Imperial Guards was a Pirates subtheme introduced in 1989 that eventually replaced the Imperial Soldiers as main adversaries of the pirates. Some of the older Imperial Soldiers' sets that were still in production were re-categorized as part of the Imperial Guards faction until their discontinuation in 1995.
1989 LEGO Sets
In 1989, the LEGO Group continued to explore new horizons in the world of play and creativity. The company introduced the LEGO "Model Team" theme, which appealed to older builders and car enthusiasts with its intricately designed, realistic vehicle sets. Furthermore, LEGO launched the "Technic Figures" line, introducing articulated figures that added a new level of realism to Technic creations. Beyond product innovation, the year marked the opening of the first LEGOLAND park in the United States, in Carlsbad, California, further expanding the LEGO brand's presence and offering families immersive LEGO-themed experiences.