Kai - Hands of Time
njo274 · Ninjago
The Hands of Time · 2017 - Debuted in the LEGO Ninjago Season 7 wave, specifically in sets like Destiny's Shadow and Dragon's Forge.
Figure ID
njo274
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2017 - Debuted in the LEGO Ninjago Season 7 wave, specifically in sets like Destiny's Shadow and Dragon's Forge.
Rarity
Uncommon - While widely available in sets during 2017, this specific version was exclusive to the Hands of Time wave and has since been replaced by newer designs (Legacy/Core).
Head
Yellow head with determined expression, thick black eyebrows, and a small scar over the left eye/eyebrow. Dual-sided printing with a masked look on one side (though covered by the wrap here).
Torso
Black gi with dark blue and orange accents. Features a brown sash with a silver buckle across the chest and back. Yellow arms with black hands.
Legs
Black legs with dark blue and orange printing. Includes belt detail and orange knee wraps with tan bandages. No side printing.
Accessories
Black Ninja wrap/mask (top part), trans-red/orange spiky hair (as part of the mask mold or separate piece), and a Flat Silver Katana (Sword of Souls style) held in a silver shoulder scabbard.
Color Scheme
Primary Black and Yellow, with significant Bright Orange and Dark Blue accents. Metallic silver for buckle and blade.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso (front/back) and legs (front only). Detail includes textured fabric look on the gi and metallic highlights on the buckles.
Variants
Standard version (njo274) vs. 'Kimono' or 'Elemental Glow' variants from different waves. This specific figure is the standard Season 7 field outfit.
Condition Notes
Watch for 'arm cracks' at the elbows and torso sides common in 2017-era plastics. The silver katana paint can chip with heavy play. Check hair/mask tips for 'nibble' marks or paint loss.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; New/Mint: $10.00 - $15.00 USD. Prices fluctuate based on the condition of the cape/accessories.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $29.99 (70623 Destiny's Shadow) to $79.99 (70627 Dragon's Forge) in 2017.
Compatible Sets
70621 The Vermillion Attack, 70623 Destiny's Shadow, 70627 Dragon's Forge.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire. In 'Hands of Time', he and his sister Nya are central protagonists searching for the truth about their parents while fighting the Time Twins (Acronix and Krux).
Design Notes
The 'Hands of Time' mask mold is unique for combining a standard wrap with a specific hair-spike mold on top, representing the character mid-transformation or in a 'relaxed' ninja state.
Similar Minifigures
njo285 (Nya - Hands of Time), njo192 (Kai - Skybound), njo492 (Kai - Legacy).
Collectibility
Moderate. Desired by Ninjago completionists specifically for the Season 7 collection, though newer 'Core' versions are often preferred for general play.
History
Represents a transition period where Ninjago figures moved toward more complex torso printing before the 'Movie' redesign in late 2017 changed the characters' faces permanently.
Interesting Facts
The orange bandages on the legs are a visual nod to the 'Vermillion' enemy color palette, though they represent the ninja's rugged battle-worn gear.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the other five Ninja in their Hands of Time robes, ideally with the four Time Blades nearby for thematic accuracy.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Dark Ninja' MOCs. The torso/leg combo is versatile for custom modern-day tactical or mercenary characters.
Overall Assessment
A solid, mid-tier Ninjago figure. It perfectly captures the aesthetic of the 2017 TV season and remains a staple for any fan of the Master of Fire.