Assemble arrived with a fistful of The Power Cosmic to hype Avengers: Infinity War, including not only a mojo mug juiced up by Space, Mind, Soul, Reality, Time, and Power; our heroes trapped in glass; your very own laser-cut patriotic shield; a shirt waving an infinity flag; and a pin bespeaking T’Challa’s take on the stakes of the Infinity War.
My favorite item from Assemble has already received a bit of use, the Marvel Infinity War Gauntlet 20 oz. sculpted ceramic mug. It’s not only a beautiful sculpt, it’s also just ostentatious enough to overleap pretention straight into mug envy. Not that this is the biggest mug that I’ve ever seen, but as it combines its huge size with an iconic image straight out of Marvel fandom, it has an unforgettable visual authority.
My second favorite item from Assemble is a toss-up, as I can’t decide between the wearable and the second kitchen item in this crate. They’re both excellent items, and if I prefer one by describing it next, it doesn’t mean that I like it any better on the whole.
The Marvel Infinity War 4 piece stacking glass coasters are a wonderfully novel item, because they are one item apart, and a different item together, just like the Infinity Stones themselves. Not only does each coaster have its own image, but when you stack them up for storage, their unification composes a combined tableau of all the Marvel icons.
While the Infinity War t-shirt isn’t quite as novel, it’s a lively shirt with an outstanding graphic that not only depicts the Marvel heroes but creates a memorable symbolic logo. Moreover, this snug, comfortable shirt feels super on me (though it stops short of conferring powers or an alter ego).
Assemble’s Loot Pin is crafted in the shape of Black Panther’s helmet, and like a miniature sign, is scrawled with “Today, we don’t fight for one life. We fight for all of them.” I like that it seems to do double duty, not only quoting a line but providing a good slogan for today’s modern political arena, which day after day pits naked self-interest against the social contract. While I’m a fan of “Wakanda Forever!” in the way that the line asserts a beautiful fiction against an ugly reality–reminiscent of “Frodo Lives!” and other countercultural battlecries–it is nice to see another line gain some currency.
Lastly, Assemble included the Incredibuilds: Captain America: Civil War 3D model made from laser-cut wood and ready to be assembled, per the theme of the crate. I have not yet assembled this, but in the past we have enjoyed putting together Incredibuilds.
Overall, Assemble was an outstanding crate. Not only was I very pleased with the shirt, per usual, but I am pleased with the Infinity War mug and coasters and happy to have the thoughtful pin and the excellent model.
Assemble is no longer available, but until July 15th, you can order Take the Lead, which includes goodies featuring She-Hulk, Captain Marvel, Squirrel Girl and more.
This Marvel Gear & Goods theme is TAKE THE LEAD!
Join us in celebrating heroes who TAKE THE LEAD with a collection of Marvel gear featuring She-Hulk, Captain Marvel, Squirrel Girl and more! Order by 7/15 at 9pm PT. Supplies are limited. https://t.co/BzJYMzDhWg pic.twitter.com/QNpfdN2MzV— Loot Crate (@lootcrate) May 17, 2018
Loot Crate sent the review copy.
