Thanks so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed this review of 71760 Jay’s Thunder Dragon EVO and 71762 Kai’s Fire Dragon! This version of Garmadon is, technically, exclusive to this set. This is the first set not from 2011 to feature a two-armed Lord Garmadon, though he could be created by removing the second set of arms from the version in 70664 Spinjitzu Lloyd vs Garmadon or 70679 The Ultra Dragon.

Of course, given the option, I think I’d rather take home the “top of the line” 71766 Llyod’s Legendary Dragon. As a return to “Core” Ninjago concepts, the EVO wave has done a great job of adding three new dragons into the lore. Admittedly, the 6+ models aren’t as complex (or expensive) as the dragon aimed squarely at the older fans. But they hold their own quite nicely and add some interesting variations into the Ninjago Draconomicon. The ball-jointed limbs and tail, combined with the posable jaw, do give you a lot of options for charismatic stances, at least. I have to note, though, that the bar on the long ankle joint on the front legs feels ripe for a sports-related sprain or break.

Kai’s Fire Dragon EVO comes with three minifigures: heroic ninja Kai, and two snake-themed foes. If you count the accessories, then the snakes are both unique to this set, but the base Boa Destructor and Cobra Mechanic figures do appear in other sets in the theme. Kai also has unique detailing for the theme, but can also be acquired in the 71765 Ninja Ultra Combo Mech and 71767 Ninja Dojo Temple. Jay's Golden Dragon Motorbike · 71769 Cole's Dragon Cruiser · 71770 Zane's Golden Dragon Jet · 71771 The Crystal King Temple · 71772 The Crystal King · 71773 Kai's Golden Dragon Raider · 71774 Lloyd's Golden Ultra Dragon · 71775 Nya's Samurai X MECH

Beginning with the smallest form, the dragon feels short and stubby, with a head that is not proportionately sized to the rest of its body. Thankfully, this can soon be fixed by progressing to the next stage of its evolution, with a single piece extending the body being enough to make this creature seem suitably sized. Add to that a longer tail and a small pair of wings, and while this dragon might not be flying just yet, it’s a lot more intimidating. Here’s a look at Kai’s Ninjago Core outfit, which also has the same Yukata-inspired design. You also get Kai’s hairpiece, and a sweet red Katana. Spinjitzu Slam - Lloyd · 70682 Spinjitzu Slam - Jay · 70683 Spinjitzu Slam - Zane · 70684 Spinjitzu Slam - Kai vs Samurai The perfect LEGO® toy to help preschoolers learn to build. A guide is included to explain the building steps and the ninja dragon can also be built using the interactive Instructions Plus guide on the free LEGO Life app! Assembled, the Companion form fits the bill as a not-ready-for-battle critter. The tail is too stubby, and the head is almost comically oversized for the body. But it’s sort of chibi and “cute” is a plus when it comes to companions.

Think Ninjago Legacy, but for younger builders, and introduces some really interesting building concepts that are suitable for those new to LEGO, and want to develop their building skills and capabilities.