Kai - Hands of Time (The LEGO Ninjago Movie Style)
njo284 · Ninjago
Hands of Time · 2017: Contextual release with the Season 7 'Hands of Time' wave and the transition period leading into 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie'.
Figure ID
njo284
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2017: Contextual release with the Season 7 'Hands of Time' wave and the transition period leading into 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie'.
Rarity
Common: This version of Kai appeared in two widely available 2017 sets and a Bricktober pack, making him easily accessible to collectors.
Head
Yellow head with high-swept brown hair and a red headband featuring a gold dragon symbol; dual-sided print with a smirk on one side and a determined/angry face on the other.
Torso
Red Kimono-style robe with black trim and a gold dragon emblem on the left chest. Features a dark red belt (obi) and back printing with the Elemental Fire symbol.
Legs
Red legs with black and dark red printing that continues the robe's hem and belt detail; features red sandals visible at the feet.
Accessories
Typically packaged with two silver or gold katanas; however, this specific ID (njo284) is often identified by the red headband/hair combo piece (part 27255).
Color Scheme
Primary: Bright Red; Accents: Black, Dark Red, and Metallic Gold details for the dragon motif.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso (front/back) and legs (front). The dragon emblem features a subtle metallic gold sheen typical of late-2010s Ninjago figures.
Variants
Numerous variants of Kai exist. This specific 'Hands of Time' version differs from the 'Movie' version (njo310) which has a different headband design and facial scar.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the metallic gold printing on the torso which can rub off with play, and the thin 'neck' of the hair/headband piece which can crack if handled roughly.
Estimated Value
New: $5 - $8 USD; Used: $3 - $5 USD. Value is stable as he is a core character but not a rare exclusive.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from the $14.99 Destiny's Shadow to the $400 NINJAGO City (as a different variant). The specific njo284 figure was effectively ~$4 of set value.
Compatible Sets
70623: Destiny's Shadow; 70627: Dragon's Forge; 5004934: Bricktober 2017 Ninjago Pack.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and older brother to Nya. In the Hands of Time season, he and Nya search for the truth about their parents while fighting the Time Twins.
Design Notes
This figure utilizes the newer 'movie-inspired' hair mold with the red headband integrated into the hair piece, which became the standard after 2017.
Similar Minifigures
Kai (Legacy versions), Lloyd (njo294), and other Ninjago ninjas from the Hands of Time / Day of the Departed era.
Collectibility
Moderate: Essential for Ninjago completists and fans of the Hands of Time story arc, but lacks the high-value 'chase' factor of limited anniversary figures.
History
Represents the bridge between the original show art style and the redesigns introduced for the 2017 theatrical film.
Interesting Facts
The dragon print on the torso is actually a mirrored version of the design used on Lloyd's robe from the same wave.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the Hands of Time villains (Krux/Acronix) or on a red-accented stand with his elemental fire blades.
Modification Potential
The hair/headband piece is highly sought after for custom 'Civilian' ninja MOCs. The torso is excellent for custom Samurais or martial arts masters.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-designed representation of Ninjago's protagonist. While not rare, it boasts excellent detail and captures the character's 'hot-headed' personality perfectly.