Life on Mars - Mac
lom005 · Life on Mars
Human Crew · 2001
Figure ID
lom005
Theme
Life on Mars
Year Released
2001
Rarity
Uncommon. While Life on Mars was a mass-retail theme, it had a short one-year production run (2001-2002), making specific crew members like Mac harder to find in pristine condition today.
Head
Yellow head with black eyes and white pupils, a black mustache, and brown stubble. It is paired with a Dark Olive Green classic soldier helmet (part 3068).
Torso
Dark Gray torso with a 'V' pattern and a green triangle logo (Human Crew emblem) inside a radar/grid pattern. Features bright green arms and yellow hands.
Legs
Dark Gray legs with black and light gray mechanical/padding prints on the thighs and knees (pockets/armor detail).
Accessories
The figure is shown holding a black blaster rifle (standard long rifle piece) and a light gray tile/control pad. Note: The helmet is original, but the rifle is a common era-appropriate accessory.
Color Scheme
A mix of Dark Gray, Bright Green, and Dark Olive Green. This was a departure from the classic blue/white space themes, aiming for a more 'near-future' rugged NASA aesthetic.
Printing Details
Pad printed. High detail for the era, including 2001-style mechanical textures on the torso and legs. Printing is limited to the front of the torso and legs; no back or arm printing.
Variants
None known for this specific character 'Mac', though he shares the head-print with several other Life on Mars and LEGO City figures from the early 2000s.
Condition Notes
The Dark Gray plastic can show tooth marks or stress easily. The silver/light gray printing on the torso is prone to rubbing off with heavy play. Check for 'clutch' in the legs and arm joints.
Estimated Value
$4.00 - $8.00 USD (Used/Complete). Sealed sets containing him range from $40.00 to $150.00 depending on set size.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure was not sold separately). Came in sets ranging from $3.00 (Polybag) to $100.00 (Aero Tube Hangar).
Compatible Sets
7311 Red Planet Cruiser, 7317 Aero Tube Hangar, 1343 Messengers (European Promo).
Character Background
Mac is one of the human astronauts sent to Mars in 2001 to investigate life. Unlike the hostile aliens of previous themes (UFO/Insectoids), the Life on Mars humans actually befriended the Martian Martians.
Design Notes
Life on Mars was the first space theme to use significant amounts of 'Sand Green' and 'Dark Gray'. Mac’s head print is iconic of the early 2000s 'gritty' LEGO look featuring facial hair/stubble.
Similar Minifigures
lom001 (Cassiopeia), lom10 (Martian characters), and early 2000s 'Mars Mission' astronauts.
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a nostalgic piece for 'millennial' collectors but doesn't command the high prices of Classic Space (1970s/80s) or licensed themes (Star Wars).
History
Life on Mars was released in 2001 as a peaceful contact scenario. It was followed years later by 'Mars Mission' which took a more combat-oriented approach.
Interesting Facts
The 'triangle' logo on his chest represents the three-pronged mission of the Human crew: Exploration, Discovery, and Contact.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside a 7311 Red Planet Cruiser or in a habitat MOC using sand-red and sand-green bricks to mimic the Martian surface.
Modification Potential
The head is a popular choice for custom 'Military' or 'Gritty' town minifigures due to the unique mustache/stubble combo.
Overall Assessment
A solid example of early 2000s LEGO Space design. While not extremely valuable, it is a high-quality figure with great historical significance in the transition from classic to modern space themes.