Review: 71746 Jungle Dragon
Posted by CapnRex101,
Befitting the dense jungle environment, 71746 Jungle Dragon features menacing claws beside comparatively small wings. This superb dragon appears accordingly appropriate for traversing concentrated vegetation, particularly given the distinctive body shape.
That interesting shape has drawn comparisons with 70612 Green Ninja Mech Dragon which certainly bodes well. Additionally, the teal colour scheme is exceptionally unusual and looks wonderful, contrasting with previous dragons and integrating several new or uncommon pieces. The resultant model should prove outstanding.
Minifigures
The ninja traditionally wear appropriate clothing for their environment and new jungle designs have been introduced with The Island. Lloyd Garmadon therefore appears especially rugged, integrating darker colours than normal and a unique headband which is dual-moulded with the hair piece. This complements his green bandana alongside matching accents across the torso and legs.
Intricate printing covers the whole minifigure and Zane features comparable detail. The famed Elemental Master of Ice displays his traditional colours of white, silver and pale blue, although his metallic armour includes authentic scratches on this occasion. I particularly appreciate the subtle integration of medium azure highlights on the torso and the triangular power core looks magnificent too, precisely matching its position on past Zane minifigures!
Both characters are equipped with their standard weapons as Zane carries a bow while Lloyd includes a golden sword. However, that sword cleverly incorporates a machete element which should prove useful in the jungle. Lloyd also features a bone and the precious Storm Amulet is provided. This accessory appears throughout the new range, combining trans-purple and pearl gold plastics to great effect.
Naturally, the ninja commonly encounter opposition during their adventures and two Keepers challenge them here. PoulErik is among the leading members of the tribe, distinguished from other characters by his two stacked heads! This unusual feature seems somewhat reminiscent of the stacked Stone Golems in 71741 The Keepers' Village and the heads appear intimidating, despite displaying diametrically opposed facial expressions.
One such head is shared with the imposing Thunder Keeper, although this is usually hidden beneath his mask. This element takes obvious inspiration from both Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures, featuring elaborate decoration and spectacular teeth. Teal colours seemingly pervade the Keepers' artworks and their mysterious island, including across this mask and the Thunder Keeper's body armour.
Furthermore, the lavender skin tone appears exceptionally distinctive, contrasting against the dark tan armour. The shared torso and legs between PoulErik and the Thunder Keeper seem slightly disappointing, although these elements are very impressive individually. Both warriors carry bladed weapons as the Thunder Keeper wields a spear while PoulErik is armed with two curved knives.
The Completed Model
Befitting the island environment, numerous vehicles focused around sailing appear throughout this subtheme. Zane's windsurfer is among the smaller examples, although this vessel features considerable detail with appropriate colours to reflect its owner. The metallic gold highlights look particularly effective, extending beneath the board where two thrusters are positioned.
Zane's vessel is seemingly capable of flight, based upon the packaging, so the round thrusters appear important. Additionally, I like the angular shape towards the prow and two stud shooters are nicely mounted on each side, launching trans-light blue 1x1 round plates. There is sufficient space for one minifigure to ride the windsurfer, standing on two vacant studs beside the sail.
While the board looks excellent, my favourite feature is definitely the sail. The colour scheme combines medium azure and dark azure which appear attractive together and I love the pearl gold printed tile, displaying Zane's symbol. However, the most appealing detail is probably the sculpted dragon on the mast. This element is ingeniously attached using the sail and matches golden accents across this vehicle.
The dragon is undoubtedly the most impressive feature of this set though, due in particular to the dazzling teal colour scheme! Sand green and gold accents are employed brilliantly across this model, although its length of 36cm is slightly smaller than I was expecting. Nevertheless, I think the proportions look fantastic, conforming to the jungle environment where powerful legs and claws might be more important than enormous wings.
Brick-built heads have become increasingly common for NINJAGO dragons so this example, which combines the lower jaw component from 71742 Overlord Dragon with an entirely new element above, seems quite distinctive. The printed decoration looks absolutely marvellous, displaying realistic scales beside metallic gold patterns and lovely yellow eyes. The intricate printing around the eyes is particularly attractive.
However, the most unusual feature of the head is undoubtedly the prominent tongue which protrudes between the teeth! This design integrates a red claw that looks splendid when the mouth is closed and somewhat resembles an excitable dog. Unfortunately, opening the lower jaw reveals the unsightly attachment method. Even so, the tongue looks delightful.
Despite appearing completely wild, the dragon can evidently be tamed as you can place this saddle on its back. The dark red elements on either side appear slightly out of place but I like their curvature. Additionally, there is adequate room for a minifigure inside. Ideally, this saddle assembly would incorporate storage for weapons, although complicating the design might risk spoiling its appearance.
Considerable detail continues across the back of this creature, where alternating gold pieces and teal 1x1 quarter circle tiles are beautifully combined. The stickers provide welcome detail too, further resembling the patterned totem in 71741 The Keepers' Village and the associated Keeper minifigures. I appreciate such consistency between everything that inhabits the island, demonstrating their shared cultural history.
Another significant feature of the Jungle Dragon is its angled body. This comprises two small segments which are securely connected using A-frame parts. These components prevent any articulation but I think the shape looks excellent, differing from past dragons and reminding me of dogs performing a play bow! The set designer, Jme Wheeler, has confirmed that dogs were influential upon this model.
The legs incorporate similarly dramatic angles, although they are successfully softened using wedge plates, curved tiles and slopes. The resulting shape looks splendid, especially with teal 3x3 dishes situated around the shoulders. These joints offer ample motion and ball joints allow the ankles to move as well, ensuring absolute stability. The pearl dark grey ingots on each foot look great and this chain is an intriguing addition, presumably because the Jungle Dragon was once incarcerated by the Keepers.
Three golden blades represent dactyls on each wing. I traditionally favour fabric wings which appear more substantial than this design, although the simple blades look reasonable on this occasion because I imagine the wings are vestigial. While this dragon may remain capable of flight, it seems more suited to traversing across the ground and navigating between trees.
LEGO dragons almost invariably include articulated tails and this example definitely satisfies that requirement. Teal pentagonal tiles are situated along either side and the aforementioned pattern of 1x1 quarter circle tiles continues along the top. Technic axles allow the tail to swing freely, although there is sufficient friction to create various poses which is superb. Fortunately, the yellow Technic bushes are relatively well hidden within the segmented tail.
Overall
Despite its comparatively modest scale, 71746 Jungle Dragon is certainly among my favourite NINJAGO dragons! This model features marvellous detail and the teal colour scheme appears particularly impressive, distinguishing the creation from other dragons. Moreover, I am pleased with the extensive articulation which provides numerous possibilities for display.
However, the most remarkable asset of 71746 Jungle Dragon might be its obvious personality! LEGO has produced various dragons that appear intimidating or dignified but none capture the sheer excitement of this creation. The minifigure selection also appears enticing while the price of £34.99 or $39.99 represents good value. On that basis, this is an enjoyable addition to the menagerie of NINJAGO dragons.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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32 comments on this article
Fav set of the wave. Hands down. It’s got so much expression and an amazing build!
The red tongue is such a fun touch, and I like how the back leg 'shoulders' have a gray piece on top to transition the color into the gray joint parts, a really great model! Also those printed head parts look lots better than brick built heads in my opinion.
Part of my Stimulus Dragon Hunt list...
Maybe I’ll get it to join the dragon from 71721 to join in attacking 6081 King’s Mountain Fortress :-)
Cool looking dragon, might get this someday. It looks well designed and I get a really goofy vibe from it.
What an adorable dragon, I love it!
I really don't like those blades as wings. They lack the volume of their fabric counterparts and are too small to realistically accomplish anything for a beast of this size. I get what Lego is trying to do, but this 'dragon' looks more like a giant lizard at first glance (sort of like Boga from Revenge of the Sith).
Admittingly, smaller wings are characteristic of jungle birds. For example, the Harpy and Philippine eagles have reduced wings since they need to traverse through the vegetation instead of soaring.
However, I feel like Lego tacked on the wings just so that the dragon would appear more substantial and look less like a dog or lizard.
Great looking dragon!
You’ll never convince me that this wasn’t the model though:
https://lionking.fandom.com/wiki/Ed
The Lavender legs are the first officially available legs in that colour, enabling monofig collectors to complete that colour.
I keep seeing people call it the overlords lower jaw. Arent both pieces of the overlords head identical in geometry?
@joedapoboy said:
"I keep seeing people call it the overlords lower jaw. Arent both pieces of the overlords head identical in geometry?"
I don't own the Overlord Dragon so I can't say with 100% certainty, but I'm fairly certain that it does use the same piece for the top and the jaw.
This could be modded to be a pretty good representation of Boga from Revenge of the Sith.
I want this so bad.
The dragon is so cute.
Thanks for this review. :-) Looking forward to other reviews of The Island subtheme sets. Might be the first NINJAGO subtheme which I want to own completely.
This might be another for my home.
@joedapoboy said:
"I keep seeing people call it the overlords lower jaw. Arent both pieces of the overlords head identical in geometry?"
Yes, both elements are identical. I referred to it as the lower jaw because I think the piece was probably created for that purpose, although I am not actually certain.
The only thing I find disappointing about this set is that Lloyd gets yet another dragon, both as a story concept and a set. This makes his seventh dragon set, counting the movie and Legacy ones. Kai has 5 1/2 and counting, though a couple were admittedly pretty scrawny. Jay has 4, Cole and Zane have 3 each, and even Wu has had two. Nya, meanwhile, only has 1/2 of a(n admittedly awesome) dragon.
It’s quite sad for a character who has been a part of Ninjago from the beginning, and who has been a Ninja since the second half of 2015. Garmadon at least has the excuses of being absent from the theme for a couple years, not having anything but Legacy figures for the past few years, and the fact that the vast majority of Ninjago dragons are aligned with the good side. Nya’s just been straight up neglected, despite ample opportunities for her to have received a set. This guy or the Cyber Dragon could easily have been hers instead.
That Water Dragon coming this summer had better be a masterpiece.
I don't dig all the colors going on in this set, but based on your comments, that may be a me problem. :) Very psyched for those of you that love the set, though!
Am I the only one who prefers brick-built heads? I feel like they look a lot better, but maybe that's just me
I haven't been buying as much new Lego these last two years due to lack of space and less attractive pricing, but I need this!
@CapnRex101 said:
" @joedapoboy said:
"I keep seeing people call it the overlords lower jaw. Arent both pieces of the overlords head identical in geometry?"
Yes, both elements are identical. I referred to it as the lower jaw because I think the piece was probably created for that purpose, although I am not actually certain."
I can answer that question. It is indeed a lower jaw, as it was developed for this model, and later used for the Overlord dragon. That set however ended up being released first. Also, thank you Rex for the very nice review!
@Romans122:
I always hate it when they use these skeletal wings, unless it's a skeletal dragon (only in that case does it make sense). From a design perspective, it's certainly a lot easier, as they don't have to keep making new "foil" designs, and they're probably more durable in a kid's hands.
@Klikstyle:
Denmark, huh? Inside info?
I actually don't care much for the fabric wings, and much prefer wings when they're framed like this one (or the design of the Overlord dragon, reviewed recently).
@SearchlightRG said:
"The only thing I find disappointing about this set is that Lloyd gets yet another dragon, both as a story concept and a set. This makes his seventh dragon set, counting the movie and Legacy ones. Kai has 5 1/2 and counting, though a couple were admittedly pretty scrawny. Jay has 4, Cole and Zane have 3 each, and even Wu has had two. Nya, meanwhile, only has 1/2 of a(n admittedly awesome) dragon.
It’s quite sad for a character who has been a part of Ninjago from the beginning, and who has been a Ninja since the second half of 2015. Garmadon at least has the excuses of being absent from the theme for a couple years, not having anything but Legacy figures for the past few years, and the fact that the vast majority of Ninjago dragons are aligned with the good side. Nya’s just been straight up neglected, despite ample opportunities for her to have received a set. This guy or the Cyber Dragon could easily have been hers instead.
That Water Dragon coming this summer had better be a masterpiece."
I have it on good authority that Nya and this dragon have the strongest bonding of the ninja and that she's just letting Lloyd borrow it for combat in this set.
Seriously tho, there's nothing here that would say any of the ninjas couldn't be seen riding this dragon, or you could roleplay it that the tribesmen still control the beast and have one of them riding it instead of Lloyd! Just because the set cover art shows it in a particular way doesn't mean that's how it needs to be.
@PurpleDave said:
" @Romans122 :
I always hate it when they use these skeletal wings, unless it's a skeletal dragon (only in that case does it make sense). From a design perspective, it's certainly a lot easier, as they don't have to keep making new "foil" designs, and they're probably more durable in a kid's hands.
@Klikstyle :
Denmark, huh? Inside info?"
He designed the set, check out his bricklists.
I do think its an interesting dragon, but not one that I will be getting. Looks great though.
@CapnRex101 said:
"LEGO has produced various dragons that appear intimidating or dignified but none capture the sheer excitement of this creation."
3724 Lego Dragon as well as the classic molded dragon ( 4818, 6007) do appear pretty happy and almost as excited though. Probably because Lego erroneously thought, like the lion in a Midsummer Night's Dream, they would be too scary if not depicted as happy and unthreatening.
3724 LEGO Dragon is what happened when the intern accidentally fed a classic dragon cocaine.
@darkstonegrey said:
" @SearchlightRG said:
"The only thing I find disappointing about this set is that Lloyd gets yet another dragon, both as a story concept and a set. This makes his seventh dragon set, counting the movie and Legacy ones. Kai has 5 1/2 and counting, though a couple were admittedly pretty scrawny. Jay has 4, Cole and Zane have 3 each, and even Wu has had two. Nya, meanwhile, only has 1/2 of a(n admittedly awesome) dragon.
It’s quite sad for a character who has been a part of Ninjago from the beginning, and who has been a Ninja since the second half of 2015. Garmadon at least has the excuses of being absent from the theme for a couple years, not having anything but Legacy figures for the past few years, and the fact that the vast majority of Ninjago dragons are aligned with the good side. Nya’s just been straight up neglected, despite ample opportunities for her to have received a set. This guy or the Cyber Dragon could easily have been hers instead.
That Water Dragon coming this summer had better be a masterpiece."
I have it on good authority that Nya and this dragon have the strongest bonding of the ninja and that she's just letting Lloyd borrow it for combat in this set.
Seriously tho, there's nothing here that would say any of the ninjas couldn't be seen riding this dragon, or you could roleplay it that the tribesmen still control the beast and have one of them riding it instead of Lloyd! Just because the set cover art shows it in a particular way doesn't mean that's how it needs to be."
@darkstonegrey fair point about role-playing. Still, it’s frustrating to see certain Ninja always get to be the ones getting stuff or taking certain positions in set art while others seem to be fairly neglected.
All hopes on the long awaited "water dragon" coming this summer! It just HAS to be Nya's. We already know the 15th season will be about the character of Nya and her water powers. For the announced price of +_ 70 euro, it better be a véry nice dragon!
I simply LOVE this build
When do these sets release? I can't wait any longer!
@Staplestickles said:
"When do these sets release? I can't wait any longer!"
Afraid you’ll have to; they’re coming in March.