Classic Ghost with Glow-in-the-Dark Shroud
gen002 · Castle
Fright Knights / Forestmen / Lion Knights · 1990 (First appearance in set 6081); this specific iteration appeared throughout the 90s.
Figure ID
gen002
Theme
Castle
Year Released
1990 (First appearance in set 6081); this specific iteration appeared throughout the 90s.
Rarity
Uncommon. While common in the 90s, original glow-in-the-dark shrouds are becoming harder to find in mint condition without yellowing or cracking.
Head
Solid white plain stud head (under the shroud). Standard 1x1 cylinder or hollow stud face-less head was used as a base.
Torso
Plain white torso with white arms and white hands. No printing on the torso as it is hidden by the shroud.
Legs
Standard white legs with white hip piece. No printing on the front or sides.
Accessories
Glow-in-the-Dark Shroud (Part 4403). The shroud features a printed 'sad' or 'spooky' smiling mouth and drooping eye holes. He may come with a black ball and chain (Part 30104) depending on the set.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic white with a translucent milky-white finish on the shroud that glows green in the dark.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the shroud for the facial features. The black ink is thick and durable, but can be scratched off over time.
Variants
The original 1990 version (gen001) had a round-top shroud without the points. This version (gen002) has a slightly more draped bottom. A later version (gen002c) used a ball-joint compatible head.
Condition Notes
Susceptible to 'yellowing' of the glow-in-the-dark plastic if exposed to UV light. Check for cracks at the base of the shroud and ensure the glow effect is still vibrant.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $10 USD; New/Mint: $15 - $25 USD. The value is largely held in the condition of the shroud.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $10 to $100 USD. Never sold in a standalone CMF bag during its peak era.
Compatible Sets
6081 King's Mountain Fortress (1990), 6034 Black Monarch's Ghost (1990), 10176 Royal King's Castle (2006).
Character Background
The Ghost was LEGO's first foray into supernatural figures. It often served as a guardian of treasure in Medieval Castle sets or a spooky resident of the Fright Knights towers.
Design Notes
The shroud mold is iconic for its draped fabric appearance over a standard minifigure. It was one of the first widespread uses of phosphorescent plastic in a toy line.
Similar Minifigures
The Ghost from Monster Fighters (mof003) which features a different face and green glow, and the Series 14 CMF Specter.
Collectibility
High nostalgia value. It is a 'cornerstone' figure for any LEGO Historian or Castle theme collector.
History
Debuted in 1990 as part of the Castle theme. It marked the first time a minifigure was designed to be 'larger' than a standard figure through an overlay piece.
Interesting Facts
Early ghosts in 1990 sets came in boxes that had a cutout so kids could test the 'glow' in the store. It is the only classic figure designed specifically to hide the entire body.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a dark corner of a medieval MOC or inside a shadow box with UV-reactive lighting to charge the glow effect.
Modification Potential
The shroud can be placed over almost any standard minifigure head to create a 'possession' scene. Third-party capes can be added underneath.
Overall Assessment
An essential piece of LEGO history. While simple by today's standards, its unique glow and silhouette make it one of the most recognizable figures ever produced.