70602 Jay's Elemental Dragon Review March 29th, 2023
70602 Jay’s Elemental Dragon is one of three dragons released for Ninjago in 2016. It was marketed under the Skybound subtheme and depicts Jay's Lightning Dragon seen in multiple installments. However, it better resembles the Hydro-Electric dragon. A fusion between the Lightning and Water dragons. There's plenty of great parts and several, stand out transparent elements included.
Set #: 70602
Year: 2016
Theme: Ninjago
Subtheme: Skybound
Minifigures: 2 (+1 animal)
MSRP: $29.99
A Very Sizeable Dragon
As an Elemental dragon. Not a naturally found, physical dragon it uses the transparent pieces to great effect promoting both the pure energy sort of vibe while also making the lightning aspect more than apparent. Though, in universe this seems to better resemble the hydro-electric dragon with its white highlights, beard tuff, and these extra large horns on the head. A confusing matter that questions how this set was marketed. Especially when later material confirms that it is indeed the case. [1]
Speaking of the head it’s alright for what it is. However, it feels somewhat blocky for the time. Especially comparing it to both Cole’s Earth Dragon and Lloyd’s NRG Dragon from the same subtheme. All the weight is reliant single MIXEL ball joint. Something that from my experience I’ve had to replace several times due to drooping Dragon head syndrome. The new parts usage is appreciated with the PLATE 2X2, W/ BEARD in dark blue as well as an odd, but striking contrast with the orange eyes. The jaw can be opened extra wide making it expressive as possible.
Luckily the neck is ratcheted and while limited by the pearl gold elements, it’s needed to help counteract the weight of the head. It also doubles as a place to attach the rider chains. A feature that most modern dragons do lack today.
The body work is simple at best with a lot of the bulk being from this almost, sort of throne like saddle. There’s plenty of room to place jay wearing his armor while seamlessly using the standard LEGO chair Storage for a blowgun as well as a syringe of tiger widow venom is present on the back.
The wings are proportionally smaller than they should be but are well designed making use of transparent dark blue rotor blades. I could see it being more of propelling the dragon than flapping with its pure, electric energy. The range you can get out of the wings is great. However, it is limited by the subassembly that attaches them to the body. There is also a clever hidden spring loaded shooter within those subassemblies allowing for additional play possibilities.
The tail has enough segments to allow for more than plenty of range with it being tipped off like a forked-tongue. I could see it acting as some sort of defense mechanism with lightning striking out of the tips. The use of Hero Factory claws is most welcomed.
As far as the legs go they’re simple. No bends or anything special. Just stacking bricks on bricks. The classic experience. It has two points of articulation. One is in the hips on a ratchet joint, the other a ball joint for the ankles. Each foot has two addition points of articulation in the toes.
Posing the dragon is relatively easy given all the points of articulation it offers. You can go from a sitting and resting pose to a more brunt and attacking one.
Fun-Sized Fighter Jet
The side build is this little sky pirate glider making use of the large BIONICLE Mistika fins in burnt orange. There is storage for two, technically one accessory including the wrench that's already stored away. You can either use it to store Cyren’s sword or the djinn blade with trapped Nya element. Monkey Wrench can also ride along by attaching him to the flag pole. As a counter to the dragon's spring loaded shooters, a six barrel stud shooter is present on the front.
A Pirate and Her Monkey
Minifigures included are Destiny Jay and Cyren. The legs are a re-use for Jay but that torso is new. It has this real nice, metallic bluish purple sheen to it. He gets a new armor sheath combo and for the first time we get to see his animal symbol on its side profile confirming that it is in-fact, an octopus. He comes equipped with a djinn blade with trapped Nya element. As for Cyren none of her elements are exclusive to her but it is a nice combination of parts even re-using a face from the pirates reboot. She comes equipped with a pirate's cutlass. The back for Jay is simple but it does have this pilot type design representing taking flight using Airjitzu.
I’m gonna count Monkey Wretch here as half a figure using the minifigure arms. While I thought it was the original monkey element at first it’s actually a slightly updated version of that. Mainly in the face area it’s just a bit more refined.
So good things about this set, it is pretty size-able for what was originally asked for and they even threw in a little flier for conflict. It also does a great job at representing it as a creature of pure elemental energy. What it’s not good at representing though is a pure Lightning Dragon. From what’s seen in the source material it feels a lot more like the Hydro Electric Dragon which would be great had it been marketed that way. I also feel that the overall design is a tad bit outdated compared to other dragons from the same subtheme. If this came out in say 2014 or early 2015 cool. As a 2016 set? I’m not really feeling it.
If you'd like to see a video review check it out below!
See ya next time!
- Marty aka BioninjaBricks
Comments