Ice Planet 2002 is officially back in LEGO Minifigures 71046 Series 26 Space, so here’s the full lowdown on the frosty subtheme from yesteryear.
The next LEGO CMF is just around the corner, with 71046 Series 26 Space due to arrive online and in stores from May 1. The new blind box collection includes a selection of 12 unique characters, with multiple nods to classic LEGO Space sub-themes, sets and minifigures of the past.
One familiar returning face is the Ice Planet Explorer, complete with trans-orange chainsaw – such eye-catching elements being prevalent throughout all of Ice Planet 2002's models, albeit then in the slightly-different trans-neon orange, a colour that's now retired. Confusingly, the LEGO Space subtheme was launched back in the early ’90s (when 2002 seemed like the far flung future) and initially co-existed alongside the likes of Blacktron II and Space Police II.
Ice, ice, baby
A total of eight Ice Planet 2002 sets were released between 1993 and 1994, as well as a bundle pack that was comprised of three existing builds in one. The LEGO Space subtheme was notable for its frozen world setting, predominantly blue, black and white colour scheme and its use of striking trans-neon orange parts.
In addition to building upon the legacy of M-Tron and Blacktron II, Ice Planet 2002 was also the first LEGO Space subtheme to add facial hair, fringes and female faces to its minifigures. The LEGO Arctic range that (coincidentally) arrived in 2002 owes a great deal to Ice Planet 2002, as the latter boasted a similar overall aesthetic, vehicle and minifigure colours and the use of trans-neon orange pieces.
The LEGO NEXO Knights theme would also give a big nod to Ice Planet 2002, with multiple trans-neon orange parts being included across its numerous sets and minifigures.
Blast from the past
Ice Planet 2002 shared many parallels with the classic LEGO Space theme, from small one-person vehicles, right up to a planetary base and larger signature craft. The eight models launched between 1993 to 1994 were 1704 (an unnamed six-wheeled buggy), 1711 Ice Planet Scooter (later released with two different set numbers), 6814 Ice Tunnelator, 6834 Celestial Sled, 6879 Blizzard Baron, 6898 Ice-Sat V, 6973 Deep Freeze Defender and 6983 Ice Station Odyssey.
As well as using trans-neon orange elements, some of the Ice Planet 2002 sets also featured large, chunky white wheels, handy for navigating frozen terrain, and flying vehicles that had skis for snowy landings.
Interestingly, Ice Planet 2002’s 6983 Ice Station Odyssey came with a 32x32 moulded and printed 3D baseplate, repurposed from 1989’s 6276 Eldorado Fortress – elements that the LEGO Group no longer produces. If TLG ever decided to revisit such a set, the base of the model would need to be brick-built as with last year’s LEGO Icons remake, 10320 Eldorado Fortress.
Frozen features
As befitted their frozen environment, the Ice Planet 2002 minifigures were kitted out in cold weather survival gear, complete with white Space helmets and trans-neon orange flip-up visors. There were only three different characters included across all of the subtheme’s sets: the team leader, Commander Cold, Doctor Kelvin (both named in LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed) and an unnamed male minifigure once referred to as Krysto Ranger.
Kelvin was notably the only female Ice Planet 2002 minifigure, complete with lipstick and red hair, plus a printed silver and black torso with zippered fur collar, which she shared with the male character. Commander Cold (sometimes known as Commander Bear) had his own gold, blue and black torso, as well as white bushy eyebrows and moustache. It's worth noting that the Ice Planet 2002 icon featured on all of the printed torsos also calls back to the classic LEGO Space logo, but with a slight twist.
LEGO Ice Planet 2002 backstory
The subtheme’s frozen world of Krysto was said to be located at the centre of the known universe. That apparently made the planet an ideal place to develop an advanced rocket program, so that the team’s satellites could reach any remote galaxy.
The Ice Planet 2002 squad used special thermal equipment to allow them to survive in Krysto’s freezing cold climate, which was reflected in the minifigure’s outfits and vehicles. In one LEGO catalogue from the ‘90s, it was suggested that the subtheme existed in the same universe as Space Police II and Blacktron II and that the latter faction had recently sabotaged a satellite launch from the frozen world, attempting to steal its technology.
Beyond that, Ice Planet 2002 didn’t feature any specific adversarial characters, although it was later hinted that another villainous subtheme, Spyrius, was also trying to steal computers and rockets from Krystos. By 1996 Ice Planet 2002 has been replaced with the Exploriens subtheme and wouldn’t be revisited until 2024.
Ice Planet Explorer 2024
71046 Series 26 Space’s Ice Planet Explorer minifigure may be an homage to the ‘90s subtheme, but the character has been slightly updated for a modern audience. From the official images released to date, it appears as if the minifigure uses the same (or a very similar) printed torso, complete with white arms and blue hands.
Black legs are also included, but this piece now has subtle printing on it, with blue pockets and silver toes, which are a nice touch. The standard Ice Planet 2002 white air tank is missing, but the minifigure does get a major upgrade with an impressive helmet that has a printed orange visor and separate printed blue armour breastplate with shoulder pads, a similar element last used for Gurney Halleck in
Also making a reappearance is the Space subtheme’s chainsaw, in trans-orange rather than the sadly-defunct trans-neon orange, which can be attached to the character's back for storage, plus a new addition, a robotic white space penguin sidekick with a printed Ice Planet 2002 chest logo and orange visor. What's more, beneath the Ice Planet Explorer’s helmet is what appears to be the returning Doctor Kelvin, complete with red lips and a separate red hair piece.
You’ll be able to pick up the Ice Planet Explorer and 11 other 71046 Series 26 Space minifigures on May 1, when the new CMF hits the shelves. To ensure you get hold of any specific characters you're looking to add to your collection, be sure to download the Brick Search app in advance. The Brick Search team is working hard to verify that 71046 Series 26 Space’s blind box codes are scannable, which should allow you to correctly identify what’s inside the upcoming theme’s packaging.
To find out more about 71046 Series 26 Space, be sure to check out our deep dives into the legacies of both the Blacktron II and M-Tron sub-themes.
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