Kai - Hands of Time
njo274 · Ninjago
Hands of Time (Season 7) · Released in 2017. Debuted alongside the Season 7 wave of Ninjago, which focused on the Time Twins and the Vermillion Army.
Figure ID
njo274
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
Released in 2017. Debuted alongside the Season 7 wave of Ninjago, which focused on the Time Twins and the Vermillion Army.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited promotional figure, it was only available in three specific sets from the 2017 wave and has been discontinued for several years.
Head
Yellow classic head with dark brown eyebrows, high-stress scowl, and a scar over the right eye. Features a two-piece red wrap: a top headpiece and a bottom mask element.
Torso
Dark Red torso with black arms and black hands. Printing features a red and gold dragon emblem on the right side of the chest and a sash with a pouch.
Legs
Dark Red legs with black hips. Dark red and black printed knee plating and sash ribbons that continue from the torso design.
Accessories
Includes black spiked shoulder armor (pauldrons). Though not shown in the image, he originally came with two silver katanas in the retail sets.
Color Scheme
Dominant Dark Red with Black secondary accents. Gold and yellow highlights in the printing to represent the Fire Element crest.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and back and the front of the legs. The gold accents are slightly reflective, a hallmark of mid-2010s Ninjago designs.
Variants
Standard Hands of Time version (njo274). Other variants of Kai from this era include the 'Kimono' version and various 'Legacy' redesigns that use different torso patterns.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the neck post (due to the shoulder armor thickness) and the gold printing on the torso, which can flake with heavy play. Check for cracks in the black heels.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8 USD. New/Mint: $12 - $15 USD. Values vary slightly based on the tightness of the arm joints and clarity of the face print.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $34.99 (70623) to $79.99 (70626). Not sold individually, though Ninjago figures usually averaged a $4 value within set MSRP.
Compatible Sets
70623 Destiny's Shadow, 70626 Dawn of Iron Doom, and 70627 Dragon's Forge.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and brother to Nya. In 'Hands of Time,' he and Nya discover the truth about their parents as they battle Krux and Acronix.
Design Notes
Significant for the transition to darker color palettes (Dark Red instead of Bright Red) seen in the later years of the original show's run. Uses the 2011-style wrap mask.
Similar Minifigures
Nya - Hands of Time (njo275), Ray (njo294), and Maya (njo295). Visually similar to Kai - Skybound and Kai - Day of the Departed.
Collectibility
Moderate. Highly desirable for completionists finishing the Hands of Time team. Ninjago collectors tend to hunt for specific seasonal variants like this one.
History
Represents the 7th major design overhaul for Kai since the theme began in 2011. This specific version was retired in late 2017/early 2018.
Interesting Facts
The 'Hands of Time' season was the last season before the 'Sons of Garmadon' soft reboot which changed the character's facial features to match the LEGO Ninjago Movie.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the other five ninja in their S7 'Hands of Time' robes. Looks great on a 'Dragon's Forge' MOC or in a standard Ninjago minifigure display case.
Modification Potential
The black pauldrons are a highly sought-after part for MOC fantasy warriors and knights. The torso is excellent for custom 'Red Hood' or samurai builds.
Overall Assessment
A solid, mid-tier Ninjago collectible. It boasts excellent printing and captures the darker aesthetic of the Season 7 arc perfectly. Rating: 7.5/10.