Sometimes, a "classic remake" not only evokes fond memories for a certain generation but, even better, can spark the interest of a new generation of fans, captivating them with a wonderful experience that wasn't originally theirs. In my personal opinion, the star of our review today, LEGO Icons set number 10355, the "Blacktron Renegade," is exactly that kind of set.
Launched in 1987, the "Blacktron" product line featured a high-contrast and menacing black-and-yellow color scheme. Complemented by cool asymmetrical designs and accents of transparent yellow and red parts, it was undoubtedly one of the most striking LEGO themes of the 1980s, standing in opposition to another space sub-theme, "Futuron," almost like two rival factions. The Blacktron minifigures looked especially cool, with their all-black suits and monochrome torso printing exuding the aura of ruthless space adventurers—that is, until you lifted the helmet visor and saw the classic smiley face underneath...
This 2025 version, "10355 Blacktron Renegade," can be seen as an enhanced remake of the 1987 "6954 Renegade." Not only is it 1.5 times larger, but the piece count has increased nearly fourfold from the original 315 to 1151. While preserving the design soul of the Blacktron series, it incorporates modern building techniques and new parts into its appearance. Furthermore, it can be rebuilt from a spaceship into the bipedal mech, the Blacktron Alienator, making it a set that is sure to satisfy both new and old fans alike.
▼ One of the Blacktron series sets released in 1987, "6954 Renegade," with 315 pieces.
Source: Brickset
▼ One of the Blacktron series sets released in 1988, "6876 Alienator," with 86 pieces.
Source: Brickset
▼ I was super excited the moment I got the box! The deep black to dark blue gradient background not only highlights the spaceship but also features a retro-tech grid pattern. Paired with the classic Blacktron series logo in the top-left corner, it's guaranteed to thrill long-time fans.
▼ The back showcases the Blacktron Renegade from another angle, along with details, play features, the B-Model "Blacktron Alienator," and a line drawing with the completed model's specifications.
▼ The 47 cm length gives it a significant presence.
▼ As is customary, the top of the box displays the included minifigures and the brick-built robot model.
▼ The side features close-ups of the single-pilot space speeders with wings and the two-person cockpit.
▼ Let's open it up! The contents include two instruction booklets, one large and one small.
▼ Opening it up, you can read a brief background on the Blacktron series and an introduction to this Blacktron Renegade set by its designer, Jae Won Lee.
▼ The Blacktron Alienator does not have a separate printed instruction booklet. If you want to build it, you'll need to search for the instructions online.
Blacktron Alienator building instructions: https://www.lego.com/cdn/product-assets/product.bi.additional.extra.pdf/10355_01_BI_Build_Alt.pdf
▼ This set contains 1151 pieces, divided into 8 numbered bags.
▼ Let's start building!
▼ The Blacktron Renegade is complete!
▼ Now, as usual, let's take a look at some details you can only appreciate during the build. First up is the new special part that forms the backbone of the Blacktron Renegade spaceship.
▼ The satisfying click of the red and black parts fitting together!
▼ Even the unseen interior is meticulously detailed.
▼ Let's see which components can be attached and detached using the common connection points! Besides the main frame of the Blacktron Renegade spaceship, there's a two-person cockpit, a planet-rover, a communicator, two winged space speeders, and two engine energy canisters.
▼ Let's take a closer look at the details of this awesome spaceship.
▼ Here is the mechanism for deploying the rover.
■ Planet-Rover
▼ The print on the 1×2 sloped piece is fantastic!
▼ The robot can ride on the back. It's worth noting that, according to designer Jae Won Lee's lore, this brick-built robot is a version stolen from the "6952 Solar Power Transporter" set and repainted by the Blacktron crew. The black color scheme instantly changes its vibe! So cool and stylish.
▼ LEGO 6952 Solar Power Transporter.
Source: Brickset
■ Cockpit
▼ Hidden underneath is a laser gun equipped with a camera. In the history of the LEGO Space series, Blacktron was always involved in intercepting signals and infiltration espionage, so Jae Won Lee wanted to incorporate these surveillance camera elements.
▼ The wings can be extended.
▼ Thanks to the common modular connection points, the cockpit can not only connect to the main body of the Blacktron Renegade spaceship but can also have the engine energy canisters attached directly behind it to form another cool model. This kind of interchangeable expansion system is absolutely brilliant.
■ Space Speeders
▼ Besides being attached to the wings of the Blacktron Renegade, they can also be detached for a minifigure to ride on. Of course, you can also treat them as drones—it's up to you!
■ Engine Energy Canister
■ Communicator
▼ According to the set's designer, Jae Won Lee, in an interview with the LEGO fan site New Elementary, this communicator and the engine energy canister combine to form a satellite when attached.
▼ Let's check out the three Blacktron minifigures and the robot! The all-black spacesuits feature exquisite torso printing. I have to say, the difference in aura with the helmet visor up versus down is night and day! The classic smiley face is just too cute.
Next, let's disassemble the original Blacktron Renegade spaceship model and build the B-Model - the Blacktron Alienator! I personally love the design of the large bipedal mech's legs.
▼ Complete! You get one large walking mech and a single-pilot walking repair mech. And look at all the leftover parts!
▼ Just like the Renegade spaceship, the Alienator can also attach the two-person cockpit, communicator, winged space speeders, and the two engine energy canisters using the common connection points.
▼ The walking motion, with its legs moving back and forth, is quite charming and fun to play with.
LEGO 10355 Blacktron Renegade Review Summary:
As a new set in the Blacktron theme inheriting a retro rebel spirit, this Renegade spaceship, in my opinion, clearly succeeds in satisfying old fans while simultaneously attracting a new generation of LEGO enthusiasts to the cool, dark side of the Blacktron faction. In terms of appearance, the set maintains the classic color scheme: black, yellow, trans-yellow, and trans-red. The Renegade spaceship achieves the quintessential asymmetrical look when the two-person cockpit is attached. Combined with the modular connection design, you can not only freely customize its appearance but also create your own expansions to build a one-of-a-kind Blacktron vehicle.
Next is playability. The "planet-rover deployment system" on the Renegade spaceship is really interesting, and its substantial size is very satisfying. On the other hand, while the bipedal Alienator mech is smaller, it features a smooth and fun walking mechanism and also utilizes the modular connection design. You can even use the leftover parts to build new models or make modifications, offering excellent 2-in-1 play value! Or, you could just go all out and buy two sets from the start.
LEGO 10355 Blacktron Renegade
Recommended Retail Price: NT$3,779, Total Pieces: 1151
Available now. Purchase the 10355 Blacktron Renegade at a LEGO Certified Store and receive either a "40715 Alien Pack" or "40716 Alien Planet Habitat" set as a gift. (One of two, selection not available.)