The LEGO® Group officially revealed the summer 2023 Ninjago lineup. While much of it is what you’d expect, namely vehicles and dragons, there are a couple of more interesting additions as well. AFOLs will be excited by the latest section of Ninjago City. Not only do we see a return to the classic, Asian-style metropolis, but it is the largest Ninjago set to date. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for it though… These sets are based on the upcoming season of Ninjago. Similar to the recent Friends update, this season serves as a sort-of soft reboot of the franchise. New ninjas will be front and center, searching for the original characters who have disappeared. Ninjago: the next generation… But let’s take a look at the upcoming sets.
Flippy and Spinny Thingies…
First up, what Ninjago wave would be complete without Ninja fidget spinners. I have never bought any of these smaller ninja sets, but this round looks like a deviation from the usual spinning top design. It looks like each of the vehicles incorporates marble-like orbs, allowing the vehicles to drift. It looks like the frame supporting them is also a new piece. I will admit I am curious how well the design actually works. Each of these sets will cost you $13.99 CAD.
Kai and Ra’s Car and Bike Battle
- SET #: 71789
- COST: $24.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 103
- MINIFIGURES: 2
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound
- SET #: 71790
- COST: $24.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 198
- MINIFIGURES: 3
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Zane’s Dragon Power Spinjitzu Race Car
- SET #: 71791
- COST: $39.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 307
- MINIFIGURES: 4
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Sora’s Transforming Mech Bike Racer
- SET #: 71792
- COST: $59.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 384
- MINIFIGURES: 3 + 1 baby dragon
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Heatwave Transforming Lava Dragon
- SET #: 71793
- COST: $69.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 479
- MINIFIGURES: 5
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Lloyd and Arin’s Ninja Team Mechs
- SET #: 71794
- COST: $99.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 764
- MINIFIGURES: 5
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores
- SET #: 71795
- COST: $119.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 1029
- MINIFIGURES: 6
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Elemental Dragon and the Empress Mech
- SET #: 71796
- COST: $169.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 1038
- MINIFIGURES: 6 + 1 baby dragon
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Destiny’s Bounty – Race Against Time
- SET #: 71797
- COST: $209.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 1739
- MINIFIGURES: 6 + 1 baby dragon
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Nya and Arin’s Baby Dragon Battle
- SET #: 71798
- COST: $39.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 157
- MINIFIGURES: 3 + 1 baby dragon
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Ninjago City Markets
- SET #: 71799
- COST: $479.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 6163
- MINIFIGURES: 21
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2023
Closing thoughts on the Summer 2023 Ninjago sets…
The highlight for most AFOLs is without a doubt Ninjago City Markets. This marks the fourth entry in the Ninjago City Series that launched in 2017 with the original Ninjago City. Ninjago City Docks and Ninjago City Gardens followed in 2018 and 2021 respectively. This latest addition dwarfs them all in terms of brick count, becoming the largest Ninjago set ever produced. It certainly looks like a stunning build full of details, 20 amazing Minifigures, and accessories. I have collected all the other sets in the Ninjago City series, but I took them all apart last year. I just don’t have the space to display these monster sets anymore. Consequently, I am on the fence about acquiring this one. On the one hand, I want to complete my collection. On the other hand, my interest in the LEGO® hobby is slowly moving away from building sets towards MOCs.
The other set I find quite interesting is Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores. I like LEGO® sets with Asian style architecture. I also like when Ninjago puts out location based sets. The theme is overly reliant on vehicles and mechs. In fact, most of the sets in this wave have a “been-there-done-that” feel in my opinion. With that said, it is nice to see some more dragons. I am particularly interested in the new baby dragon figurine. However, it sadly does not come in any of the sets I would actually consider buying in this wave. I suppose there is always Bricklink. What do you think of the summer 2023 Ninjago sets? Let me know in the comments below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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Definitely agree with you – I’m pretty car and “mech”-ed out. Bins full of ball and socket joints and tires never find their way into MOCS. As far as the temple set – that tree trunk off the side is so aesthetically pleasing with the architecture. I’m also prepping the savings and VIP points for city markets. Started a pandemic/lockdown collection of ninjago minifigures and there are a few must haves in there. Looking forward to attaching it to city gardens. And looking forward to your reviews!
Agreed about the bins of tires😂