LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet review

The latest LEGO Marvel Helmet Collection release is a unique choice, but is 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet a worthy addition to the subtheme’s line-up?

It certainly seems a little odd that with a licensed property as popular as Marvel, the LEGO Group has only released three helmet models based on the comic book company’s characters to date. In comparison, go take a quick look at the LEGO Star Wars Helmet Collection and it’s clear there’s an embarrassment of riches to be had with that subtheme, and it’s one that is continually expanding.

When it comes to LEGO models inspired by iconic Marvel headgear, it’s possible that ‘helmet’ might not even be the appropriate word to use when discussing the line-up of builds released so far. Sure, 76165 Iron Man Helmet certainly ticks that box, but 76187 Venom and 76199 Carnage are more busts or even masks, a category that 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet would seem to fall into.

Based on Peter Quill’s signature red-eyed nano mask-helmet as worn in the first two Guardians of the Galaxy movies (more on that in a moment), 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet attempts to capture the detailed look of the prop and is mostly successful in that regard.

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— LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet set details —

Theme: Marvel Set name: 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet Release: April 1, 2023

Price: £69.99 / $79.99 / €79.99 Pieces: 602

LEGO: Available now

— Where to buy LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet —

76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet is available to buy from LEGO.com and in LEGO Stores. It might show up at third-party retailers further down the line, too – check back regularly for the latest prices.

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— LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet build —

As with most LEGO helmet models, this 18+ build begins with a central box shape, which is constructed upwards from its sturdy display stand. Solid black pieces form the base and a central column of red Technic pieces seems to hint at some sort of potential moving play feature, but actually ends up serving no apparent functional or decorative purpose.

Layers of black and grey elements are then used to build up the sides of the helmet, with plenty of protruding studs for attaching external decorative pieces later on. This is where you’ll spend most of your time with 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet, repeating the same process over again until four sides of a basic cube have been formed. The front and sides of the helmet come together quite quickly though, with a small selection of drum-lacquered gold elements giving the otherwise pedestrian grey and black model much more character.

The same applies to the helmet’s eyes, which are (thankfully) new printed pieces rather than fiddly stickers to be applied. The character nameplate that’s included with 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet is also a printed piece, one that features both the LEGO and Infinity Saga logos.

The front of the build boasts yet another printed element, this time in the shape of large piece that covers the mouth section. In the included instruction manual, LEGO Model Designer Aaron Newman reveals that ‘we made the face in 13 sections, tessellated for the best possible coverage and accuracy’. That’s certainly true and there’s no denying that 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet definitely manages to capture the overall look of the character’s unique headgear.

However, this is definitely a LEGO Marvel set that has some issues. For starters, what you’re getting for your money is basically three quarters of a helmet, with the model lacking any sort of a top section. That might make sense considering that adding Peter Quill’s hair to the build could suggest that his severed head was lurking inside, but it makes 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet feel as if it’s incomplete. On the plus side, the set does also double up as a pencil pot, so there is that one unexpected bonus.

Likewise, having access to the interior of 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet would seem to offer up some potential for previously-unseen details inside the mask, something that is sadly lacking. In addition, the LEGO Marvel model arrived in stores slightly ahead of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hitting big screens around the world – but Star-Lord doesn’t actually wear his headgear in the threequel, suggesting the timing of the release wasn’t that great after all.

The final gripe regarding 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet has to be aimed at the fiddly breathing apparatus on the lower section of each side of the mask. While these may look chunky and solid, they are in fact only attached with ball and socket joints in the centre of each area, meaning the tubes move about quite a bit – and have an annoying tendency to become detached when the display build is handled or moved around.

— LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet characters —

Alas, as with every other LEGO helmet model, there’s no minifigure of the mask’s wearer included with 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet. That feels especially like a miss with this set, considering the timing of the build’s launch and the availability of a new-look Star-Lord in a number of recent LEGO Guardians of the Galaxy models, such as 76255 The New Guardians’ Ship.

— LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet price —

Here’s another area where 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet really falls down. Pricing the set at £69.99 / $79.99 / €79.99 for what’s essentially three quarters of a helmet seems an unnecessary expense. It also has fewer pieces than other comparative licensed LEGO helmet models, making the high cost of the build a real head-scratcher.

— LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet pictures —

— LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet pros and cons —

While it’s certainly encouraging to see a new addition to the LEGO Marvel Helmet Collection, it’s ultimately one that feels like a misfire. 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet does manage to mostly capture the iconic look of Peter Quill’s signature headgear, but it’s also a model that feels incomplete due to the top of the display build seemingly missing and a lacklustre interior.

If that wasn’t frustrating enough, the set’s high price point for fewer pieces than in other LEGO helmet models – and the flimsy design of the breathing apparatus – unfortunately make 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet a recommendation only for dedicated MCU fans with plenty of disposable income.

76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet pros76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet cons
Captures the look of the character’s signature headgearPricey and lacks piece count of more affordable helmet models
New printed eye and mouth pieces (and no stickers!)Lack of a head or detailed interior
Drum-lacquered gold elements add much-needed decorationBreathing apparatus is flimsy and prone to damage

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

Support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your copy of LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet using our affiliate links.

— Alternatives to LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet —

Only a handful of LEGO Marvel Helmet Collection models have been released to date, with 76165 Iron Man Helmet and 76199 Carnage now retired. That just leaves 76187 Venom as a possible purchase, although the LEGO Star Wars Helmet Collection does include a number of impressive builds such as 75350 Clone Commander Cody Helmet.

— LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet FAQs —

How long does it take to build LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet?

LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet should take you around 90 minutes to construct, which is a similar amount of time required to build other helmet-based LEGO models.

How many pieces are in LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet?

LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet comes with 602 pieces, including a handful of drum-lacquered gold elements, two printed eye pieces and a printed character nameplate.

How big is LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet?

LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet measures 18cm in height, 12cm wide and 13cm deep. It’s comparable in size to similar LEGO helmet builds and doubles as a pen pot.

How much does LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet cost?

LEGO Marvel 76251 Star-Lord’s Helmet is available right now and is priced at £69.99 in the UK, $79.99 in the US and €79.99 in Europe.

Author Profile

Matt Yeo
From video game journalism to kids’ publishing, I’ve been there, seen it, done it and worn the T-shirt. I was also the editor of the first-ever official LEGO magazine way back when, LEGO Adventures. I have a passion for movies, comic books, tech and video games, with a wallet that’s struggling to keep up with my LEGO set wish list.

Matt Yeo

From video game journalism to kids’ publishing, I’ve been there, seen it, done it and worn the T-shirt. I was also the editor of the first-ever official LEGO magazine way back when, LEGO Adventures. I have a passion for movies, comic books, tech and video games, with a wallet that’s struggling to keep up with my LEGO set wish list.

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