Ghost
gen002 · Castle / Town / Pirates
Classic Castle / Pirates / Space / Fright Knights · 1990 - First appeared in Set 6081 (King's Mountain Fortress)
Figure ID
gen002
Theme
Castle / Town / Pirates
Year Released
1990 - First appeared in Set 6081 (King's Mountain Fortress)
Rarity
Uncommon - While mass-produced in the 90s, original glow-in-the-dark versions in good condition are increasingly sought after by vintage collectors.
Head
Plain black head piece intended to provide contrast beneath the ghost shroud, creating the illusion of empty black eyes and mouth.
Torso
Standard unprinted black torso; the character's visual identity is entirely defined by the white shroud/cloak piece placed over it.
Legs
Standard unprinted black legs; serves as a dark base to ensure the white shroud stands out.
Accessories
The primary accessory is the Part 4485 (Ghost Shroud/Cover) which fits over a standard minifigure. May include a ball and chain accessory in certain sets.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic: White (Shroud) and Black (internal body). The shroud features a Glow-in-the-Dark Opaque finish.
Printing Details
Simple, high-contrast black printing on the white shroud depicting two hollow eyes and a sorrowful, arched mouth. No printing on the torso or legs.
Variants
The original glow-in-the-dark version (gen002) is the most iconic. Later variants include a non-glow version and a 2012 redesigned version with a different shroud mold.
Condition Notes
The white glow-in-the-dark plastic is highly susceptible to yellowing from UV exposure. Collectors should check for vertical cracks on the sides of the shroud near the arm openings.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $12.00; New (Individual): $15.00 - $25.00 depending on the intensity of the remaining glow pigment.
Price (New)
N/A - Originally included in sets ranging from the $3.00 polybags up to the $50.00 King's Mountain Fortress in 1990.
Compatible Sets
Set 6081 (King's Mountain Fortress), Set 6270 (Forbidden Island), Set 1581 (Arla Milk Delivery Truck), and many others during the 1990-1999 window.
Character Background
Originally introduced to add a supernatural element to the Castle theme, the ghost became a staple of the LEGO system, appearing in Pirates, Town, and even Space (Unitron).
Design Notes
One of the most innovative uses of specialized plastic at the time. The shroud piece was designed specifically to be compatible with standard 1x2 brick-footprints.
Similar Minifigures
Lord Ghost (Monster Fighters), Classic Ghost (2012 Redesign), and various specters from the Hidden Side theme.
Collectibility
High for '90s nostalgia collectors. It is considered an essential 'vintage' figure that represents a turning point in LEGO's use of specialized elements.
History
Debuted in 1990 as the first LEGO figure to use glow-in-the-dark technology, staying in production in various forms for over a decade.
Interesting Facts
In the LEGO Island video game, the ghost is a recurring character. It is also one of the few 'figures' that can technically be 'worn' by any standard minifigure character.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in low-light conditions to showcase the glow feature. Often used in castle dungeon MOCs or haunted pirate coves.
Modification Potential
The shroud can be placed over any minifigure head/torso combination to create a 'haunted' version of that character, making it a favorite for purist customizers.
Overall Assessment
A legendary LEGO icon. While simple by modern standards, its glow-in-the-dark gimmick and creepy aesthetic make it a cornerstone of any classic collection.