Review: 71747 The Keepers' Village
Posted by CapnRex101,
70604 Tiger Widow Island was produced during 2016 and definitely remains among my favourite location-based NINJAGO models, featuring some interesting functions and extensive detail. 71747 The Keepers' Village includes various impressive qualities too, matching its predecessor.
The landscaping seems especially appealing and I appreciate the stylistic connections between this model and the successful Islanders range from Pirates. Furthermore, the distinctive totem appears interesting and several outstanding minifigures are provided to populate the village, including the resplendent Chief Mammatus!
Minifigures
Corresponding with previous seasons, Kai wears specialised attire when exploring the island, although his characteristic red and dark red colour scheme remains intact. This design strikes the perfect balance between brighter and more subdued shades in my opinion, especially with metallic gold highlights which cover the torso and legs. An updated hair element appears here as well, integrating a dual-moulded headband.
Reflecting his focus upon absolute strength, Cole features heavier armour than his allies and looks superb. I am especially pleased with the metallic silver scratches across the breastplate and Cole's golden emblem is also integrated nicely. His hair component has been updated too, now including an orange headband to complement the other ninja and match the sash around his waist.
Jay incorporates the same detailed headband and matching bandana. The torso also seems exceptionally intricate, combining blue and dark blue shades to splendid effect. Moreover, the dark bluish grey straps looks marvellous and I like the flame yellowish orange highlights which decorate the torso and legs. Identical colours have adorned past Jay minifigures, although this example remains distinctive.
Each minifigure wears a pearl dark grey scabbard which contains a katana, although they are equipped with more specialised golden weapons too. Kai wields twin machetes, Cole includes an intimidating axe and Jay carries a bladed chain weapon. Strangely, its design here deviates somewhat from Jay's accessory in 71748 Catamaran Sea Battle.
Various impressive villains have appeared throughout NINJAGO and Chief Mammatus looks especially majestic! This minifigure sports a spectacular golden helmet with dual-moulded teal blades decorating the top and white teeth on either flank. These teeth are actually represented using separate elements and could be replaced with other parts if you wish. The teal accent at the centre looks attractive too, featuring metallic gold printing.
Chief Mammatus wears a segmented cuirass which complements the helmet, featuring some additional teal blades alongside ornate patterning. The legs appear equally detailed and I love how Mammatus' embellished armour contrasts against his lavender skin. Additionally, the dark orange cape avoids distracting from the complex decoration, providing a lovely backdrop.
Removing the superb helmet reveals continued metallic silver patterns on the head, matching those on the torso. The head also displays two expressions, although these appear somewhat similar. Naturally, the chief carries an enormous staff that conveys an appropriate impression of power and includes a trans-purple lightning bolt. However, I dislike the mixing of pearl gold with dark tan.
One member of Chief Mammatus' tribe is provided, the masked Thunder Keeper. The mask element displays excellent printed detail, integrating elaborate teal patterns beside prominent teeth. Exactly the same elongated teeth appear on the head underneath, demonstrating great consistency and matching the other Keepers who share identical facial features.
The torso looks equally detailed and complements the chief's resplendent armour, combining the same shapes with unique colours. Such design continuity between characters is welcome and the contrasting materials seem appropriate, reflecting the distinct hierarchy as this warrior wears wooden armour. However, teal crystals conspicuously decorate both minifigures.
Thunder Keepers are available in three new sets, wielding unique weapons in each instance. This minifigure carries a spiked pole arm which seems fittingly rudimentary, although another such weapon appears with a heavier spike in 71748 Catamaran Sea Battle. Greater variation would therefore have been appreciated here.
The Completed Model
71747 The Keepers' Village comprises two distinct sections which are neatly integrated, using vegetation and rocks to disguise the connection between them. The resulting model measures 29cm across at its widest point and incorporates a delightful spectrum of colours, capturing the tropical environment which has traditionally been associated with uncharted islands.
The beach area is absolutely minuscule but features various important details, including some water with a crab which is approaching the sand. I like this colour combination of tan and dark tan beside several light bluish grey elements, softening the transition into scattered rocks. The foliage looks excellent too, although I dislike how this section protrudes from the central village assembly.
Ideally, the beach would instead have extended across the front of the village. However, I do appreciate the varying angles between sections of this model, corresponding with the natural setting. Additionally, extending this beach forwards has enabled the designer to include some interesting functions, notably including the toppled tree which appears rather unusual.
This fallen tree is surreptitiously connected to the leaves scattered across the beach and can immediately return to an upright position, as demonstrated below. Any minifigures standing on the leaves therefore risk becoming ensnared, suspended above multiple spikes! A skull signals that previous visitors to this enigmatic island have encountered the same camouflaged trap.
Another trap is concealed behind a large palm frond. Pushing the 2x2 tile which is decorated with a skull sticker will cause a leaf to swing aside, revealing a 1x1 round tile shooter situated between two trees. This function works perfectly and I like the sign which is hidden among the leaves. However, the shaping around the skull trigger could certainly have been improved and the narrower tree lacks any detail whatsoever, unfortunately.
Foliage continues around the staircase which is constructed using A-frame elements. Similar designs have appeared previously, including in 70657 NINJAGO City Docks, but these steps feature outstanding detail. Moreover, the consistent integration of jagged angles seems quite authentic and leaves are provided in three different shades of green, offering splendid variety throughout the village.
The beach and jungle are attached to the village using a single clip. This connection method feels exceptionally fragile and a proper hinge would certainly have been preferable, although permitting easy detachment is sometimes helpful for display. The various possible angles are also welcome but the standard configuration appears most impressive in my opinion.
Multiple interesting methods for constructing rocks and caves have appeared throughout the LEGO range. This design combines standard and curved slopes to brilliant effect, creating an attractive archway which seems suitably organic. I am particularly impressed with the layering here as arch bricks behind the outermost slopes produce the appearance of realistic depth.
The combination of different slopes becomes increasingly complex beside the cave entrance, where wedge slopes look magnificent together. Furthermore, I love the integration of lava and the trans-orange Power Blast element. The neighbouring shield also looks superb, resembling details from the classic Islanders subtheme where shields were commonly displayed vertically.
These shields appear throughout the new range, including an intriguing animal symbol. This motif evidently has some importance to the Keepers as a similar design is carved outside the village, featuring menacing eyes and trans-orange teeth. The carving certainly appears rather intimidating and makes further use of different slopes to create distinctive shapes. The sticker inside the creature's gaping mouth looks good too.
Unfortunately, the interior is sparsely decorated. Some fish and vegetables are placed inside a cooking pot which looks nice and I like the fire pit underneath. However, the surrounding space could undoubtedly have accommodated furniture or additional storage, improving upon one clip where a reddish brown oar is attached beside the cave entrance.
The prison cell appears wonderful though, reflecting the relatively basic technology possessed by the Keepers. The door is neatly assembled using Battle Droid arms with reddish brown bars connecting them and therefore opens smoothly. However, reaching inside to situate minifigures is quite difficult, given the restricted space and the comparative depth of the prison cell.
Hinges are accordingly included and this whole wall can swing open, providing much easier access. The cell appears suitably rudimentary, containing a light bluish grey bucket beside a bone. I appreciate these sinister details which are distributed throughout 71747 The Keepers' Village, clearly indicating the unfriendly attitude of its inhabitants!
Imprisoned minifigures can escape through the animal carving, as demonstrated below. The lime green leaf which is situated inside is linked to a simple Technic mechanism, opening the lower jaw when the leaf is pressed. I am impressed with the subtle integration of this function, especially since the dark bluish grey Technic beam inside is camouflaged against the rock.
Climbing the stone staircase leads to the upper level, from where Chief Mammatus evidently commands the Keepers. His white throne certainly stands out against the surrounding muted tones and features an ornate sticker on the back, flanked by dark tan spikes. Fortunately, this section can be adjusted to accommodate Chief Mammatus' billowing cape.
However, even the intricate throne is overshadowed by the spectacular Stone Golems. These vibrant statues defend the Keepers' village and closely resemble a traditional totem pole when stacked, measuring 14cm in height from their base. Such flamboyant colours are fairly unusual within this island environment, although these certainly differentiate the magical Stone Golems from their surroundings.
The three Stone Golems are attached to a rotating Technic component, thereby causing the totem to tilt. Presumably these statues will move similarly onscreen. Furthermore, teal parts decorate the base. This colour seemingly appears on almost everything associated with the Keepers' culture, including 71746 Jungle Dragon and their vehicle in 71748 Catamaran Sea Battle.
Despite their imposing appearance, these static Stone Golems could be avoided very easily. However, they can also separate and move independently which appears more threatening, particularly since each statue is equipped with white blades! The black Technic axles which connect the Stone Golems remain conspicuous after dividing them, unfortunately.
Stickers are applied on each character, displaying unique eyes and facial patterns that match their individual accent colours. The accompanying curved horns also seem rather intimidating. The native Keepers harness lightning powers, hence trans-purple lightning elements decorate the Stone Golems and the prized Storm Amulet is displayed atop the totem as well, where the statues can provide the best protection.
Overall
71747 The Keepers' Village somewhat resembles two disconnected sets in my opinion. The rocky village section includes magnificent detail and interesting building techniques while the beach and jungle appear more focused upon functionality. Thankfully, those functions provide considerable play value and are integrated nicely, although the narrow tree should have been improved with additional detail.
The internal space provides scope for improvement too, although the exterior looks absolutely fantastic. I am especially pleased with the animal sculpture and the textured rocks that appear remarkably realistic. The distinctive Stone Golems seem equally appealing and the minifigures maintain the high standard associated with NINJAGO. Additionally, I think the cost of £44.99 or $49.99 represents good value, based upon the size of the village.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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46 comments on this article
I agree, after getting Tiger Widow Island and enjoying it thoroughly, I need this in my life. I feel like the two sets might look good on a display together or combined somehow!
Wooooo finally a new review! Thanks capn! Can we see monkie kids drone copter next?
Kinda sucks that they chose an indigenous analog to be strictly the enemies this wave. Do the Ninjago crew really have to do a colonialism?
Personally, I wouldn’t call it a village. More like a fort, with the prison, traps and throne
Nice! Will be getting this. Please review more monkie kid too!
Lego Islanders going 2021?
good set. even better with a little discount
With a little work this could be a great Islanders and/or Pirates set. If I can pick it up cheap enough and sell off the minifigures it might even pair nicely with 21322 as an adjacent island. Perhaps put a few 71002: Island Warriers on it.
A great mid-range island cave set, I would add some blue and sand colored base plates to give it more of an island presence. Interesting to see how it looks with the catamarans circling around. I could also see this as a side expansion of 71722: Skull Sorcerer's Dungeons if you are lucky enough to own this set.
that helmet tho!!
One of the best sets of the year for me, especially in this price range.
@SaggyCloud
'Kinda sucks that they chose an indigenous analog to be strictly the enemies this wave.'
I imagine that in the show there will multiple islander factions with only this group serving as antagonists. I mean with show they had the Munce and Gleckles be allies of the ninja despite them being shown as their foes in the sets.
I can't decide if I like these or not. They remind me, a lot, of the Night Elves campaign, in the Frozen Throne Warcraft III expansion and those weird underwater transformers from the 80s or early 90s.
@SaggyCloud said:
"Kinda sucks that they chose an indigenous analog to be strictly the enemies this wave. Do the Ninjago crew really have to do a colonialism? "
I suspect the Keepers might not be as villainous as they appear. Perhaps they are more incidental opponents of the ninja, threatened by the heroes' sudden arrival rather than actively opposing them.
All these dragon motifs make me wonder if there's a lightning dragon hidden somewhere on this island, assuming its not the Jungle Dragon
This will look cool as some neighbouring islands next to Barracuda Bay.
@SaggyCloud said:
"Kinda sucks that they chose an indigenous analog to be strictly the enemies this wave. Do the Ninjago crew really have to do a colonialism? "
Yeah that was my first thought. Neat set but Lego should really try to move away from the tribal villain route.
EDIT: Even if they're actually good in the show, it's still Lego putting out a bunch of products where they're clearly used as antagonists.
Nice set, even for non-ninjago fans!
@CapnRex101 Kai’s hairpiece was also used for his Epic Battle variant, if I’m not much mistaken.
I half wonder if the potentially unfortunate representation of the Keepers isn’t to be blamed on how few of them the set designers were able to create for this wave. The Island only got four sets, not counting a polybag, and ten new Minifigures to its name. With six of those slots taken up by new Ninja variants, it’s rather difficult to include any Keepers who aren’t going to serve as antagonists.
Of course, one could argue that Ninjago has always had a tendency to lump entire groups into one category or another. Going off past waves, you’d think that being a living skeleton, a humanoid snake, a ghost (unless you’re Cole), a biker, a member of the Dragon Hunters, an Oni, or a Blizzard Samurai automatically made you evil. The Stone Warriors, Nindroids, Pyro Vipers, and Prime Empire characters are less problematic because they’re either artificial life forms or mummies reanimated by an evil sorceress, and thus not morally complex. Still, there has long been a tendency in Ninjago of “all the characters who look like this are of this alignment”, at least so far as the sets are concerned.
How is it that the Keepers have an iron cooking pot when everything else they’ve made appears fashioned from wood and bones? The same goes for Chief Mammatus' gold regalia. Clearly the Keepers posess extensive knowledge of metalworking. Why they have not applied that knowledge to their weapons and tools is beyond me.
EDIT: And how come Chief Mammatus gets a beautifully sewn cape while not one other Keeper is afforded a shred of fabric?
I am really impressed by your knowledge of star wars, Ninjago, and pretty much everything @CapnRex101!
Keep up the good work!
@SearchlightRG said:
" @CapnRex101 Kai’s hairpiece was also used for his Epic Battle variant, if I’m not much mistaken.
I half wonder if the potentially unfortunate representation of the Keepers isn’t to be blamed on how few of them the set designers were able to create for this wave. The Island only got four sets, not counting a polybag, and ten new Minifigures to its name. With six of those slots taken up by new Ninja variants, it’s rather difficult to include any Keepers who aren’t going to serve as antagonists.
Of course, one could argue that Ninjago has always had a tendency to lump entire groups into one category or another. Going off past waves, you’d think that being a living skeleton, a humanoid snake, a ghost (unless you’re Cole), a biker, a member of the Dragon Hunters, an Oni, or a Blizzard Samurai automatically made you evil. The Stone Warriors, Nindroids, Pyro Vipers, and Prime Empire characters are less problematic because they’re either artificial life forms or mummies reanimated by an evil sorceress, and thus not morally complex. Still, there has long been a tendency in Ninjago of “all the characters who look like this are of this alignment”, at least so far as the sets are concerned."
well, the serpentine mostly redeemed themselves, other than pythor. Yang is also a ghost and is portrayed as not inherently evil.
Not much of a village, more of a cave really
@SearchlightRG said:
" @CapnRex101 Kai’s hairpiece was also used for his Epic Battle variant, if I’m not much mistaken.
I half wonder if the potentially unfortunate representation of the Keepers isn’t to be blamed on how few of them the set designers were able to create for this wave. The Island only got four sets, not counting a polybag, and ten new Minifigures to its name. With six of those slots taken up by new Ninja variants, it’s rather difficult to include any Keepers who aren’t going to serve as antagonists.
Of course, one could argue that Ninjago has always had a tendency to lump entire groups into one category or another. Going off past waves, you’d think that being a living skeleton, a humanoid snake, a ghost (unless you’re Cole), a biker, a member of the Dragon Hunters, an Oni, or a Blizzard Samurai automatically made you evil. The Stone Warriors, Nindroids, Pyro Vipers, and Prime Empire characters are less problematic because they’re either artificial life forms or mummies reanimated by an evil sorceress, and thus not morally complex. Still, there has long been a tendency in Ninjago of “all the characters who look like this are of this alignment”, at least so far as the sets are concerned."
Why take these themes so serious? It's still a story primarly for kids. Ninjago strongly reminds me of my childhood years in the 80's and 90's with al those action based themes/teams like G.I.Joe, Mask, Thundercats, ... You had the good guys, who would always be heroic and good hearted, and there were the terrible bad guys, who would always be evil. A rather exceptional spark of respect between the 2 factions mostly made me have more sympathy for the characters, but still... it was always the good versus the bad. And that's how it's gonna be in a kid's mind and in the stories a kid plays.
There may be a good explanation in the keepers' hostile behaviour, some background story for the enemies, and that's good, surely given the fact they're islanders, living separately. But let's not take it all too serious. Ninjas should be ready for a good fight :p
I absolutely love how much of a homage some of these sets are to the old island theme! And all that lovely teal they seem to be included is sure to be desirable to MOCers I'd wager
This is probably about as close to Pirate Islanders as we’ll ever get again.
@legoninjago69 maybe in the show, but you wouldn’t know that from the sets.
@lORDoFtHEbOARD you make a definite point about simplicity. We do have to remember that this theme is for kids, even if it still appeals to us cynical adults.
That one figure Chief Mammatus reminds me a lil of Mum-Ra the Ever Living
If you are opposed to the Polynesian inspired antagonists for reasons of 'colonialism' then you really can't support Japanese or Chinese inspired antagonists either, or Vikings, or Celtic, or Saxon, or Roman, or really any historically inspired anyone.
As a kid I always thought Cobra and the Decepticons were cooler, and if I was a kid today I'd think these islanders are cooler than the same old boring heroes.
It's a really neat and well designed set!
I find this set dissapointing. It is fun and looks fine, but I am sure I could even made somethinng more cool from these pieces. I just dont like how disjointed it looks.
Also why IN BAD GUYS set we get more ninjas?
Also these villagers are clearly based on Warcraft Trolls :D
@TheAuk said:
"If you are opposed to the Polynesian inspired antagonists for reasons of 'colonialism' then you really can't support Japanese or Chinese inspired antagonists either, or Vikings, or Celtic, or Saxon, or Roman, or really any historically inspired anyone.
As a kid I always thought Cobra and the Decepticons were cooler, and if I was a kid today I'd think these islanders are cooler than the same old boring heroes.
It's a really neat and well designed set!"
This is an incredibly ahistorical and downright silly take. While this isn't the place for a proper discussion on the matter I highly suggest you do some more research behind the historical and contemporary context.
I want an army of the purple dudes.
Am I the only one who think that the villains are far cooler than the heroes on Ninjago? I'm not a really fan of Ninjago but I keep buying it (And some sets from NEXUS Knights) just for the villains minifigs/vehicles/buildings.
@Samie said:
"Am I the only one who think that the villains are far cooler than the heroes on Ninjago? I'm not a really fan of Ninjago but I keep buying it (And some sets from NEXUS Knights) just for the villains minifigs/vehicles/buildings.
"
I dó like the ninjas without a doubt, but if you got the sets from one season, you normally have all the good guys, including Wu. Just like you I bought most of the older sets (on secondhand market) just for the villains! Chen and his 'anacondraiists', Morro and the ghosts, the hands of time and the vermillion army, the Sons of garmadon, and their specific vehicles ... I love it! The more armies you got, the more for the ninjas to fight with!
It's the same with my older LoTR sets, we got double figures of Frodo, Aragorn, ... but once you got the Fellowship good guys, you just need/want more orcs and urukhai to oppose them!
@lordofdragonss said:
"Also why IN BAD GUYS set we get more ninjas?"
You're absolutely right about that! I also think it's a pity there are only 2 bad guys and 3 ninjas. They could at least include another warrior keeper in this set called 'the keepers village'! 2 ninjas would have been sufficient here, but 3 is ok.
I guess there won't be a battle pack release for these keepers?
@lORDoFtHEbOARD said:
" @lordofdragonss said:
"Also why IN BAD GUYS set we get more ninjas?"
You're absolutely right about that! I also think it's a pity there are only 2 bad guys and 3 ninjas. They could at least include another warrior keeper in this set called 'the keepers village'! 2 ninjas would have been sufficient here, but 3 is ok.
I guess there won't be a battle pack release for these keepers?"
There’s also the giant living pillar that can split into three smaller, blades segments...
@Samie said:
"Am I the only one who think that the villains are far cooler than the heroes on Ninjago? I'm not a really fan of Ninjago but I keep buying it (And some sets from NEXUS Knights) just for the villains minifigs/vehicles/buildings.
"
I love the Nexo Knights, thankfully I picked them all up, but wasn’t fussed about the villains. With Ninjago I love the villains and I’m meh about the Ninjas.
@Samie said:
"Am I the only one who think that the villains are far cooler than the heroes on Ninjago? I'm not a really fan of Ninjago but I keep buying it (And some sets from NEXUS Knights) just for the villains minifigs/vehicles/buildings.
"I feel the same way especially about the villain minifigures.
You often don’t have to get the sets to obtain them. As well as the secondary market, there are the foil- or blister-packed minifigures with Ninjago Magazine. The minifigure and magazine is around the same price as a CMF or Vidiyo minifigure. I of course keep the LEGO but donate the magazines to charity (the British Heart Foundation in the UK accepts them).
You can sometimes get fairly uncommon Ninjago baddies that way for a reasonable price. A forthcoming issue of the mag in Germany and the UK, for example, will have the Skull Sorcerer. I don’t know about the magazine’s availability in other markets.
Last year 71717 was jewel and beautiful surprise. It looks like this set 71747 will be this year's jewel. Let's see what summer bring us.
@Zander said:
" @Samie said:
"Am I the only one who think that the villains are far cooler than the heroes on Ninjago? I'm not a really fan of Ninjago but I keep buying it (And some sets from NEXUS Knights) just for the villains minifigs/vehicles/buildings.
"I feel the same way especially about the villain minifigures.
You often don’t have to get the sets to obtain them. As well as the secondary market, there are the foil- or blister-packed minifigures with Ninjago Magazine. The minifigure and magazine is around the same price as a CMF or Vidiyo minifigure. I of course keep the LEGO but donate the magazines to charity (the British Heart Foundation in the UK accepts them).
You can sometimes get fairly uncommon Ninjago baddies that way for a reasonable price. A forthcoming issue of the mag in Germany and the UK, for example, will have the Skull Sorcerer. I don’t know about the magazine’s availability in other markets.
"
I can't find those magazines here in Japan.. :(
@Samie said:
"I can't find those magazines here in Japan.. :("
I just PMed you. Please check your messages ;~)
@SaggyCloud said:
" @TheAuk said:
"If you are opposed to the Polynesian inspired antagonists for reasons of 'colonialism' then you really can't support Japanese or Chinese inspired antagonists either, or Vikings, or Celtic, or Saxon, or Roman, or really any historically inspired anyone.
As a kid I always thought Cobra and the Decepticons were cooler, and if I was a kid today I'd think these islanders are cooler than the same old boring heroes.
It's a really neat and well designed set!"
This is an incredibly ahistorical and downright silly take. While this isn't the place for a proper discussion on the matter I highly suggest you do some more research behind the historical and contemporary context. "
Not ahistorical or silly; just based on historical fact.
Nearly every corner of the globe has traded in historical and contemporary wrongs, and unfortunately we are still in historical times and face a future of wrongs and wicked deeds yet to come.
I do agree that this isn't the place to get into it; I hate talking politics, but when a political statement is made it's only fair that a response if offered in return.
I am not into Ninjago, but this set is a must get. The Islanders will be sought after for sure. The colors are great. The layout looks neat. Granted I won't build the set. But I may pick this up, especially if I can find a deal (unlikely with the current climate). Or maybe try to pick up the Islanders in the aftermarket (which will likely cost as much as the set...)
Thanks for the review.
@SaggyCloud said:
"Kinda sucks that they chose an indigenous analog to be strictly the enemies this wave. Do the Ninjago crew really have to do a colonialism? "
(Ninjago season 13 spoiler)
In the s13 sets the orcs and dwarves (forgot their official names) were presented as villains, but were actually good guys in the show. The sets are made to subvert expectations, so we'll have to wait and see. (remember, ninjago sets aren't cannon)
@The_Creator said:
"With a little work this could be a great Islanders and/or Pirates set. If I can pick it up cheap enough and sell off the minifigures it might even pair nicely with 21322 as an adjacent island. Perhaps put a few 71002 : Island Warriers on it."
maybe some of 71029-8 , 71001-5 , 8831-2 and 71002-5 on there as well.
@cyboticzombie said:
" @The_Creator said:
"With a little work this could be a great Islanders and/or Pirates set. If I can pick it up cheap enough and sell off the minifigures it might even pair nicely with 21322 as an adjacent island. Perhaps put a few 71002 : Island Warriers on it."
maybe some of 71029-8 , 71001-5 , 8831-2 and 71002-5 on there as well."
Absolutely, maybe not the native American tomahawk