Kai - Hands of Time
njo274 · Ninjago
Hands of Time · 2017 - Debuted in the 7th season of the Ninjago television series and corresponding product wave.
Figure ID
njo274
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2017 - Debuted in the 7th season of the Ninjago television series and corresponding product wave.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While widely available in sets during 2017, this specific suit version was discontinued following the transition to the 'Sons of Garmadon' era.
Head
Double-sided head; one side features a determined/angry expression with a scar over the left eye, the other a smirk. It is topped with a red 'wrap' style ninja hood (Part 19857) featuring a black headband and a gold crest.
Torso
Red torso with black and dark red robe printing. The design features a sash, a black belt, and 'Hands of Time' specific patterns resembling armor plating. The arms are red and the hands are black.
Legs
Red legs with black hip piece. Printing includes black knee bands and a continuation of the robe's lower hem pattern on the front of the legs.
Accessories
Standardly packaged with two silver or translucent orange katanas. This specific figure is also often associated with the 'Red Time Blade' (Forward Time Blade) in the Hands of Time theme.
Color Scheme
Dominant Red with Black and Dark Red accents. Gold printing is used for the headband emblem and minor hardware details on the robe.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and back, and the front of the legs. The headband print on the hood piece is notable for precise alignment of the small gold symbol.
Variants
There are dozens of Kai variants. This version is distinct due to the 'Hands of Time' robe print. It differs from the later 'Legacy' versions which revamped this suit with more modern printing techniques.
Condition Notes
Watch for paint wear on the gold headband symbol and 'neck rash' (scuffing on the top of the torso from the hood piece). Stress marks on the heels are common if stored on studs.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD; New: $8.00 - $12.00 USD. Prices are stable but rising slowly as 'Hands of Time' sets retire further into the past.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $9.99 (70621) up to $99.99 (70627).
Compatible Sets
70621 The Vermillion Attack, 70627 Dragon's Forge, and 70625 Samurai VXL.
Character Background
Kai is the Master of Fire. In the 'Hands of Time' arc, he and Nya discover the truth about their parents while battling the Time Twins, Acronix and Krux.
Design Notes
This era of Ninjago design favored 'tech-orientated' ninja suits with heavy strapping and tactile textures before the simpler, more cinematic look of the movie-era redesigns.
Similar Minifigures
njo285 (Kai - Training), njo192 (Kai - Skybound), njo495 (Kai - Legacy).
Collectibility
High for Ninjago completionists. While not the rarest Kai, the 'Hands of Time' suits are favorites for their unique aesthetic and lore significance.
History
Follows the 'Skybound' era and precedes the 'Sons of Garmadon' aesthetic overhaul which introduced the movie-accurate faces.
Interesting Facts
The 'Hands of Time' season was the last season to use the 'original' LEGO character face designs before they were permanently changed to match the LEGO Ninjago Movie models.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the other five original Ninja in their matching Hands of Time robes, ideally with the four Time Blades on a rack behind them.
Modification Potential
Excellent. The torso and legs are versatile for urban ninja or samurai MOCs. The hood piece is highly sought after for custom red-clad warriors.
Overall Assessment
A solid, mid-tier Ninjago figure. It captures a pivotal moment in the character's development and features some of the best graphic design of the mid-2010s. Rating: 7/10.