Lava Monster - Firax
pm004 · Power Miners
Lava Monsters Wave · 2010. Part of the second wave of Power Miners, which introduced the lava-based setting to the underground exploration theme.
Figure ID
pm004
Theme
Power Miners
Year Released
2010. Part of the second wave of Power Miners, which introduced the lava-based setting to the underground exploration theme.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited edition, Firax only appeared in two sets during the final year of the Power Miners theme, making him less common than the earlier rock monsters.
Head
Unique translucent neon-orange conical 'head' piece that fits onto a standard stud. It is covered by a specialized rubbery Dark Bluish Gray armor/head cover shaped like a monster face with white tusks, black nose, and orange horns.
Torso
Dark Bluish Gray torso with printing of black rocky plates/scales, an orange 'magma' belly, and light bluish gray line detailing on the back. Dark Stone Gray arms and black hands.
Legs
Standard black unprinted short legs, used to give the character a squat, monster-like appearance relative to standard minifigures.
Accessories
None included in the image. Usually provided with small flame elements or rock pieces in official sets.
Color Scheme
A mix of Dark Bluish Gray, Black, and Translucent Neon Orange. The orange represents the cooling lava/magma core of the creature.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back). The rubber head cover features painted tusks and horns. The torso print aligns well with the 'rocky' aesthetic of the 2009-2010 era.
Variants
This is the standard and only variant of Firax. Other lava monsters from this wave include Infernox (larger), Meltrox (red), and Magmar (red/orange).
Condition Notes
The rubber head cover is the primary concern; it can attract dust and lint (as seen in the image) and the white paint on the tusks can chip over time. The translucent orange stud underneath is rarely damaged.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $7.00. New/Mint: $10.00 - $12.00. Value has remained relatively stable over the last decade.
Price (New)
Retail for these small monsters was roughly $2.00-$3.00 if calculated as part of their sets. They were never sold as individual blind bags.
Compatible Sets
Set 8128 (Cadbury's Promotional), 8121 (Track Turbo), and 8962 (Crystal King - although primary appearance is 8121).
Character Background
Firax is a 'Lava Monster' from the Power Miners lore. Unlike the previous rock monsters who were mischievous, the lava monsters were depicted as more aggressive guardians of the deeper earth.
Design Notes
Uses the 2009 'Rock Monster' body mold but with a slightly updated torso print and the signature lava-themed head cover. The use of a rubber overlay was a specific tactile choice for this era of LEGO.
Similar Minifigures
Meltrox (pm001), Magmar (pm003), Firox (pm002), and the original Rock Monsters like Glaciator or Boulderax.
Collectibility
Moderate. Fans of the Power Miners theme consider these essential for army building. Demand is niche but consistent among 'monster' collectors.
History
Launched at the tail end of Power Miners (2010). The theme was eventually replaced by Hero Factory and later, indirectly, by themes like Nexo Knights which featured similar lava creatures.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Firax' is a play on 'Fire'. The head cover is made of a different polymer than the torso, which is why it has a matte finish compared to the glossy plastic body.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a 'lava' themed baseplate using translucent orange plates. Looks great alongside other 2010 Power Miners sets like the Magma Mech.
Modification Potential
The head cover can be removed and used on other minifigures for 'monster' customs. The torso is excellent for dark-colored subterranean MOCs.
Overall Assessment
A solid, flavorful figure that perfectly encapsulates the creative creature design of the late 2000s. Its unique head construction makes it a standout for collectors of non-humanoid LEGO figures.