fortress. Two Black Falcon knights, civilian, & skeleton. Brick-built chickens and dragon. $100; June 1st. LEGO 31120 Ritterburg: Erste Details zur neuen Creator 3in1 Burg | PROMOBRICKS - Der LEGO® News Blog Can't wait to see it, even though there's no way it'll live up to my expectations, haha. But still exciting to see Lego make a proper classic castle after all this time!
I'm actually in the minority that thinks the Hulkbuster is fine as it is, but I'll definitely look into this if I need an upgrade!
Got the Jedi Interceptor built, much better than the original Jedi Starfighter I used to have for one simple reason, it has a full R2 that can actually fit in the wing instead of just having the head of one connected to the top of the wing
The Jedi Starfighter is built that way in universe though. It was meant to be as small and agile as possible so there wasn't space for a whole individual astromech droid. Instead the droid's head was just built on to the top of the wing when the starfighter was built and any needed mechanics were built inside the wing
I don't own any of the other Hulkbusters, but looking at pics, I'd say this one looks the best. Head is flat, sure, but in person it doesn't look too bad. Especially when you hunch it forward, as you said. Honestly, I think I prefer it to the rounder dome of previous versions. I did do the Chubbybots mod that was posted earlier. I think the main benefit is bringing the shoulders in, which helps proportions. Brick built dragon! Man, I am super stoked for this one. The Creator Pirate ship was wonderful. Can't wait to have a Castle that should hopefully be equally good!
Soooooooo anyone got a solid month of free time. It's over 9000 parts. My back just started hurting thinking about it.
