A Brief History of LEGO Ninjago
LEGO Ninjago, a saga that began as a sketch on a late Friday in fall 2009, has transformed into an epic narrative that has captivated audiences and LEGO enthusiasts alike for over a decade. The initial concept, drawn by Tommy Andreasen, featured elemental ninjas, introducing a dynamic play element through spinners, leading to the innovative gameplay of "Spinjitzu". Interestingly, an early rendition even proposed a Water Ninja, a concept that wouldn't materialize until Nya assumed the mantle in 2015. The initial working title "Spinjago" evolved into "Spinjitzu", cleverly blending the essence of spinning action with the martial art of Ninjitzu, encapsulating the core of what would become a beloved play theme.
The name "NINJAGO" itself is a linguistic blend, merging "NINJA" with the concluding syllable of LEGO, embodying a sense of action and adventure. Intended as a "Big Bang" theme, Ninjago was initially slated for a brief run, with its narrative arc concluding after just two seasons. However, the plans shifted dramatically thanks to the overwhelming response from its ardent fan base, leading to the revival of the theme and its continuation as a staple of the LEGO portfolio, alongside giants like LEGO City and LEGO Star Wars.
The Evolution and Enduring Appeal of Ninjago
The essence of Ninjago lies not in a singular protagonist but in the synergy of a team, with each season peeling back layers of the individual characters, enriching the storyline and deepening the connection with the audience. The narrative, centered around the adventures of teenage ninjas Kai, Jay, Cole, Zane, Nya, and Lloyd, under the tutelage of Master Sensei Wu, battles against forces of evil to protect the mystical land of Ninjago. This theme diverges significantly from traditional ninja tropes, incorporating a modern twist and introducing a wide array of adversaries and a rich lore that extends beyond the constraints of its predecessors.
The Ninjago theme debuted in 2011, accompanied by an animated TV series that not only enriched the lore but also brought the characters and their world to life. Despite plans for discontinuation in favor of Legends of Chima in 2013, Ninjago's immense popularity ensured its continuation, outliving its intended successor. The theme also expanded into various forms of media and merchandise, including a feature-length film in 2017, which, while inspired by the theme, charted a unique narrative path.
One of the hallmark features of the Ninjago sets has been the innovative Spinjitzu spinners, introduced in the early waves and evolving over the years from the ground-based spinners to the aerial dynamics of Airjitzu flyers, and back again, each iteration bringing a fresh gameplay experience. The "Ninjago: Legacy" subtheme, launched in 2019, paid homage to the theme's enduring appeal by reimagining classic sets, a testament to its status as an "Evergreen Theme".
Over fifteen seasons, Ninjago has woven a tapestry of tales, with special episodes, mini-movies, and even a theme park movie enriching the lore. This journey through time has not only showcased the evolution of a theme but also highlighted the creative ingenuity of LEGO and the unwavering passion of its fanbase, ensuring that the world of Ninjago continues to spin with the same fervor as it did in its inception.
The Iconic Sets of LEGO Ninjago
The LEGO Ninjago series has consistently rolled out sets that not only capture the imagination but also push the boundaries of what can be achieved with LEGO bricks. Among these, the Ninjago City collection stands out, revered by both younger fans and the adult LEGO community for its complex architectural designs that have earned a spot among the top 10 largest LEGO sets to date.
At the forefront is the 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens, an awe-inspiring set that towers with over 5,000 pieces, making it the largest in the Ninjago series. It's a testament to LEGO's commitment to detailed, immersive playsets that invite builders into a meticulously crafted world. Close behind in scale and detail is the 70620 NINJAGO City, boasting over 4,800 pieces. This set brings to life a vibrant, bustling cityscape filled with interactive elements and hidden features, offering hours of exploratory play. The 70657 NINJAGO City Docks further expands this urban landscape with over 3,000 pieces, introducing new dimensions to the Ninjago narrative with its detailed dockside settings. For those drawn to the lore of Ninjago, the 70751 Temple of Airjitzu offers a captivating build, blending traditional architecture with the mystical elements of the Ninjago universe in a set that exceeds 2,000 pieces. The series also ventures into the high seas with 71705 Destiny's Bounty, the largest ship set in the Ninjago lineup, featuring intricate details and a rich backstory, encapsulated in its 1,781 pieces. Each of these sets, with their unique designs and expansive piece counts, not only provides a challenging and engaging building experience but also serves as a gateway into the vast, imaginative world of Ninjago, where every brick contributes to the unfolding story.
Let's dig into the most amazing sets from the last 15 seasons of LEGO Ninjago!
The LEGO 70620 NINJAGO City set, released in conjunction with The LEGO Ninjago Movie, is a highly detailed and expansive set that captures the essence of the bustling NINJAGO City. This set stands out for its intricate design, featuring several layers that depict different aspects of the city life, from the street level with its traditional fish market, to the mid-level shops and restaurants, and up to the high-rise buildings, including Lloyd's apartment and a rooftop sushi bar. With over 4,800 pieces, it is one of the larger LEGO sets.
The attention to detail in the NINJAGO City set is remarkable, with numerous unique elements and Easter eggs that reference various aspects of the movie and broader Ninjago lore. It includes 16 minifigures, such as Lloyd, Kai, and several city inhabitants, each adding to the vibrant city life scene. The set is designed for playability, with features like an operational elevator, traditional clothing shop, crab restaurant, and a bridge that connects different parts of the city. The set is structured into three distinct levels, each representing a different aspect of NINJAGO City. The bottom level features the traditional fish market, a bridge over a stream, and a boathouse. The middle level contains a modern fashion store, a comic book store, and a restaurant. The top level features Lloyd's apartment, a rooftop sushi bar, and a radio tower, adding layers of urban complexity. It includes interactive elements such as a working elevator to transport minifigures between floors, an ATM machine, and a traditional fish market with a fish-moving conveyor belt. The modular design of the set allows for sections to be easily removed and reconfigured, making it convenient to play with and display.
The LEGO set 71799 NINJAGO City Markets is an expansive and detailed model that encapsulates the vibrant and bustling essence of a marketplace within the NINJAGO universe. This set stands out for its intricate design and the inclusion of numerous features that enhance its realism and visual appeal. One of the highlights is a realistic pool table that utilizes 1x1 double arch bricks to create pockets, showcasing LEGO's attention to detail in replicating real-world objects at a miniature scale. The set also includes a jukebox adorned with a golden sausage, adding a touch of whimsy to the scene. Additionally, the Sushimi sushi shop on the upper level catches the eye with its distinctive design, featuring a stylized octopus and a lime green roller coaster track piece as the shop's sign. The set also includes a bathroom with a functioning flushing toilet mechanism, a novel feature that has garnered attention for its uniqueness and playability.
NINJAGO City Markets is celebrated for providing LEGO designers with the freedom to employ remarkable building techniques and create a set filled with attractive architecture and intricate details. This set not only lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors but also surpasses them in terms of functionality, making it a standout addition to the NINJAGO series. The inclusion of a cable car and a working toilet are among the features that set this model apart. Additionally, the set comes with a diverse selection of minifigures, adding to its play and display value. Despite some opinions that the set's layout could be enhanced, particularly by adding more market stalls to the central walkway, it remains a magnificent piece of LEGO craftsmanship. It is highly regarded among the 2023 LEGO releases, second only to The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell set, and is considered to offer good value for its price.
LEGO 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens is a detailed and expansive set that captures the essence of NINJAGO City's bustling life and architectural beauty. The design allows for the two baseplates to remain distinct and modular, enabling various configurations and rearrangements. The set includes intricate builds such as Ronin's Pawn Shop and a restaurant on the bottom floor, each packed with detailed elements and innovative building techniques. The first few floors consist of separate buildings that sit on an L-shaped foundation, with higher structures joining together to form a cohesive cityscape.
The set is filled with easter eggs and nods to various elements of the NINJAGO series, blending the natural with the synthetic to create a vivid and immersive environment. Notable features include a bank with hidden treasures, a Tea Time Balcony with intricate designs, and a Take-Out kitchen with unique building techniques. The second floor introduces an ice cream store with an innovative awning made of interlocked cleavers and Chen’s Noodle House, showcasing LEGO's creative use of pieces to bring life to the set. Despite the lack of stairs connecting some floors, the design includes detailed elements like an outdoor AC unit, adding to the realism and depth of the cityscape.
The LEGO 70751 Temple of Airjitzu set, released in 2015 and offers a rich and immersive building experience, featuring the majestic Temple of Airjitzu along with additional structures like a smuggler's market, a blacksmith shop, and a connecting bridge. The set stands out for its detailed architectural elements and innovative building techniques, such as the use of inverted mining helmets and garage door elements for roofing, which enhance its display and playability value. The centerpiece, the Temple itself, incorporates a light brick for a shadow theatre effect, intricate carpet patterns, and sliding doors that mimic traditional rice paper doors, showcasing the set's attention to detail and authenticity. Including a diverse array of twelve minifigures, the set brings together familiar Ninjago characters in new attire and introduces new figures. Among the notable features are the glider and firework cart.
The LEGO Ninjago 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine set is notable for its detailed design, including a curved shape with sculpted rock and plant details, a pool with a waterfall, and a carved dragon statue. It features a playable tilting platform mechanism and hidden elements like the Teapot of Tyrahn, a movable training area, a library with a secret room, and a shrine for display. The set includes minifigures such as Lord Ras, dressed in purple and black, leading the Wolf Clan. The shrine's design and elements like the carved dragon and integrated tree add to its display value.
The LEGO set 71797 Destiny's Bounty - Race Against Time is part of the NINJAGO theme and is notable for its detailed design and inclusion of unique elements. This set features a reimagined version of the iconic Destiny's Bounty ship, which is designed with a living dragon figurehead, adding a distinct touch to the ship's aesthetic. The ship is equipped with sails that are designed to open. The back of the Destiny's Bounty is particularly detailed, offering three floors for exploration. The lowest floor serves as the ninja's quarters, complete with a TV, chalkboard, and two beds, offering a surprisingly detailed and functional space given its size. The navigation room, while simpler, includes elements like a ship's deed on the wall and a large open window. The top floor is dedicated to Baby Riyu and includes playful elements such as a ball and bone. The set includes new and detailed minifigures, such as Arin, Sora, and Baby Riyu, along with a selection of other characters.
The LEGO set 71774, Lloyd's Golden Ultra Dragon, from the Ninjago Crystalized theme, features a grand golden dragon with four heads, designed for high posability with movable wings, legs, and tail. This set, consisting of 989 pieces, includes 9 minifigures; an exclusive Golden Oni Lloyd; Golden Cole, Golden Zane, Golden Kai and Golden Jay, who are all armed with their elemental golden weapons; Crystal King; 2 Vengestone Brutes; and a Vengestone Warrior. Lloyd's Golden Ultra Dragon is a significant element from the "Ninjago: Crystallized" TV series. It represents the largest dragon ever featured in the Ninjago series, distinguished by its four heads, highly posable legs and tail, and a pair of wings that transform into three golden blades.
The LEGO 71756 Hydro Bounty, part of the Seabound sub-theme, stands out with its detailed underwater vehicle, which includes a variety of features such as two spring-loaded shooters, an opening cockpit, folding wings, and a detachable mech. Additionally, it comes with two mini-submarine and its inclusion of 10 minifigures, which are characters from the NINJAGO: Seabound TV series. The minifigures include Scuba Kai, Scuba Cole, Scuba Jay, Scuba Lloyd, Scuba Zane, Scuba Nya, Prince Kalmaar, a Maaray Guard, and two Wu Bots..
The LEGO set 70655 Dragon Pit was released in 2018. This set is comprised of 1660 pieces and includes 9 minifigures, with 4 unique to this set: Iron Baron, Arkade, Chew Toy, and Heavy Metal, among others like Jay, Zane, Cole, Kai, and Wu. The Dragon Pit itself is a substantial structure, measuring over 51cm in width at its widest point, and features an arena where dragons and minifigures can engage in battles. The set is designed to represent a dragon fighting pit, with detailed elements like gates for the dragons to enter, a throne for Iron Baron, and a forge at the base of one of the towers for manufacturing weapons. The Earth Dragon included, known as Slab in the animated series, is a notable part of the set, with a design that includes articulated limbs and a rocky, textured appearance.
The LEGO set 70677 Land Bounty is part of the NINJAGO "Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitzu" subtheme, and was released in 2019. This set includes 1178 pieces and features 9 minifigures: Wu, Kai, Jay, Nya, Cole FS, Aspheera, Char, Pyro Destroyer, and Pyro Slayer, with two of these minifigures being unique to this set. The Land Bounty is a mobile ninja HQ truck equipped with various features such as a steering function, two shuriken slicers, a rotating shooting cannon, and a retractable spring-loaded shooter. It also includes a detachable flyer with a dual minifigure cockpit, stud shooters, and foldout boosters.
The LEGO set 71705 Destiny's Bounty, part of the "Rise of the Snakes" subtheme, was released in 2020 and was available until the end of 2021. The set includes the Destiny's Bounty ship, which is a significant element in the Ninjago series, serving as a mobile base for the Ninjago heroes. This set comprises 1,781 pieces and includes 7 minifigures: Cole, Jay Walker, Kai, Lloyd Garmadon, Nya, Wu, and Zane, with three of these minifigures being unique to this set. The Destiny's Bounty is designed as a detailed and re-imagined version of the iconic ship from the Ninjago series. The Destiny's Bounty set is notable for its detailed design, which captures the essence of the iconic ship from the Ninjago series.
LEGO Ninjago has triumphantly crossed into its second decade, underscoring the series' lasting charm. Given its robust popularity, we anticipate the Ninjago theme will keep expanding, bringing forth an array of spectacular new sets. Keep an eye out for more updates.