Review: 75374 The Onyx Cinder
Posted by CapnRex101,Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is the latest Star Wars series arriving on Disney+ and 75374 The Onyx Cinder presents the titular crew alongside their ship. Though little is currently known about the vehicle, it definitely captures the traditional Star Wars aesthetic.
The asymmetrical turrets and offset cockpit are interesting and I like the Onyx Cinder's worn exterior, featuring lots of rusty dark tan accents. Moreover, the interior is relatively spacious, with enough room for five minifigures and some accessories, which is exactly what I hope for when building Star Wars sets like this one.
Summary
75374 The Onyx Cinder, 1,325 pieces.
£124.99 / $139.99 / €139.99 | 9.4p/10.6c/10.6c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Though expensive, the Onyx Cinder is an outstanding model, inside and out
- Distinctive and attractive design
- Several satisfying functions
- Great use of interior space
- Rigid structure for swooshing
- Interesting minifigures
- Some areas are hard to access
- Quite expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Skeleton Crew follows a group of children lost in the galaxy, but with Jod Na Nawood on hand to guide them. This enigmatic character is unusual among minifigures in that he lacks a smiling expression, although his sceptical and angry designs convey ample personality. Also, I think the reddish brown hair element suits Jod's onscreen hairstyle.
Dark brown is a common colour for clothing in the Star Wars universe, so this minifigure only really stands out because of the scarf. However, this matches Jod's appearance in trailers for the series and his belt is very detailed. I like the dark orange gloves as well, providing an extra dash of colour.
The minifigure is equipped with a pearl dark grey flintlock pistol, rarely seen in Star Wars sets. Nevertheless, this bears a close resemblance to the character's weapon in the show, which is reminiscent of a real-world duelling pistol.
The aforementioned children are dressed quite generically, but definitely look as though they belong in Star Wars. Wim incorporates a hair element created for the Encanto range and this piece looks superb, as does his jacket, which features an accurate symbol and lapel details on the front. Medium legs are also a good choice.
Fern sports a distinctive jacket too, covered with patches and corresponding with her attire in trailers, although printed arms would have been ideal and dark brown may have been a better colour than black. However, this shade distinguishes her among the group and her hair piece is effective too, complete with a braid to match Fern's appearance in the trailers.
Both characters include new double-sided heads and their frightened expressions seem fitting, given their predicament! Moreover, all four children come with colour-coded torches, which are presumably important because similar accessories accompany other Skeleton Crew toys, down to the colours of each.
KB seems to be the most mechanically inclined member of the team, given her practical garb and cybernetic implant. I love the white hair piece, which was initially produced in dark orange for Bo-Katan Kryze, as well as the metallic visor over her eyes. The alternative face shows this visor retracted and I am curious to learn why KB wears such a device, rare in Star Wars.
Of course, Neel has attracted more attention than his crewmates, given the belief that he was an Ortolan, like Max Rebo. He actually belongs to another as-yet-unknown species, albeit one with similar features. The sand blue head is highly detailed and Neel's eyes capture his friendly demeanour very well, while his dark blue hair looks marvellous too.
Neel is shorter than the other minifigures to reflect his onscreen height and these two are also supplied with torches, featuring red and orange 1x1 round plates to distinguish them. The four children regularly appear with backpacks in trailers for Skeleton Crew, so perhaps they should have been included to complete the ensemble.
The Completed Model
Light freighters frequently serve as 'hero' vehicles throughout the Star Wars saga and the Onyx Cinder fits nicely among them. Its worn exterior and asymmetrical design are characteristics of many such craft and I like the white stripes, breaking up the otherwise grey hull. Admittedly, the model is smaller than I expected, only measuring 35cm long, but this is an effective size for play and the freighter is very tactile.
The angular bodywork looks suitably utilitarian and the various panels nestle together neatly, especially around the forward engines. These are assembled around a Technic frame, which results in a solid structure, even though some connection methods seem needlessly complex. Regardless, the result is appealing and seems accurate to the television series.
Dark tan accents represent rust patches and I like the combination of exposed studs and tiles, creating the worn aesthetic typical of Star Wars vehicles. Additionally, the bodywork is finished from all angles, so even the underside looks good, with any colourful Technic pieces completely concealed inside.
I love the details on the nose, including an articulated claw and two laser cannons, or perhaps sensors. The functional ramp is also welcome. This does actually lead to the furnished interior, although it is not properly accessible from here because much of this space is reserved for the Technic frame.
A few stickers are applied on the hull, providing some extra detail, although leaving them off would not be a major problem because there is plenty of neighbouring texture. The vessel is heavily armed with several turrets, including a pair of stud shooters towards the front and two bubble turrets, which demonstrate the large size of the Onyx Cinder onscreen.
These turrets and a sensor dish further back are mounted on 2x2 turntables. These can rotate freely, which is not ideal for posing them on display when they are easily dislodged, but seeing them swing back and forth when flying the model around is fun! Notably, a black Technic switch is visible between the bubble turrets, but this feature does not stand out too much, thankfully.
Sliding the switch back causes the front and rear engines to rotate in unison, connected via a Technic beam passing through the freighter. This function is very smooth and I am impressed with how the internal mechanism is integrated, still leaving enough room for minifigures inside, which had not always been the case for similar vehicles.
The engines shift to a vertical position for landing and they also move during flight, which was shown in the latest trailer. Their articulation therefore seems accurate and the white stripes on each engine look excellent too. My only issue with the engines is that I wish the 2x2 round tiles forming their intakes had been printed, avoiding the need for six identical stickers.
Two more laser cannon turrets are positioned just behind the cockpit, including one that hangs down underneath. The cockpit itself is quite unusual. Its offset location is clearly reminiscent of the Millennium Falcon and other vehicles, but this one is tight against the fuselage, which would surely restrict visibility.
Nonetheless, stickered windows are found on three sides, again showing that the Onyx Cinder is significantly larger than the likes of the Millennium Falcon or the Ghost. The holes formed by 2x3 wedge plates along the side of the cockpit seem slightly awkward to me, although they can be imagined as vents.
There is enough room for a minifigure to sit inside, but I wish they were more secure, given the lack of connection points on the seat. The stickered consoles look reasonable though and I am pleased the designer was able to accommodate a minifigure inside the cockpit, despite its very limited space.
The freighter stands on four landing struts, each including light bluish grey barrels for texture. Retractable landing gear would have been fantastic, but these struts blend into the bodywork effectively and them folding away would occupy more space inside, which is really needed for the minifigures instead.
Speaking of which, opening the side panels reveals a spacious lounge, with seats for the four children and a central table. I like the reddish brown floor and dark tan furnishings used inside. These colours contrast with the grey hull, without being too vibrant because the Onyx Cinder is supposedly an older freighter. The trans-yellow highlights are attractive as well.
Clips are available for Jod's blaster and Wem's radio, while the four torches can be stored on the opposite wall. Dark tan inverted curved slopes are cleverly integrated on the wall, forming the backs of seats beside the stowed torches, while a basic kitchen area is located behind the seats. Access for play could potentially be improved, but the existing configuration is not bad.
Furthermore, you can lower the hull panel underneath the cockpit to reach the torches much more easily, as well as characters seated on this side. The many opening flaps remind me of 7662 Trade Federation MTT, which is certainly no bad thing!
Access to the bed between the lounge and the forward ramp is trickier, although even this is cleverly designed. I am glad the space is used and you can place a minifigure on the bed, or remove it altogether because it is only connected with two studs. Perhaps the bed could slide down the ramp in some way, but simple removal suffices.
Texture on the exterior continues towards the back, where pearl dark grey 1x2 ingots and 1x2 grille tiles form mechanical details, alongside a final sticker. Moreover, I like the angular wings, again decorated with white stripes. The light bluish grey radiator looks odd without any armour protecting , but maybe this functions like the exposed fins on a Snowspeeder.
Another loading ramp is found at the back, seemingly for cargo, rather than passengers. These two crates house a printed cookie and a brick-built meiloorun, which is an orange fruit returning from 75357 Ghost & Phantom II. Yet again, the designer has made efficient use of the available space.
Overall
75374 The Onyx Cinder is a prime example of my favourite type of Star Wars set, balancing impressive exterior detail and a rigid structure for swooshing with plenty of space inside. The angular shape is appealing and the striped bodywork looks superb, fortunately breaking up an otherwise grey silhouette.
Access to the interior could be improved in places, but there is ample room for minifigures and the various opening hatches provide many play opportunities. Maybe a villain could have been included for some conflict, such as the Shistavanen pirate Brutus, particularly given the price of £124.99, $139.99 or €139.99. Nevertheless, this is a fantastic set and a worthy purchase once discounted.
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53 comments on this article
I personally think that price is rather reasonable considering Lego pricing nowadays. Although I can understand this may be a bit of a tough sell at the moment since the show's not even out yet.
Actually really love the base spacecraft here, ignoring Star Wars aspects. Really solid build and cheap enough to pick up on the aftermarket without figures. Win for me!
I still can't believe LEGO released this before we even had a trailer for Skeleton Crew.
This reminds me a lot of the excellent 75293, and that is reason enough alone for me to pick it up.
I'm happy to see Lego swing back toward "studs and greebles" as seen in this set. I think it suits Star Wars transport ships way more than the overly smooth design language they've been using for the last couple years.
Is $140 for almost 1400 pieces really that expensive? There's quite a few mini figures.
I have no idea about the source material, but this thing is dog ugly, lol.
PPP seems decent, considering it's SW. But it seems rather small for a 1300 piece set? At first glance it certainly doesn't look like a €140 set to me...
And don't know what it should look like, but it looks rather rough. I don't mind some visible studs (it's Lego after all!), but this is a bit much.
It looks good enough but it doesn't really look like a Star Wars craft... for some reason I feel it would fit better in the Alien franchise.
This is a cool looking ship, it reminds me of the Rock transport ships from Shadow Raiders.
I think this will serve well as just another cargo ship in a spaceport.
I won't get this, but the show looks good. Reminds me of the Goonies...
Looks pretty nice as spaceships go, and I like the functionality and play features. That said, unless I had love for the show (and I doubt I'll even watch it as I'm a bit burned out on SW content these days), I don't think it quite stands on its own.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"I won't get this, but the show looks good. Reminds me of the Goonies..."
That's exactly what it's supposed to remind you of. It's the Goonies... IN SPAAAACE!
Thanks for the link to the trailer!
Another Disney series I‘m absolutely not interested in!
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Maxbricks14 said:
"I won't get this, but the show looks good. Reminds me of the Goonies..."
That's exactly what it's supposed to remind you of. It's the Goonies... IN SPAAAACE!"
The Goonies spin off show. The Goonies: In space.
The family and I are looking forward to the show and will undoubtedly pick this up (on discount) at some point.
Apropos of nothing (other than SPACE!) I just picked up three dark/earth blue classic space torsos at our local BAM station. I had not been aware of their existence, and it was a nice surprise! That color was near the top of my “classic space torso most wanted” list. Now for teal!
Thanks for the great review! I really like this set, I just can't commit before I see whether the show is good or not...
I feel like the medium legs have really ruined the appeal of the short legs. At the very least, I think any set with short legs should include pieces to help the characters sit like Bilbo and Frodo in 10316 Rivendell.
@BigDaddy89 said:
"It looks good enough but it doesn't really look like a Star Wars craft... for some reason I feel it would fit better in the Alien franchise."
Totally agree, but I do feel like there's some overlap because both series favor utilitarian over sleek designs.
@Mica86 said:
"'Distinctive and atrractive design'
Buddy....distinctive....it looks like a grey version of the kylo ren shuttle thingy..oh and a less recognisable silhouette
Atrractive...its a grey mess of parts and shapes..."
The only real similarity between this vehicle and Kylo Ren's shuttle is the angled overhang at the front with a ramp underneath. Fundamentally, the many light freighters and shuttles in Star Wars generally share similarities because Star Wars is a reflection of the real world, so vehicles are defined by their role and technology of the time and you would expect there to be similarities between them.
In this case, it would actually make me like the Onyx Cinder even more if it is revealed to be manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems or an associated company, as many of their vehicles have the same forward ramp configuration, including Kylo Ren's shuttle.
As for the design being attractive, I simply think it works. Like the vast majority of Star Wars vehicles, it is not beautiful or elegant, but I still find it appealing.
Great, another Star Wars ship that a guy who only watched the 9 movies won't be able to distinguish among a dozen similar. But it looks great as a generic futuristic transporter. No signature features, no name plates, heck even no license plates! How can they keep track of all of those ships in the galaxy far, far away?..
@Krutak said:
"Great, another Star Wars ship that a guy who only watched the 9 movies won't be able to distinguish among a dozen similar. But it looks great as a generic futuristic transporter. No signature features, no name plates, heck even no license plates! How can they keep track of all of those ships in the galaxy far, far away?.."
I'll bet the same was with our modern airplanes - broadcasting a call-sign signal at all times at some radio frequency. Unless, or course, they don't want to be found, or want to be misread for certain purposes, then they turn it off / hack it. The more generic / nondescript the ship, the better the chance it is you won't be noticed if doing something you shouldn't be.
I got this months ago (25% off already I believe) and I quite like it. The 'ugliness' works in its favour I think. Beautiful ships don't always make sense. And it is a fun build and a good playset.
Although I was really disappointed in Book of Hewhoshouldhavestayeddead, Obi-Wan and to a lesser extent Ahsoka I am sort of looking forward to a SW show to watch with the kids, so we'll see how that turns out.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Krutak said:
"Great, another Star Wars ship that a guy who only watched the 9 movies won't be able to distinguish among a dozen similar. But it looks great as a generic futuristic transporter. No signature features, no name plates, heck even no license plates! How can they keep track of all of those ships in the galaxy far, far away?.."
I'll bet the same was with our modern airplanes - broadcasting a call-sign signal at all times at some radio frequency. Unless, or course, they don't want to be found, or want to be misread for certain purposes, then they turn it off / hack it. The more generic / nondescript the ship, the better the chance it is you won't be noticed if doing something you shouldn't be."
https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Transponder_code
The ship does nothing to me. It feels a little bit like 75293, a set I bought then sold. Worst, it gives me 75147 vibe, a set I bought then parted.
That said, the figs are really nice and I'll probably try to get them on BL.
I'm actually looking forward to the show. It looks kind of fun and it's going to be a good show to watch as a family.
Digging its heavy-duty industrial look, Star Wars leans into sleek quite a lot so it’s nice seeing a workhorse like this pop up
I think this is a good example of why more greebling is not always better. Less is more as they say.
@eiffel006 said:
"The ship does nothing to me. It feels a little bit like 75293, a set I bought then sold. Worst, it gives me 75147 vibe, a set I bought then parted.
That said, the figs are really nice and I'll probably try to get them on BL.
I'm actually looking forward to the show. It looks kind of fun and it's going to be a good show to watch as a family. "
I bought 75293 on sale before it retired, but waited to build it until after my family and I had quite the Disneyworld experience just this past March. Fun build, great memories.
I bought 75147 secondhand and immediately parted it out. I do like the included minifigures.
@eiffel006 said:
"The ship does nothing to me. It feels a little bit like 75293, a set I bought then sold. Worst, it gives me 75147 vibe, a set I bought then parted.
That said, the figs are really nice and I'll probably try to get them on BL.
I'm actually looking forward to the show. It looks kind of fun and it's going to be a good show to watch as a family. "
It reminds me of a larger 75284 Knights of Ren Transport Ship
So Neel is no longer an Ortolan? That's unfortunate as Ortolan are one of my favourite SW species, and Disney's retcon is horrifying since they no longer have arms.
Doesn't really give me any Star Wars vibes.
To me this looks like it could be from any generic show set in space. Alien, Star Trek, Star Wars, Babylon 5, Red Dwarf even.
It's not a bad thing per se, I just don't need something that doesn't mean anything to me or evoke any kind of memory.
@AustinPowers said:
"Doesn't really give me any Star Wars vibes.
To me this looks like it could be from any generic show set in space. Alien, Star Trek, Star Wars, Babylon 5, Red Dwarf even.
It's not a bad thing per se, I just don't need something that doesn't mean anything to me or evoke any kind of memory. "
The series trailer is pretty generic as well, right down to the 80s song playing over the whole thing.
Good review. Decent set. Barely decent figs. With almost no leg printing, surely the could've given us a printed arm or two? Price isn't completely insane.
I like sets that have a good interior, exterior, and won't fall apart on the first swoosh (looking at you 75323 (and most ships built before 2012)).
This set is one of the best SW sets of the year. However, that's not saying really very much. At 20% discount or more, it will be a suitable purchase.
Is that positive enough? It's the most I could stomach. ;)
I came here to say it reminds me of 75293 (in a good way) and about six people beat me to it! Just a great build with great minifigs. I can see the "hey this set is based on less-known subject material" being a negative, but I like that it gives [me, you, anyone] the excuse to look something new up online. Or check out a new show. Or a new Star Wars hotel experience. Or whatever. Not to get too soapy, but that is one of my favorite things about some sets; a gateway to stuff I didn't already know. And maybe the show stinks. And that's ok. Still a great set. I'm happy to use it as a gateway drug.
@Pekingduckman said:
" @eiffel006 said:
"The ship does nothing to me. It feels a little bit like 75293, a set I bought then sold. Worst, it gives me 75147 vibe, a set I bought then parted.
That said, the figs are really nice and I'll probably try to get them on BL.
I'm actually looking forward to the show. It looks kind of fun and it's going to be a good show to watch as a family. "
It reminds me of a larger 75284 Knights of Ren Transport Ship"
True. Another set I bought and parted!
The ship's name got me thinking, so I looked something up; and shore nuff': Onyx dosen't 'burn' it 'melts', so 'Cinder' is a stretch...
Also: Thought I heard/read the one character's names is 'K8', sooo 'Kate'...about as original as how Dis names droids.:|
@brick_r said:
"The ship's name got me thinking, so I looked something up; and shore nuff': Onyx dosen't 'burn' it 'melts', so 'Cinder' is a stretch...
Also: Thought I heard/read the one character's names is 'K8', sooo 'Kate'...about as original as how Dis names droids.:|"
'Onyx,' noun, American English
3. black, esp. a pure or jet black
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/onyx
since it first leaked, it's reminded me of Space Police III
@brick_r said:
"The ship's name got me thinking, so I looked something up; and shore nuff': Onyx dosen't 'burn' it 'melts', so 'Cinder' is a stretch...
Also: Thought I heard/read the one character's names is 'K8', sooo 'Kate'...about as original as how Dis names droids.:|"
Falcons don’t live for a Millennium either. If you’re going to nitpick the ship names in Star Wars you’re gonna be a while!
@StyleCounselor said:
" @brick_r said:
"The ship's name got me thinking, so I looked something up; and shore nuff': Onyx dosen't 'burn' it 'melts', so 'Cinder' is a stretch...
Also: Thought I heard/read the one character's names is 'K8', sooo 'Kate'...about as original as how Dis names droids.:|"
'Onyx,' noun, American English
3. black, esp. a pure or jet black
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/onyx "
Hotblack and Disaster Area would be proud. If for no other reason than the 'Onyx Cinder' appears to be almost entirely devoid of the colour black.
(It's probably for tax purposes...)
@Brickalili said:
" @brick_r said:
"The ship's name got me thinking, so I looked something up; and shore nuff': Onyx dosen't 'burn' it 'melts', so 'Cinder' is a stretch...
Also: Thought I heard/read the one character's names is 'K8', sooo 'Kate'...about as original as how Dis names droids.:|"
Falcons don’t live for a Millennium either. If you’re going to nitpick the ship names in Star Wars you’re gonna be a while!"
But, if it did, it would would surely look like a piece of junk!
@magni_nominis_umbra said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @brick_r said:
"The ship's name got me thinking, so I looked something up; and shore nuff': Onyx dosen't 'burn' it 'melts', so 'Cinder' is a stretch...
Also: Thought I heard/read the one character's names is 'K8', sooo 'Kate'...about as original as how Dis names droids.:|"
'Onyx,' noun, American English
3. black, esp. a pure or jet black
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/onyx "
Hotblack and Disaster Area would be proud. If for no other reason than the 'Onyx Cinder' appears to be almost entirely devoid of the colour black.
(It's probably for tax purposes...)"
I remember Hotblack back before he cared about taxes. What a sellout!!
Maybe the black parts are there, but impossible to see.
Oh, a grey brick. Nice.
@Mica86 said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @Mica86 said:
"'Distinctive and atrractive design'
Buddy....distinctive....it looks like a grey version of the kylo ren shuttle thingy..oh and a less recognisable silhouette
Atrractive...its a grey mess of parts and shapes..."
The only real similarity between this vehicle and Kylo Ren's shuttle is the angled overhang at the front with a ramp underneath. Fundamentally, the many light freighters and shuttles in Star Wars generally share similarities because Star Wars is a reflection of the real world, so vehicles are defined by their role and technology of the time and you would expect there to be similarities between them.
In this case, it would actually make me like the Onyx Cinder even more if it is revealed to be manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems or an associated company, as many of their vehicles have the same forward ramp configuration, including Kylo Ren's shuttle.
As for the design being attractive, I simply think it works. Like the vast majority of Star Wars vehicles, it is not beautiful or elegant, but I still find it appealing."
Look if you truly believe this has aesthetic value i just need to accept your opinions cant hold any value for me beyond today lol
But no hard feelings, just the nature of ingesting reviews."
Fair enough. It falls into the same category as most Star Wars vehicles, in that their aesthetic value is fitting within the Star Wars universe, not possessing particular beauty.
Thanks for the review.
I like the ship and figures, but I really need to love the series if I'm going to buy it.
The trailer does look fun, so I'm going to give it a try.
Excited for the show and will eventually pick this up! Hoping for just a little bit of a discount at least.
The shape of the Onyx does not appeal to me, so this set is not for me.
The characters are quite good, though.
@refriedbeans said:
"Excited for the show and will eventually pick this up! Hoping for just a little bit of a discount at least."
Love your member handle.
There's currently a 25% discount at the US Disney store on all SW and Marvel sets. Even the big and new ones.
Down to 80 is Smyths, grab it before xmas
I understand the price.
This is a Disney-Star Wars set.
Based on a Disney-Star Wars show.
Which means no one will watch it and no one will want it. So LEGO needs to try to minimise the losses they'll make with this set by overcharging the few people who will buy it.
This is just another big pile of gray plate pieces from Lego Star Wars. I've had enough of those already. I'll pass.
This existing piece would have worked great for the engine intakes
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=15535pb01&idColor=85
Now I've seen the first two episodes I'm off to bury my completed set in the garden.
im only watching it cause of the holiday special reference