Initial Thoughts on the Blacktron Renegade

[@ForgivenMan-jl7bp]

At this rate we may see a modern chrome crusher in 2027.

[@bensspaceagency4606]

Don't do that... don't give me hope (Hot take but I'd love to see a modern Solar Explorer

[@emel6423]

Rule of thumb: The bigger and weirder a Classic Space spaceship gets, the more likely it is to divide into multiple smaller, weirder ships.

[@SlugginAround]

So true! It is law!

[@busyrumble]

First Castle then Space?! I can't wait for Western to come back! ... right?

[@real-lacey]

AND THEN COMES FABULAND

[@ShyGuyXXL]

@@real-lacey It already did come back.

[@smittzero8463]

I'm not a Western guy but it would be nice to see a new set based around that theme. Unfortunately, it's filled with things that modern Lego doesn't like depicting in sets...

[@saltylemonton5537]

Heres hoping. Adventure kinda came back but I hope it properly comes back with guns galore.

[@LEGObowserYT]

If we’re going in order… Pirate time baby?

[@bagea]

7:46 you can hear the pain in his voice

[@smittzero8463]

Looking forward to a new Blacktron set that doesn't cost $190. Look how reasonable the price per part can be if you don't slap a Disney logo on your Lego spaceship! I look forward to combining this with the Blacktron Cruiser, after swapping out the clip connectors for more reliable Technic ones. It doesn't look too hard to make the two sets compatible. Although I do wish Lego would stop with the '18+' thing. Instead of 'adults welcome', it sends the message 'adults only'.

[@josephrowlee]

I am also looking forward to this one! :D You can do what you want with modifying the sets, but . . . From what I've seen from the official pictures, it looks like the Renegade might be PARTIALLY compatible with the Cruiser already. The clips on both seem to have a bottom one, a brick of space in between, and a top one, so the back parts of the Cruiser (just the bar brick thing) might still work with the different modules of the Renegade. But, we'll have to wait and see. :/ I do understand they had to change the system somewhat to make it stronger for this bigger set, though.

[@beartraptree]

The 18+ is actually there to warn you of the nudie calendar in the cockpit. Obvious joke aside, I agree that it sends the wrong signal.

[@darkmoon5564]

@@josephrowlee double checked the connection systems, and you just have to move the ones on the renegade 1 plate down

[@josephrowlee]

@darkmoon5564 You may be right, but I actually don't think so; as with all the stuffs about this, we'll have to wait and see for sure.

[@mr.funiverse]

As soon as I saw the reveal I was like “I have to know what slugger thinks of this” lol, great turn around time!

[@Lavender_Fox]

At least with Lego, things not being "compatible" is an issue of four bricks and a few bucks on bricklink, as opposed to some other industries.

[@SlugginAround]

Totally! A fixer upper isn't a big deal, for the most part. 👍

[@monte_cristo7732]

Wish they'd put more effort into the Icon's box art. At least play into it being a vintage theme with the artwork

[@t65bx25]

Ikr? They could do it for the Galaxy Explorer!

[@Starpotion]

Right, normally I would agree on not caring about the box but the Galaxy Explorer already set the bar. Even the Blacktron Cruiser got the same treatment and that was a GWP.

[@monte_cristo7732]

@@Starpotion and the Lion Knight's Castle and Eldorado fortress! But then they decided to phone it in with the medieval village etc

[@AClassicBrick]

I think it is very funny that your first reaction of "they still make that piece?" was exactly what I thought too, when I assembled the set. Its like "from all the 90s pieces you kept this?" Dont get me wrong, i love that piece, but its just funny that they kept it while retiring so many pieces.

[@elias_jkp]

I thought the exact same 😅

[@kailahmann1823]

interesting story actually… Several sets in 1996/97, then only the re-released Armada Flagship in 2001 (these sets where "one last hurrah for dozens of parts!) and then gone until 2008. Since then it's around once per year, always in some of the updated colors.

[@autumn702]

Me too! I had to look it up and was surprised to learn it was still in production. It's a rather odd piece, I'd've thought they would have retired it by now.

[@kailahmann1823]

There are quite a few pieces from that era still around, which look totally "single use"… Remember the odd looking "bar between bricks" piece, which was everywhere in early star wars sets? The engine piece also survived until 2018 (both with some updates). And the droid fighter (the only set without a minifigure back then) came with some very long wedge bricks, which are mostly useless - except for 19 sets in 25 years. Or 30180, an arch piece with the full "feel" of "Town junior", last used in 2022.

[@chocolate_maned_wolf]

"It's okay," Dumbledore said calmly,

[@OnePoundBird]

AND ITS NOT A $800 GWP!!!

[@stephenbraker5273]

Literally yesterday, I finally decided to order the original to complete my collection instead of sourcing individual parts, then see today the introduction of this new version! I agree that the original silhouette looks better to me, but I also like this new one. Tiago Caterino's interview with the designer really adds to my interest/like for this set. Also, the road signs for the Blacktron logos seem to be an interesting incorporation into the small flying rovers, so I like it. If it was just the logo, I would find the parts choice strange, the way they stick out. The play feature for dropping off or picking up the rover is pretty slick! I also noticed and love the use of the same Exploriens piece, and the girders add a lot of Sci-Fi interest in my opinion.

[@PNyka628]

Literally ~5 seconds before you pointed out that part at 3:59, I said to myself "That part still exists?"

[@RhoadsLivesOn]

Same. I figured that was one of the many pieces from the late 90s that was in ~6 sets over ~3 years and then discontinued.

[@BrickTemplar]

I’ve just bumped into it in the Durmstrang ship in Lego Harry Potter.

[@roddlez]

Love this. It's crazy that LEGO had to reinvent the wheel with the connection system. This is one of the key places that TECHNIC and System synergize so well. So odd

[@SlugginAround]

Well put! It really is reinventing the wheel, isn't it?

[@aaronwilliams9093]

Just wanted to say I love your videos - I've never personally been into Lego but hearing you talk about a topic youre so clearly passionate about gives me life :)

[@SlugginAround]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@octav1600]

That Exploriens wing still existing was my first thought as well. I am quite happy about that.

[@Brickster200]

Slugger being at the behest of nostalgia for nine minutes(looks great I'll probably buy it lol)

[@PlasticToa]

30036's longest absence was seemingly between 2001 and 2008, which I'm pretty sure was before LEGO started their "destroy molds after 5 years of no use" policy. also I feel like the pieces here (especially the other cockpit piece) could still be used to make a pretty good alienator remake, just at a much smaller scale than the official alt build.

[@NomicFin]

I'm definitely getting this since I love classic space stuff, though there's a few things about it I'm not entirely happy about. Replacing the nosecone with a flap covering a laser gun feels like it'll look bad from angles other than above, though I'll have to wait to see it in person (all the photos are strategically taken from an angle looking down on the model). Also while replacing the original's cargo pod with a vehicles is a better play features I think the pod would look better when attached on the spaceship, and without anything attached there it looks pretty flimsy.

[@empatheticrambo4890]

Wow, I learned about a set from RR Slugger upload before a Jang upload, impressive! I’ll wait to see if it goes on sale, I agree on the chonk factor

[@SlugginAround]

That’ll be the only time that ever happens! 😆

[@josephrowlee]

I am looking forward to this set! From what I've seen from the official pictures, it looks like the Renegade might be PARTIALLY compatible with the Cruiser. The clips on both seem to have a bottom one, a brick of space in between, and a top one, so the back parts of the Cruiser (just the bar brick thing) might still work with the different modules of the Renegade. But, we'll have to wait and see. :/ I do understand they had to change the system somewhat to make it stronger for this bigger set, though.

[@sirluftwaffles42]

I used to be a renegade I used to fool around But I couldn't take the punishment And had to settle down

[@solarwalkman]

Now I'm playing it real straight And yes, I cut my hair You might think I'm crazy But I don't even care I can tell what's goin' on

[@mogreen19]

BLACKTRON FOR LIFE!!!! The 6 year old in me is so excited 😁

[@amraeternalchampion8203]

blacktron cruiser was excellent and this one is also excellent 👍of course both are superior to galaxy explorer which was just ordinary triangle with cockpit on the top, blacktrons are more complex in every kind of way and more of them the better they are, connecting two renegades it should be massive spaceship, I hope it will be more blacktron sets

[@PlazDreamweaver]

I agree. I couldn't care less for the large grey triangle and never understood the hivemind bandwagon. Now the Blacktron Renegade is actually interesting and worth my money.

[@PhoenixClank]

It looks less like a spaceship and more like a space station that happens to have a canopy … and I love that æsthetic! (I'm currently in my annual Alien Isolation nostalgy phase and this thing looks like someone took a piece of the Sevastopol and painted it black and yellow.)

[@catface101]

The walker looks like a cordless drill

[@JacekRoznowicz]

The new alienator reminds me of the granite grinder.

[@Nadiki]

I’m super excited, it’s reasonably priced, looks great, and it’ll go awesome with the Blacktron Cruiser. I might have to modify it like with the Cruiser, I look forward to if you have suggestions!

[@Cooldude-kc5wf]

i feel like the cockpit is a bit too large for my tastes but its growing on me alot. i'll probably get this some time next year. and if it goes on heavy discount like I was able to get the Galaxy Explorer for I'll probably pick up another for the alt build edit! need to add. in my opinion the looks of this went up a lot after seeing people actually handling the model. the stock photos do not do it justice

[@SlugginAround]

Yeah, additional angles really help this set. 👍

[@Lordodragonss]

The cocpit messes whole ship. Its way too prominient.

[@O1sson]

I really like the clip system and hate the pin one. The clips allow you to bend the sections apart without damaging the links between them, whereas pins are hard to pull apart, more difficult to line up when putting assembling and most of all, prohibits the the sections to be easily bent apart. Worst case you could bend the pins!

[@SlugginAround]

Interesting! I've had nothing but trouble with the clip system, and it's not due to breaking them apart - it's due to putting them back together. You really had to "mush" the Blacktron Cruiser GWP back together once separating the modules and this put a ton of stress on certain sections that would simply sheer elements apart. I swapped out the clips and put Technic pins in and all of these problems disappeared! I was shocked, honestly. 😮

[@nihili4196]

5:27 Let's be honest, old Alienator was pretty dorky and lame, so it's only fitting this one looks the part. The fact it looks as good as it does while trying to be a faithful recreation is amazing

[@PaleozoicBricks]

When I initially saw the leak, I was a bit disappointed by it shaping. This version is very boxy compared to the very sleek and angular original. Then when looking at that immaculate buggy build, it dawned on me this set was going to have alternate models.... Then they didn't use the canopy piece surprisingly. I like the alienator build but it does have the side effect, well in both builds of they needed to be a 2 in 1.

[@elias_jkp]

I love this set and definitely want to get two copies for both the models (would actually be the first set I doubled in my collection). Also great video!

[@kailahmann1823]

Colors on these sets were even more limited back then: Usually 1-2 parts in trans-yellow, a few tiny pieces in trans-red and everything else is yellow and the vast majority black. Even light gray was only used when a pieces didn't exist in any other color (like some Technic parts). The GWP has a few pieces in dark bluish gray, which I'd like to see avoided here - let those people, who are always crying about evil blue pins feel the pain of having 800+ only black pieces :)

[@Crazyguy_123MC]

This is probably going to be a buy for me. I liked the remake of the Galaxy Explorer and from what I'm seeing here I think I'll like this one too.

[@bagea]

i always assumed the alienator had 4 legs, like an at-at or quad mech like walker, not 2 legs and those pieces just being support beams

[@gnohman8580]

My first reaction is that I don't like it. I thought they did a better job with the remade Blacktron Cruiser a couple of years ago. And why do it and the Alienator build both look so flat? I do kinda like the Alienator build more

[@SlugginAround]

I've warmed up to it a bot more, but my gut reaction when I saw it was very similar to when I first saw the Blacktron Cruiser GWP years back - just... "oh, that's it, eh?". 😅

[@JFireseed525]

Great preview, thanks! I will put second cockpit module on it, to get more symmetrical finish.

[@DZstudios.]

Well can’t wait for a Galidor Reboot at this point 😅

[@michaelkolano8686]

you know, it makes sense that while classic space sets try to be faithful, blacktron sets hold no reservations for changing with the times. sentiment is for the weak, and they have a cold war to win! kind of mindset comes to mind.

[@SlugginAround]

That’s a fun way to think about it! 😊

[@alexanderfry8857]

Imo modularity is great but like… only if you have options to mix and match sections? Sure, you can take an engine section off to add on the back of the cockpit to make a smaller spaceship, but other than that there seems to be very little to do. Which I think is a miss!

[@Nithin-e8v]

Came back from school to this, was shocked.

[@Thinginator]

The only critique I have is that the rims on the rover should've been yellow, as yellow rims were part of the Blacktron aesthetic. Otherwise I think it's great, and I have yellow rims to swap over anyway :)

[@Onerva_official]

@@Thinginator it's Blacktron, not Yellowtron.

[@Thinginator]

@@Onerva_official And??? Blacktron's primary color is black, but a black vehicle with no accent colors is boring. Blacktron has always used accent colors, with yellow in Blacktron I and white in Blacktron II, which makes the vehicles look exciting and sinister at the same time. Accent colors are an important part of Blacktron's visual identity and should not be overlooked! Classic space themes in general used contrasting colors for wheels because it adds visual interest and emphasizes the fact that it's a wheeled vehicle specifically, and because it's fun, darn it! The only major exceptions were the all-plastic rover wheels, which had an interesting enough shape on their own that black ones still looked cool, as in Blacktron II sets. I feel like the all-black wheels on this particular rover make the wheels look unnecessarily dull and disappear into the black mass of the rest of the rover. The rest of the rover looks great, but it would be elevated from a 7/10 to a 9/10 just by adding yellow rims to give the wheels some visual contrast and make it more consistent with the original Blacktron sets which did use yellow rims.

[@monte_cristo7732]

Would be good to know how much of a difference a theme being 'licensed' has on the rrp. Looking at the price of this vs. recent star wars sets, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference on a per part price, but is that inflated by this being a one off production?

[@the-NITRON]

I almost had doubts this set was going to be real. BUT SO GLAD THAT IT IS!!!! this also means that the Blacktron torso pieces will be BACK IN PRODUCTION! *MEANING BLACKTRON AMRY BUILDING WILL RESUME!!!!* (that is if they do put them back again in the online pick-a-brick) *LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!* -oh and it'll look great, with my Blacktron Invader (cruiser) armada... XD

[@manoelguidialvares6903]

He did! Thanks for the review ❤

[@brandonbaggaley2317]

I would likely get this set to put the Triforces that are part of it next to the Deku Tree set

[@THEYEAR2143]

Every time I look at the alt build I wonder if the legs are detachable cuz it looks like a cool ship without them!

[@autumn702]

I love it! If I see it on sale down the line I might get it to put alongside the Cruiser.

[@Gruntguy55]

It will look great next to my galaxy explorer! Mabe some villans for my growing classic space man collection!

[@Brickticks]

AWESOME!!! TOTALLY AWESOME!!!! But where am I going to put it? Also, um, do you think I might get lucky and find it early at my local Bricks n Minifigs? I’m heading there tomorrow, so, wish me luck in finding something cool! Oh, and to whoever said Western…. Somebody at Lego give us a Bandit’s Secret Hideout with an official Brickticks Engine Works Narrow Gauge Steam Locomotive please!!! Rockatoa, Brickticks out!

[@SadPinkDino]

BLACKTRONN!! I am very excited:D

[@vincentwiddershoven2122]

Thank you R.R. for your thoughts about this set!! My personal favorit(?) is the little Rover, lol. The ship itself is... okay. 😂

[@Ponk_80]

I once met a Dane called René Gade.

[@EpicoNubletto]

Woah that was quick!!

[@Zosso-1618]

i instantly wanted to know what you thought of it as soon as i saw it haha

[@cloud_and_proud]

The walker alt built reminds me a lot of the Blue Eagle walker mode

[@YgoFoxFire]

Actually the Blacktron Cruiser is somewhat compatible only needing a few minor modifications to make it fully compatible

[@SlugginAround]

Would have been *really* cool of them to include the parts you'll need to make those modifications within this set itself.

[@pinkraven4402]

I am not sure how feasible it would be but I kinda wish they did 2nd alternate build and the set of parts looks kinda like it would be possible to build like a black, EVIL version of Galaxy Explorer 😅 Imagine, two thrusters, a big translucent cockpit... I don't know, I know it's a very specific though that I think it's very fun 😜

[@JaoGamerYT]

I hope they keep up the whole updating old space sets thing so I can buy a massive space police galactic enforcer in 2050

[@TheSpaceGuy8538]

I really like this new set! It looks really cool!

[@docnecrotic]

Looks neat, a bit more "Star Wars-y" than my tastes, but still interesting. It does also look Blacktron. I don't like the front wind screen though. Also, girder/industrial bar pieces in the Year of our Slug 2025? NICE!

[@g40x91]

It's design reminds me of the 7672 rogue shadow from star wars the force unleashed. I'm usually a star wars guy but this set looks awesome.

[@ToaOfFusion]

We stan the bootleg Millennium Falcon

[@elizabethopoussm]

I'm wondering, should Lego continue to do these remakes, are there any lego space sets you'd really love to see redone?

[@SlugginAround]

Sadly, a lot of the sets I’d like to see redone contain colours that no longer exist… 😢

[@Eisenwald64]

5:13 Haven't seen official alt builds like that in years!

[@QalOrt]

Somehow Blacktron Returned, again

[@EternityKingdomsHeadHoncho]

Lego if you make a Spyrius GWP for this I swear to Galidor-

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

The truck looks like a space technical (militarized civilian truck). I hope we get a Space Police 1 ship in 2026.

[@NeonSupernovaUPW]

Why do I feel like I’m watching a Nostalgia Unboxed video? 😂

[@NotGalaxsu]

One can wish for an blacktron ice planet 2001 or rock raiders remaster 😔

[@ThePetaaaaaa]

I want a modern Mtron mega core magnetizer

[@Legohead458]

I have a slither of hope they remake Sphinx Secret Surprise or Dragon Fortress

[@octcube_]

I was honestly expecting a Blacktron II build when I first heard the rumors of a new Blacktron set. This is a neat set, but I guess I was setting myself up for disappointment. 😅

[@stockicide]

Any design gripes I have can be forgiven by the presence of a prominently advertised alt build. Plus, the set is neither overpriced nor an exclusive GWP. I wish it was as sleek as the model that inspired it, but that's what MOCs are for!

[@Cats-TM]

Personally, I prefer regular Tron, had cool Light Cycle races.

[@NiiRubra]

It looks pretty neat!

[@brickotronic]

Why did they skip Futuron? ☹️

[@brickotronic]

Oh, wait. It was released at the same time. So, there is hope to get Futuron still. Probably no monorail 😄

[@smittzero8463]

The 2025 City Space sets (I guess they're continuing that theme after all) contain Minifigures inspired by Futuron astronauts, if that counts.

[@SlugginAround]

A Futuron remake would be interesting! Lots of cool vehicles/ships to choose from there. 🙂

[@fascinatingfaux811]

Futuron is actually getting a (kind of) new torso in 2025 through Dreamz! Idk which set but it has the main character wearing a green slimy Futuron suit.

[@brickotronic]

@fascinatingfaux811 nice 🙂

[@TheHylianBatman]

I enjoy that, I think that's a fun little set.

[@thecelestialtoygazer7816]

It's giving Thunderbird 2

[@mensen2462]

Hey, at least we can buy it this time Looks good and I will most likely get it day one!

[@retektereptest]

I think I would've liked it better if it was a wholly original design since it already deviates from the source a ton. New old thing but busier always makes me ask why not just part together the original? Don't feel like I'm getting much here besides the airquotes convenience of not having to deal with the aftermarket.

[@titanic_monarch796]

oh nice, we'll be able to get those figures without crazy prices now! right? right????

[@thatguythatdoesstuff5899]

To me the cockpit looks too big. And with the galaxy explorer the bigger piece count went towards a bigger, stronger build, while keeping a strong resemblance to the original. This one seems to add on detail for the sake of detail. Not bad, but I think I'll skip it. I'm just not feeling it.

[@SlugginAround]

I think the cockpit is my least favourite part. I agree, this model seems to be going for something else, other than accuracy to its source.

[@walex8346]

oooo i think it looks really good

[@chedder_chandlure]

I like the set almost feels like a synthesis of old and modern Lego builds Also I'm not sure when I'll get the opportunity to say this but the slogan "Adults welcome" bothers me in a way I can't put my finger on...

[@TheWampam]

I never really got the hype around the Galaxy explorer. It felt like a typical MOC that just tried to be large and with lots of little parts simulating "details". This on the other hand actually seems to work without all the nostalgia bait as an actual modern set.

[@SlugginAround]

Hmm… did you ever build the other 2 models that came with it? One of its greatest strengths is that it’s a 3 in 1 in disguise!

[@TheWampam]

@@SlugginAround No, in fact I don't have the Galaxy Explorer.

[@SlugginAround]

@@TheWampam Ahhhh, yeah it's definitely one of those "doesn't look like much" from the outside, but I reckon it's one of the finest kits the company has put out in recent memory once you get into it.

[@rennythespaceguy7285]

I don't think it's fair to compare to the galaxy explorer, even if that's obviously trying to envoke, I think most sets struggle against that one, you can't compare every legal drama to 12 Angry Men. I do really not like the cockpit, I think the windshield piece used is way too big for me, makes the whole ship look a little chibi which just makes it look too dorky/friendly to me. Probably alone in that though

[@SlugginAround]

That's an apt comparison! 👍

[@TheGreatSteve]

Blacktron Renegade, R.R. Slugger edition.

[@sebastianthomsen2225]

now i have something cool to pick up! ^^ have a nice day slugger! 🐌 :)

[@M0torsagmannen]

Topical video? from R.R.Slugger? preposterous!

[@XCATX25]

The industrial look to me IS the blacktron 1 look. Lorewise it also makes sense, it's like a division of the space project that acquires power later and becomes independent, but it was shady to start with (espionage etc.), so industrial vehicles are what blacktron 1 are supposed to be, even if they look less slick and "aerodynamic" in exchange. Just a note, I really don't like the "youtube slugger voice", this more relaxed and calm version is waaaay palatable for me, but I guess the other ones sells more (I don't watch your videos for this reason though)

[@SlugginAround]

Thanks for the feedback! Good thing we've got channels for both "Sluggers". 😉

[@shinyrayquaza9]

I dont think thats the alienator, looks more like one of the battrax alt builds but I may be misremembering

[@Adder6112]

This honestly doesn't look like a nearly as good deal as the galaxy explorer remake might get this just to improve my blacktron Desemator

[@SlugginAround]

That's kind of what I was getting at in this video - the obvious comparison *is* the Galaxy Explorer, but is that really fair, given how above and beyond that set is? I'm torn!

[@shinyrayquaza9]

Oh nice, I wanted this but the og is expensive Looked at some comparisons, overall I like it and its 4x cheaper but def miss the "weird" elements like the round bit on the other slot looks lame compared to og, apparently the invader remake cockpit can fit in there tho

[@jo3y960]

This is so slugging interesting 🤔

[@THEYEAR2143]

This the most exciting set releasing in January for me! ARC-170 is very disappointing compared to this!

[@Dinowrestler]

I'm pretty glad I wasn't into the OG space/black tron. Like without the old memories its a pretty nish taste.

[@mystic-malevolence]

Hey, you can't have alternate builds if none of them kind of suck. It's a universal rule.

[@SlugginAround]

Hahaha true! 😆

[@TyronBezzina]

Guys, we're ignoring the most wanted remake...slugger home there, rock raiders

[@StudMuffin009]

Two different factions using the same canopy piece!? A different canopy piece would have served this ship better. I guess it doesn’t matter if you will not be displaying this beside the recent galaxy explorer model. The original’s short and seemingly taller canopy suggests a more forward and aggressive looking ship.

[@SlugginAround]

I agree. I think it’s my least favourite part of the ship right now.