Kai - Hands of Time
njo274 · Ninjago
Hands of Time (Season 7) · 2017: Part of the winter wave coinciding with the seventh season of the 'Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu' television series.
Figure ID
njo274
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2017: Part of the winter wave coinciding with the seventh season of the 'Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu' television series.
Rarity
Uncommon: This specific torso/legs combination appeared in only two retail sets, though Kai is a main protagonist, making him relatively accessible during the 2017 production run.
Head
Standard yellow head with Kai's signature determined/angry face printing including his scar over the left eye. Hair piece is the dark brown spiked hair mold introduced for the character's earlier iterations.
Torso
Dark red wrap-style gi with a brown bandolier and tan pouches. Features back printing of the same bandolier continuing around. Arms are solid red with black hands representing gloves.
Legs
Dual-printed legs featuring red base with gold and dark tan armor plating designs on the knees and shins, representing the 'Evolution' or 'Hands of Time' tactical suit.
Accessories
Typically packaged with two silver or gold katanas and/or a vermillion blade (not pictured in the sample image).
Color Scheme
Primary: Red and Dark Red. Accents: Yellow skin, Dark Brown hair, Gold and Tan leg armor, and Black hands.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso and legs. The leg printing is particularly intricate for this era, featuring hexagonal armor patterns and layered belt details.
Variants
There are dozens of Kai variants. This 'Hands of Time' version differs from the Movie version (2017) which has different hair and eyes, and earlier 'Kimono' or 'DX' variants.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the spiked hair tips which can be chipped, and 'torso cracks' under the arms or on the side of the torso which is common in red plastic pieces from this era.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $4.00 - $7.00 USD; New/Mint: $8.00 - $12.00 USD. Prices are stable due to high volume of Ninjago collectors.
Price (New)
This figure was included in Dragon's Forge ($79.99) and Destiny's Shadow ($29.99). It was not sold as a standalone polybag or CMF.
Compatible Sets
70627 (Dragon's Forge) and 70623 (Destiny's Shadow).
Character Background
Kai is the Master of Fire and brother to Nya. In the Hands of Time season, he and his sister search for the truth regarding their parents while fighting the Time Twins, Krux and Acronix.
Design Notes
The Hands of Time outfits are noted for their more 'functional' look, incorporating pouches and heavy armor rather than traditional cloth-only gi, reflecting the more combat-heavy season theme.
Similar Minifigures
Lloyd (njo278), Jay (njo284), and Cole (njo285) from the same 2017 season featuring matching tactical aesthetics.
Collectibility
Medium/High. While common among Ninjago fans, collectors aiming to complete 'Full Suit' lineups for every season value this specific variant for its unique leg printing.
History
Kai was part of the original 2011 launch. This 2017 version represents the 'mid-era' design style before the drastic redesign seen in the 2018 'Sons of Garmadon' wave.
Interesting Facts
The scar on Kai's face is a consistent detail across almost every non-prequel version of the figure, though its complexity has increased with newer printing technologies.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the Vermillion warriors or the Fusion Dragon (70627) for a season-accurate diorama. Stand on a transparent orange 'fire' plate to highlight his element.
Modification Potential
The legs are highly versatile for sci-fi or futuristic knight MOCs due to the gold-lined hexagonal plating.
Overall Assessment
A solid, mid-tier Ninjago figure. It is a must-have for completionists of the 'Master of Spinjitzu' era. The printing on the legs is the standout feature.