Why I bought this set

As an MCU fan, I had my eye on the Nano and Infinity Gauntlets since I started collecting Lego a year ago. I had almost decided not to buy these items to save myself from wanting Thor’s Hammer, Captain America’s Shield, and whatever future sets they may release in this line-up. I’m not too fond of the look of the Cap’s Shield, and Thor’s Hammer is one I could miss. So, I decided to give the gauntlets a miss and stick to using my Lego money elsewhere. Then, I couldn’t pass up Amazon’s fantastic Prime deal on this. I’ve never seen this set on sale, so it was a surprise, and I took it as a sign.

Set contents

This 675-piece set has 3 build stages and a small square, 134-page instruction manual. At the front of the manual are a couple of pages dedicated to the gauntlet’s history and meaning, which is a lovely touch. There are no stickers, and the set does not include a brick separator. The packaging is a tall, thin box mimicking the set’s footprint. It’s presented in beautiful 18+ style packaging, with a clean design only interrupted by the Lego and Marvel logos. The effect is to feel this is s premium building experience and not something to be built as a toy, hence the 18+ branding.

Minifigures

There isn’t an Iron Man minifigure included in this set. It’s a shame, as that would have enhanced the exclusivity. However, it would have further increased the MSRP and isn’t needed for a display piece like this. It’s not unprecedented, though. I am thinking back to the Harry Potter flight series with Fawkes, Hedwig, and the Hungarian Horntail Dragon, which are display pieces but had an exclusive minifigure included. Also, Captain America’s Shield comes with a minifigure, though it is not exclusive to the set.

Set highlights

The main perk of this set is how visually stunning it is, and that is down to the design and part usage. A significant highlight for me was the metallic pieces (both gold and silver) that caught the light and made the gauntlet twinkle. It’s a major design plus to have used the silver/chrome elements instead of grey here, as it lifts the piece and makes those markings pop.

I found the part usage a particular delight. The incorporation of vehicle wheel trims to make the mind stone pocket and car hood elements to polish the surface is inspired. I have a lot of vehicle elements from a bulk lot that I am always looking to repurpose, and this build has given me some ideas.

I am thrilled that the specifications plaque is a printed element, not a sticker. I don’t collect helmets, so those sets are probably the same. The lack of stickers in the build adds to the premium feel.

I greatly appreciate how the design gave each Infinity stone a unique build (except for the power and soul stones), showing they are different and have distinct capabilities. Also, the design of the stones is exactly mirrored from the Infinity Gauntlet, so there is good continuity between the pair.

Set revisions?

I struggle to find much I wish were different with this model. It would have been good to put the middle finger on a ball joint as they did with the thumb rather than a clip, so recreating the snap is possible. Likely, this would be an easy modification, so there is no hardship there.

I can’t fault anything further about the build, and I tried to think of things!

Ratings

Build: 5/5
The Nano Gauntlet was a delightful and quick build. You start with developing the base, then create a robust and tall core with many SNOT bricks to cover in tile.

The build concludes with the fingers, which is the most part-intensive segment. Each is produced to articulate at the knuckles – achieved through uncomplicated clip joints.

The product is solid and easily moveable – including the fingers, even though they are only held in place by a single clip.

Tiling off almost all the studs is highly satisfying, as I adore a polished exterior. You get a great sense of completion when an entire section is covered, and each stage gives you this feeling.

Display: 5/5

The Nano Gauntlet is a stunning display piece that looks more impressive in real life compared to the box. I am absolutely in love with the set and how distinguished it looks from the front and sides. The back is decent, too, and could sit as part of a 360-degree display. This adds versatility, which is a bonus as everyone’s displays and shelves differ.

The maroon-red contrasts beautifully with the polished gold and silver tiles. The metallic elements also sparkle in the light, bringing something new to the model each time you admire it.

It’s life-like in size, with a small footprint so that it can fit almost anywhere. This is a noteworthy bonus, as many collectors are short on space.

The fingers articulate, so you have some customization to make the gauntlet look however you want. I have mine set up as the snap, as this is the most iconic moment.

Price: 4/5

The $70 MSRP did give me pause for a set with 675 pieces – especially as there isn’t a minifigure and only a single printed element. It is a higher price per piece (PPP) than you hope for, but this is a licensed set and is cheaper than the Infinity Gauntlet ($10 cheaper with 85 more pieces).

I’ve only seen the set on sale when I grabbed it, so obtaining it for a reduced price will be hard. Overall, the price is acceptable, if not outstanding value. Most of the parts are small (which is excellent for details), but there are a few larger elements, and tiles cost more than plates, which elevates the price. The finished model does look worth the money, so you’re not left wondering how Lego justified the price point.

Final thoughts

If you collect Marvel sets for a shelf, you should add this to your collection. It is an iconic item from the MCU, and Lego has done a fantastic job of recreating it. It’s a solid build that looks fabulous on the shelf and will pair with the Infinity Gauntlet nicely without making you feel that you need to get the other tie-in sets, such as Thor’s Hammer or Captain America’s Shield. That’s a significant bonus with these sorts of collectibles – you can feel you’ve started a collection, so you must continue.

I was lucky to snag this in a deal that left me feeling giddy and satisfied. It’s a beautiful build that brings me joy whenever I view it. For Endgame fans, it’s a must-buy.

Buy the set

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