Kai – Hands of Time
njo274 · Ninjago
Hands of Time (Season 7) · 2017 - Released as part of the first wave of the year following the Ninjago: Day of the Departed special.
Figure ID
njo274
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2017 - Released as part of the first wave of the year following the Ninjago: Day of the Departed special.
Rarity
Uncommon - Exclusive to three specific sets in the Hands of Time wave; while not individually rare, it is no longer in production and specific to an older season.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone, dual-sided with determined/smiling and angry/scowling expressions and a scar over his left eye. Topped with a dark red and red wrap-around ninja hood.
Torso
Dark red wrap with red highlights and gold fire emblem on the left chest. Features black and bronze belt details. Hands are black; arms are dark red with printing on the shoulders.
Legs
Dark red legs with red hip joining. Features red and silver kneepad printing with black straps and a continued belt design from the torso.
Accessories
Includes a dual-sword scabbard (back attachment) in pearl gold or black, holding two katanas (typically pearl gold in this set).
Color Scheme
A mix of Dark Red and Bright Red, representing Kai's transition into more mature, darker tones for the Season 7 aesthetic, with Gold and Black accents.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and back, as well as front leg printing. Alignment is consistent with 2017-era factory standards.
Variants
Other Hands of Time variants include the 'Fusion' version (njo284) from set 70627 and the sleeveless version (njo299). This specific version is the standard gi.
Condition Notes
Watch for hair/mask removal wear; the neck piece for the scabbard can cause minor stress marks if tightened too much. Dark red plastic is generally durable but check for faded prints.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8 USD; New/Mint: $10 - $15 USD. Prices fluctuate based on the completeness of swords.
Price (New)
Included in sets ranging from $29.99 (70623) to $79.99 (70626). Not sold individually.
Compatible Sets
70623 Destiny's Shadow, 70626 Dawn of Iron Doom, 70621 The Vermillion Attack.
Character Background
Kai is the Master of Fire. In the 'Hands of Time' season, he and his sister Nya investigate the mystery involving their missing parents and the Time Twins.
Design Notes
Significant for being part of the 'pre-movie' design era before characters were redesigned to look like their LEGO Ninjago Movie counterparts.
Similar Minifigures
Hands of Time Nya (njo279), Skybound Kai (njo193), Sons of Garmadon Kai (njo401).
Collectibility
High for Ninjago completionists. The Hands of Time suits are often praised for their detailed, slightly more realistic ninja aesthetic.
History
Represents the seventh major design evolution of Kai since the theme's 2011 debut, showing a move toward more complex torso and leg detail.
Interesting Facts
The 'Hands of Time' season was the last TV season to use the original character designs before the 2017 movie rebranding took over the show in Season 8.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the Vermillion warriors or the other five ninjas in their Season 7 master suits. The gold swords make him stand out on darker shelves.
Modification Potential
The torso and legs are popular for custom 'Old Master' or 'Ronin' style ninja MOCs due to the dark red color palette.
Overall Assessment
A solid, detailed minifigure from a transitional era of Ninjago. Essential for those who prefer the character's original face/hair style over the new movie-inspired look.