Review: 71719 Zane's Mino Creature
Posted by CapnRex101,
71719 Zane's Mino Creature varies dramatically from dragons which are traditionally associated with the ninja. This model looks quite appealing based upon official images, capturing extensive external detail and incorporating an interesting battering ram function.
An additional segment of the labyrinthine Skull Dungeons is provided as well, alongside four new minifigures. Unfortunately, none of these minifigures are exclusive, although Hero Zane and Ginkle only otherwise appear with 71722 Skull Sorcerer's Dungeon. I anticipate the Mino Creature itself being the highlight of this set.
Minifigures
The latest depictions of the ninja represent a dramatic departure from previous versions, sporting heavy armour. Hero Zane combines his traditional white gi with golden armour over his mask and shoulders. This colour scheme looks superb and I love the intricate torso design, although the medium azure sash around Zane's waist seems out of place without further complementary highlights across the front.
Hero Cole is probably my favourite of the six ninja from this wave because bulky armour feels most appropriate for the Elemental Master of Earth. The shoulder component looks particularly detailed and includes a stud on the reverse, where accessories can be attached. Metallic gold plates protect the torso and legs, along with dark bluish grey bands which are consistent with previous Cole minifigures.
Both minifigures are heavily armed, wielding a crossbow and an enormous mace respectively. These weapons seem appropriate for the characters, adapting their most frequent armaments for intense action within the Skull Dungeons. The accompanying round shields are brilliant too, matching the golden armour and featuring decorative lions.
Various unusual creatures inhabit the Skull Dungeons, including two Gleckles named Ginkle and Gleck. These diminutive characters were evidently inspired by goblins and they share numerous elements, including their double-sided head, torso and legs. That is somewhat disappointing but I think the facial expressions are sufficiently varied to capture different personalities.
Both minifigures feature lavender skin which is interesting, even within NINJAGO where many unusual characters have appeared. The torsos are intricately decorated and I like Gleck's dark brown hat, although dark brown would also have been more fitting for Ginkle's hood in my view. Additionally, unique torso designs should definitely exist for each figure.
Ginkle wields twin pearl dark grey sai while Gleck carries a stud-shooting crossbow. This part was originally intended to resemble Chewbacca's bowcaster but looks equally authentic when representing a generic weapon. Additional bolts are placed in Gleck's quiver but the crossbow actually launches pearl silver 1x1 round plates.
The Completed Model
Different sections of the Skull Dungeons are distributed between four new NINJAGO sets and 71719 Zane's Mino Creature contains the smallest component. This structure includes several tiered platforms which are angled realistically, teetering above the orange lava. I like the colour scheme and organic design, although this environment should have been expanded and lacks dedicated attachment points for the other Skull Dungeons models.
However, an enjoyable feature is included as the uppermost platform can tip over, depositing any occupants into the lava below! This function has been integrated beautifully and I like the dual-moulded Ivory Blade of Deliverance that both factions seek. Moreover, the stickers which are applied on each platform, relating to the tabletop game, do not spoil the appearance of this model because they appear reasonably subtle.
One health meter is included, displaying three golden hearts. These pearl gold 1x1 heart tiles have not appeared in this colour before and they can be removed or folded down with ease to represent lives being lost. The spinner indicates how many spaces each player can move and includes two studs where a minifigure may stand inside. Hopefully more information about the game will become available soon.
Zane's Mino Creature measures 25cm in length and was evidently inspired by the rhinoceros. The model feels remarkably heavy because it is densely packed with pieces and I appreciate the combination of organic and heavily armoured sections which are effectively distinguished. This design integrates a new 3x4 armour panel that looks good, although its size risks limiting alternative uses.
The model looks exceptionally intimidating when viewed from the front, due primarily to the enormous golden horn which is fixed on the head. Furthermore, the broad stance looks very strong. I think the eyes should have been angled forwards slightly though, corresponding with 75936 Jurassic Park: T. rex Rampage where the Tyrannosaurus rex's eyes are visible from the front and sides.
However, the eyes do look excellent when viewed from either side. These are printed at both ends of 2x3 tiles, although the lower eyes are covered by rock elements which leave only one exposed. The surrounding texture looks excellent and I love the golden highlights on the head, reflecting Zane's armoured attire. Trans-light blue 1x1 pyramids are also situated here.
Hinges allow the mouth to open, revealing the tongue. This function is enjoyable but I think the lower jaw looks too long so prefer to keep the mouth closed. Additionally, the standard angle of the head looks somewhat awkward, as though the Mino Creature is always preparing to charge. That position is necessary for the primary play feature though.
The front legs are huge, supporting the substantial weight of the torso and head. Unfortunately, this compromises articulation as the hips and knees are static. Nevertheless, I like the obvious contrast between the armoured upper legs and the lower sections that are predominantly dark bluish grey. Disc launchers are cleverly integrated within the legs too.
Zane sits between two banners on the Mino Creature's back. This area of the model is simple but looks attractive, featuring golden highlights alongside shuriken symbols that reflect Zane's traditional weapons. Moreover, his crossbow and shield may each connect in front of the rider which is perfect, not only for storage but also since they remain useful in this position.
However, the involvement of Zane is probably my least favourite aspect of this set as I think the white details appear out of place. I understand their intention to match the Elemental Master of Ice but this colour scheme does not appeal to me. Personally, I would rather the creature had been associated with Cole, allowing the designer to employ exclusively black, grey and brown elements across the exterior.
Pressing down on the Technic switch that is shown above causes the head to swing forwards, smashing anything in its path! This function works extremely well and creates surprising force before retracting again. There are several visible Technic pieces which is rather disappointing but they do ensure a secure connection between the head and the body, thereby occupying a significant role.
While the front legs are almost completely fixed in position, each hind leg includes two joints. The resultant articulation is reasonable, although its uses are limited because these legs are rather stocky and many poses are also reliant upon articulated front legs. I love the small tail though, which is perfectly represented by a dark bluish grey hook.
Overall
NINJAGO animals have proven increasingly appealing during recent years and 71719 Zane's Mino Creature definitely includes impressive detail, matching its numerous predecessors. The head appears particularly intricate and I like the rocky texture that enshrouds this entire model, befitting its environment within the Skull Dungeons. The head-butting function is enjoyable too and is integrated almost seamlessly.
The colour scheme could certainly have been improved though, in my opinion. Furthermore, I think the price of £44.99 or $49.99 seems somewhat expensive, despite this set including 616 pieces. The model is smaller than I had envisaged and the minifigure selection is less enticing than many comparable NINJAGO sets. I would therefore recommend other sets from the Skull Dungeons range above this one, although the titular Mino Creature is fun.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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23 comments on this article
The combination of gold and silver on the Zane is interesting.
Could we see a bigger diversity of Ninjago brick built creatures? Now that I watch this I think a Rhino is more suited as Cole Earth imsignia than Rocky the Dragon. Maybe a Sea Serpent for Nya...
I plan on switching this out for the rhino in the black panther set.
Yes I agree the color is not suited to the rhino, it would be better for Cole. However the could have gotten rid of most of the black elements and replaced them with white and blue and truly fit it to Zane’s style, I wonder why they did not do that.
-Mechahaulic
I feel the same. I might get this to complete the entire Skull Dungeon range, but only after other sets. The rhino looks cool, but I'm definitely going to wait for prices to go down.
I like this. A welcome change to dragons (which are still excellent)
Seems the lego game coming has lots in common with dungeons and dragons
@jdm said:
"I like this. A welcome change to dragons (which are still excellent)
Seems the lego game coming has lots in common with dungeons and dragons "
Makes me kinda surprised they didn’t include new characters based off the class archetypes.
This is the type of rhino the Black Panther set should have got
The Mino Creature reminds me of the legendary Korean haechi, a sort of dragon-lion thing that's sometimes portrayed with a horn or many horns.
I'm honestly a little underwhelmed by this set myself. It's not BAD, per se... but compared to the many other excellent Ninjago sets this wave, this one feels weak. Part of that is the creature itself, which feels blocky and a little muddy compared to the two excellent dragons, and part of it is the figures which are all available in other sets. As such, I'd much sooner opt for the two dragons, the large dungeon set, and the Fire Stone Mech over this.
Personally I'd've rather have the knight Cole have silver highlights and Lloyd have gold, but that might be a minor gripe.
The hook as a tail is hilarious and I love it.
I hope more giant magical creatures appear in more sets, especially with Monkie Kid and Ninjago exploring other cultures. Off of the top of my head, a hydra would be cool, we haven't seen one since that old creator set with the green dragon, or a plesiosaur representing the Loch Ness Monster!
I love how it looks like Monkey Kid is getting all the vehicle builds while Ninjago is getting some sweet buildings and animals for their build. This set looks interesting and I agree, it should have been focused on Cole not Zane for the accent colours.
I love this Rhino beast so much! So much strength and power emanates from it. That's a powerful Zane this time. Could have suited Cole because of bond to earth and pure physical force of course, but I will take it just like it comes. And I appreciate the new armour design for this new season. More western influences with big metallic pauldrons and practically Knights visors and helmets, but both new shields, armours are enjoyable to look at. It might be a strong departure to usual Ninjago aesthetic, but we already had so many different pure ninja style equipments versions till now that the change is more than welcome in my opinion.
Even though it has flaws, I absolutely love this set. It is original and unique. I do agree that the color scheme isn't perfect (personally I'd prefer light blue for Nya or black for Cole), but I will still be picking this up this set for sure when it drops in the US.
This is my least favourite set from this wave. Like others have mentioned, this beast would be better suited to Cole. The head-butting function is neat though.
Don't know much about the Ninjago line but I'm liking those purple goblin figures. Might pick up a few of them and throw them in with regular goblins
It's certainly an interesting set. I love the hook-tail, like others.
It's just a bit too large, for me, and I imagine the Australian price will reflect that.
I get that this is aimed at kids and, as such, not very concerned with consistency, but I find it difficult to reconcile Zane’s crossbow with Gleck’s. They are such different representations of the same weapon. It’s as if they are from two different toy brands.
@Wookiesmasher said:
"Even though it has flaws, I absolutely love this set. It is original and unique. I do agree that the color scheme isn't perfect (personally I'd prefer light blue for Nya or black for Cole), but I will still be picking this up this set for sure when it drops in the US."
I would have been totally cool with this being Nya’s set...for ONCE. Girl hasn’t gotten anything in the main Ninjago line since the Fusion Dragon, and she had to share that with her overly distributed brother.
Guys. I think I got it - Its Zanes AND Cole beast - thats why it shares color of both ninja.
Same wilth Fire/rock mech.
Also- I'm all about YES more sets for Nya!
Makes me hope to see more non-dragon beasties in Ninjago. Give us a big old wolf or fox sort of thing next, branch out a bit
@Brickalili: that’d be awesome, honestly. I’ve thought for a long time that it’d be neat to see sets based on the ninja’s animal emblems — a lion for Kai, a wolf for Zane, a gorilla for Cole, an octopus for Jay, a dragon for Lloyd, and a crane for Nya! I suspect that for a while LEGO designers probably steered clear of that to avoid trespassing on Legends of Chima’s turf, but by now it’s probably been enough time that they could open that door now, and this set is pretty strong evidence of what they’re capable of!
I still see this creature as a mix of powers of Zane and Cole
>those goblins look like leftover NEXO KNIGHT patterns that were recolored.
THAT'S THE BEST PART! Love them!