LEGO ghost minifigures are a distinct and popular category within the LEGO universe, often characterized by their ethereal appearance and association with spooky or supernatural themes. These figures have appeared across various LEGO lines, from classic Castle sets to dedicated monster-themed series.
Core Characteristics
Several design elements consistently define LEGO ghost minifigures:
- Color Palette: Predominantly white, translucent (trans-clear, trans-light blue), or glow-in-the-dark materials are used to convey a spectral quality.
- Head Pieces: While some ghosts utilize standard minifigure heads with specialized ghostly facial prints (e.g., moaning expressions, hollow eyes), others feature unique molded headpieces, sometimes incorporating hoods or shrouds.
- Body Elements: Early ghosts often used standard minifigure legs. However, a significant innovation was the introduction of a specialized "ghost leg" or "tail" piece, a flowing, often ragged-edged element that replaces traditional legs, enhancing the floating appearance. Standard torsos are common, typically with printing depicting tattered robes or ethereal forms.
- Accessories: Common accessories include chains, scythes, spectral staffs, or lanterns, further emphasizing their ghostly nature.
Evolution and Notable Examples
The design of LEGO ghost minifigures has evolved over time:
Classic Era Ghosts: The earliest ghost, appearing in the Castle theme (e.g., set 6034 Black Monarch's Ghost and 6081 King's Mountain Fortress), was a simple white figure, often with a shroud piece and standard legs, sometimes featuring glow-in-the-dark properties.
Modern Ghost Designs: Themes like Monster Fighters, Hidden Side, Ninjago (with its ghost villains), and Scooby-Doo have introduced more detailed and varied ghost minifigures. These often feature intricate prints, dual-molded elements, and the aforementioned specialized lower body pieces.
- The "Flowing" Ghost Lower Body: This element (part number 98285 / 62691 / 18861) became a staple for representing specters, allowing for a more dynamic and less blocky appearance.
- Glow-in-the-Dark (GITD): A perennial favorite, GITD plastic is frequently used for ghost minifigures or their parts, enhancing their spooky appeal in low-light conditions.
- Translucent Elements: The use of translucent plastics for entire figures or parts thereof (e.g., trans-clear, trans-light blue) gives a more insubstantial, ghostly look.
Collectibility and Appeal
LEGO ghost minifigures are highly sought after by collectors due to their unique designs and thematic appeal. They are versatile for custom creations (MOCs), particularly in castle, fantasy, or horror settings. The variety in facial expressions, attire, and accessories ensures a broad range of ghostly characters, from mischievous spirits to menacing phantoms.
Their specialized parts, such as the flowing lower body element or unique headgear, are also valued by builders for uses beyond creating ghosts, adding to their desirability.
