While I have watched some Ninjago, I am nowhere near done the series or an expert. However, I consider myself a fan of the theme. In particular, I love the buildings. The architectural style appeals to me. With that said, I have not collected many of the non-building sets. Vehicles designed for play do not appeal to me. However, the LEGO® Group recently offered me many of the January 2021 Ninjago sets to review. Since I like the Minifigures and theme, I decided to give it go. Up first, we look at the Overlord Dragon (71742).
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. I will use my usual rating system (click here to learn more) and provide my honest opinion.
OVERLORD DRAGON SUMMARY
- NAME: Overlord Dragon
- SET #: 71742
- THEME: Ninjago
- COST: $39.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 372
- MINIFIGURES: 2
- RELEASE DATE: January 1, 2021
OVERLORD DRAGON QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 83% (Good value compared to sets overall, satisfactory compared only to Ninjago.)
- BUILD: 80% (Lack of wing webbing and exposed ball joints give the dragon an unfinished feel.)
- MINIFIGURES: 82% (Solid designs, but too few of them.)
- ENTERTAINMENT: 80% (Fun set for kids, but it is a parts kit for adults.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 81%
OVERLORD DRAGON (71742) REVIEW
VALUE: 83%
Compared to all the LEGO® sets I have reviewed Overlord Dragon is well priced. The set costs $39.99 in Canada and contains 372 pieces. As such, the cost-per-brick is $0.108. Comparatively, my average cost-per-brick across all themes is $0.14. Therefore, even at full price you get bricks at a great value. I rate that at 91%. However, compared to other Ninjago sets, the kit is more average. Ninjago sets generally are a great value. In fact, my average cost-per-brick for the theme is $0.117. Consequently, compared only to other Ninjago sets, the value-per-brick is 84%. Taken together, the value-per-brick for this set earns 88%.
In terms of build time, this set took 51 minutes. At full price, the cost-per-minute of build time is $0.78. Comparatively, my average cost-per-minute is currently $0.83 for all LEGO® sets I have reviewed. Therefore, the value in this category is close to average and earns 82%. Conversely, for the Ninjago theme, the build time is merely satisfactory. As mentioned earlier, Ninjago sets are generally a great value. Subsequently, my average cost-per-minute of build time for the theme is $0.69. Rated purely as a Ninjago set, the build time value is 74%. Overall, the build time score is 78%. Consequently, the total value score including both the value-per-brick and per-minute for Overlord Dragon is 83%.
BUILD: 80%
As the name suggests, you assemble a dragon with this set. At this point, I have only watched the pilot and season one of Ninjago. Additionally, I have seen the Ninjago Movie. None of them feature the Overlord Dragon. However, I looked up the character online. The build does not resemble the animated version very well. My main issue is the wings. The build features no webbing between the fingers. Consequently, the wings appear skeletal which is not true to the character. The exposed ball joints of the neck are equally unappealing. The set needs additional brickwork to achieve a more realistic look.
With that said, the dragon features amazing articulation. You can pose it in different ways and the tail swings freely. Additionally, the leg design is impressive. The poseability of the dragon increases play potential and probably took some planning. If you want to learn how to build dragons, this set teaches you nice techniques. Ultimately, the design is good but feels unfished. I rate the build experience at 8/10 (80%).
MINIFIGURES: 82%
Overlord Dragon comes with two Minifigures. Firstly, the kit has Golden Lloyd. Secondly, there is a ghost. Presumably, the ghost is the Overlord. However, images on the internet show the Overlord with four arms and this one only has two. Perhaps Ninjago afficionados will know better. Both characters have front and back printing on their heads and torsos. Additionally, Lloyd features a lot of leg printing and the Overlord has two-toned ghostly whisps instead of legs. For accessories, the set includes two golden katanas and two lightning bolts. I rate the character design at 28/30 (93%).
Two Minifigures in a 372-piece kit is satisfactory. The brick-to-fig ratio is 186:1. Comparatively, my average is currently 144:1 across all themes. For Ninjago, my average is 139:1. Compared to all LEGO® sets, Overlord Dragon earns 71%. Compared to other Ninjago sets, it earns 70% for a rounded average of 71%. When considered with the design score, this set earns an overall Minifigure rating of 82%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 80%
As an adult collector, I have little use for this set as a display piece. It lacks the detail necessary for me to want it on my shelf. However, the brick selection and hinge-pieces make for a good supplementary brick kit. That is especially true if you are into building fantastical beasts, or even dinosaurs. I rate the AFOL score at 70%.
Overlord Dragon fares better as a playset. The product is a well articulated beast with loads of play potential. Structurally, the dragon is also sound. I did not have pieces constantly falling off as I was photographing the set. Consequently, I think the dragon holds up to some rough play. On top of that, the dragon has play potential beyond the Ninjago theme. Dragons fit all sorts of fantasy play scenes. This one suits an evil sorcerer’s ride just as well the Overlord’s. The color scheme is reminiscent of Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty as well. A little imagination goes a long way with this set. However, I still think you should not have to imagine wing webbing. I rate the KFOL score at 90%. Overall, that brings the entertainment grade to 80%.
OVERALL SCORE: 81%
Overlord Dragon (71742) was a fun build. However, beyond the build experience, I have no use for the set other than parts. I did find myself imaging how well this dragon would factor into my childhood LEGO castles play. I had the dragon figurines. However, a larger dragon like this would have been epic. I think it fits well into Disney, Harry Potter, and fantasy play nowadays too. Additionally, at the full price the value is good. On the flip side, the design cuts some major corners, and the set could use an additional Minifigure. Overall, it is a decent kit though. What are your thoughts? Feel free to comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
What do others think?
Brick Insights is an awesome site that aggregates LEGO® set review scores from around the web. Based on their statistics, you can see what other reviewers think of the Overlord Dragon (71742) below.
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