The LEGO® Group recently announced two sets based on the Marvel Comics “What If…?” animated series. The show deals with alternate realities in which the roles of key characters have changed. It is a what-would-happen-if scenario. Of the two sets, the LEGO® Group sent me one to review. Today, we take a look at Captain Carter and the Hydra Stomper (76201).
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. I will use my usual rating system (click here for more information) and provide my honest opinion.
HYDRA STOMPER SUMMARY
- NAME: Captain Carter and the Hydra Stomper
- SET #: 76201
- THEME: Marvel Superheroes
- COST: $39.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 343
- MINIFIGURES: 3
- RELEASE DATE: August 1, 2021
HYDRA STOMPER QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 83% (Very good cost-per-brick with a satisfactory build time.)
- BUILD: 95% (Great little mech design that only lacks minor embellishments.)
- MINIFIGURES: 84% (Minifigs need more detail, but you get a great number of them.)
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90% (Definite appeal for comic book fans with great play value.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 88% (Very good set.)
CAPTAIN CARTER AND THE HYDRA STOMPER REVIEW
VALUE: 83%
Captain Carter and the Hydra Stomper costs $39.99 in Canada and comes with 343 pieces. Consequently, the cost-per-brick is $0.117. That is particularly good for both LEGO® sets in general as well as for the Superheroes theme. That earns 88%. In terms of build time, I assembled this set in 46 minutes. At full price, the cost-per-minute is $0.87. For a Superheroes set, that is on the expensive side, but still satisfactory. Compared to LEGO® sets in general it is more average. Overall, I rate the build time at 77%. Considering this with the cost-per-brick score gives an overall value rating of 83%.
BUILD: 95%
I like mechs. I almost never keep them built due to space limitations, but I like them. The LEGO® Group pumps out too many of them though. However, I enjoy building them. The Hydra Stomper is no exception. It features a lot of articulation and poses wonderfully as a result. Additionally, I love that Steve Rogers hides inside completely when the suit seals up. The suit also employs a glow in the dark brick to wonderful effect in the mech’s chest. Finally, designers included brick-built details all around, making the armor look good from every angle. If I had to nit-pick, I wish that Steve had some controls inside of the mech. However, I can see why the mech lacks controls. Including them requires more space or a complete redesign. But it is a nice detail that the design lacks. I rate the build at 95%.
MINIFIGURES: 84%
Captain Carter and the Hydra Stomper comes with three Minifigures. Captain Carter is a given. However, you also acquire Steve Rogers and Red Skull. These are great characters that come complete with all the standard parts. Additionally, they all have front and back torso printing. Carter and Rogers come with double-sided face printing, and Red Skull has leg printing. In terms of accessories, you acquire Captain Carter’s shield and a tesseract (which appears to be a trans-blue Minecraft minifig head). While the characters are great, I think they would benefit from more leg or arm printing. Additionally, the set needs more accessories. I rate the character design at 78%.
On the flip side, Captain Carter and the Hydra Stomper really shines in terms of Minifigure count. Three characters in a 343-piece kit gives a brick-to-fig ratio of 114 bricks/minifig. Whether compared to LEGO® sets in general or just to other Superheroes sets, that is particularly good. This set earns a ratio score of 90%. Averaged with the design score, the overall Minifigure rating is 84%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
I do not know much about “What If…?” yet. As I write this, the series has yet to air. However, I love Superheroes Minifigures. In fact, they are what pulled me out of my dark age. This set appeals to me on a collector’s level. But I also think this mech is a fun play piece. The robot features a decent amount of articulation and stud shooters. Additionally, a Minifigure fits well inside for complete concealment. Finally, the set focuses on a strong female lead. That is something superhero sets need a little more of for all the aspiring heroines out there. With that said, Superheroes are not everyone’s interest. This appeals to a broader group of comic book fans though. I rate the entertainment at 90%.
OVERALL SCORE: 88%
While the build time is a little low for Captain Carter and the Hydra Stomper, the cost-per-brick is good. Additionally, the build is nice and features a lot of moveable parts. I like the unique Minifigures too, though I wish they came with more printing and/or accessories. Overall, this is a solid set even at full price. It has even intrigued me to watch the show. What are your thoughts on Captain Carter and the Hydra Stomper? Please comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
Want to support True North Bricks?
If you like the content at True North Bricks, please follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or YouTube for regular updates. Additionally, you can support True North Bricks by making your LEGO® (and other) purchases using the links in the menu to the right. As an affiliate of those retailers, I earn from qualifying purchases. These earnings come at no extra cost to you but help to the keep the content at True North Bricks free. Thanks for your support!