Kai - Hands of Time (Slightly Misassembled)
njo271 · Ninjago
Hands of Time · 2017 - Part of the early 2017 wave following the 'Day of the Departed' special.
Figure ID
njo271
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2017 - Part of the early 2017 wave following the 'Day of the Departed' special.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon - This figure appeared in multiple retail sets making it easily accessible for collectors at the time.
Head
Yellow head with Kai's signature scar over his right eye and a determined expression. It includes the spiky dark brown hair piece and a separate red cloth-style wrap mask.
Torso
Dark red Gi with deep red and black accents, featuring a stylized lion emblem on the right chest and black Sash/belt details. Yellow arms and black hands.
Legs
Red legs with black and dark red printing showing belt tails and knee armor details.
Accessories
The figure in the image is missing its signature dual katanas (usually silver or gold) and the Time Blade accessories associated with the sub-theme.
Color Scheme
A palette consisting primarily of Red and Dark Red with Yellow skin tones and Black accents. This 'deep' red is characteristic of the Hands of Time era outfits.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso and legs. The 'Lion' emblem and the Japanese-inspired Ninjargon script on the belt are crisp. The figure shown has some slight wear on the leg prints.
Variants
There are dozens of Kai variants. This specific 'Hands of Time' version is distinguished by the robe overlap pattern and the specific shade of dark red on the torso printing.
Condition Notes
The figure appears used with visible play wear. Note: The arms/hands have been swapped or the figure is misassembled; the official njo271 has red arms, whereas this one has yellow arms with black hands.
Estimated Value
Used (Complete): $4-$7 USD. Used (Incomplete/Customized as shown): $2-$3 USD.
Price (New)
Came in sets ranging from $9.99 (70621) to $79.99 (70626). Not sold individually.
Compatible Sets
70621 The Hands of Time Forge, 70626 Dawn of Iron Doom, 70627 Dragon's Forge.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and the older brother of Nya. In the Hands of Time season, he and Nya discover the truth about their parents while fighting the Time Twins, Krux and Acronix.
Design Notes
This era of Ninjago design favored 'Kimono' style overlaps and more muted, darker secondary colors to represent a more mature tone for the characters.
Similar Minifigures
Kai - Skybound (njo199), Kai - Day of the Departed (njo252), and various other Red Ninja iterations.
Collectibility
Moderate. While Kai is a fan favorite, this specific version is common. However, it is essential for collectors completing the full Hands of Time 'Team' lineup.
History
Released during the 7th season of Ninjago. This was a transitional period before the 'Sons of Garmadon' redesign which changed the face prints to match the LEGO Ninjago Movie characters.
Interesting Facts
The writing on the belts of these figures is actual 'Ninjargon' which can be translated into English letters found in LEGO Ninjago lore books.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the other five Ninja in their Hands of Time robes, ideally with the four gathered Time Blades (Green, Blue, Red, Orange).
Modification Potential
The figure shown is already modified. To restore to official 'njo271' status, the yellow arms should be replaced with red arms.
Overall Assessment
Standard protagonist figure from a popular mid-era Ninjago wave. This specific unit is a 'Franken-figure' with mismatched arms, lowering its value to purist collectors but remaining a great play piece.