Kai - Hands of Time
njo284 · Ninjago
The Hands of Time (Season 7) · 2017: Part of the winter wave of Ninjago sets released alongside the 'Hands of Time' animated season.
Figure ID
njo284
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2017: Part of the winter wave of Ninjago sets released alongside the 'Hands of Time' animated season.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon: While widely distributed across three sets, this specific version is exclusive to the 2017 wave and has been discontinued for several years.
Head
Yellow head with Kai's signature determined brow and left-cheek scar. It features dual-sided printing (angry and determined). It is topped with the Ninja wrap/mask (Part 24137) in Red and Black.
Torso
Dark Red and Black design with a gold dragon emblem on the right chest, dark red straps, and a dark tan belt. The arms are Sand Blue (unique to this variant of Kai) and the hands are Dark Gray.
Legs
Black legs with printing detailing dark red and brown armor plating, knee pads, and dark orange belt tassels that continue from the torso print.
Accessories
Usually paired with two Katanas (not pictured) and sometimes a Time Blade depending on the specific set context.
Color Scheme
A unique combination of Black, Red, Dark Red, and Sand Blue. The Sand Blue arms are the distinguishing feature of the Hands of Time ninja variants.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and back, as well as the front and sides of the legs. The alignment on this era of Ninjago figures is generally very reliable.
Variants
Standard Hands of Time Kai (njo284) has Sand Blue arms. This differs from 'Fusion' Kai or 'Legacy' versions which use different arm colors and torso prints.
Condition Notes
Look for friction wear on the Sand Blue arms and torso sides. The red wrap is prone to 'clutch' marks where the plastic meets the torso neck post.
Estimated Value
Current market value for a used complete figure ranges from $4.00 to $7.00 USD. New/Mint examples can reach $10.00 to $12.00 USD.
Price (New)
Appeared in sets ranging from the $14.99 Vermillion Attack (70621) to the $99.99 Dawn of Iron Doom (70626).
Compatible Sets
70621 The Vermillion Attack, 70622 Desert Lightning, and 70626 Dawn of Iron Doom.
Character Background
Kai is the Master of Fire. In the 'Hands of Time' season, he and his sister Nya are central protagonists as they discover the truth about their long-lost parents, Ray and Maya.
Design Notes
This figure is notable for the two-part mask system introduced shortly before the LEGO Ninjago Movie, allowing for hair-on or mask-on display without swapping heads entirely.
Similar Minifigures
Hands of Time Lloyd (njo283), Hands of Time Nya (njo285), and earlier 'Airjitzu' or 'Skybound' versions of Kai.
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a necessary figure for those completing the Season 7 roster, though Kai figures are very common overall in the theme.
History
Represents the middle-era of Ninjago design, sitting between the classic character looks and the post-movie 'redesign' face prints introduced in 2018.
Interesting Facts
The Sand Blue arm color was a stylistic choice to represent the 'weathered' or 'faded' look of the ninjas' gear during their battle against the Time Twins.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the Vermillion warriors or in a 'Gallery of Suits' with other Kai variants from the Pilot season to Crystallized.
Modification Potential
The Sand Blue arms are highly sought after by MOC builders for creating custom tactical or military-style minifigures.
Overall Assessment
A solid, era-specific variant of a main character. The Sand Blue arms make it visually distinct from the sea of other Kai minifigures. Quality: 8/10, Desirability: 6/10.