PenPlays

According to set+story influence: 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016 5 full years=5 year anniversary We have just entered Year 6.

I never said anything about a theoretical wave. I was simply stating the fact that, do to change in plans, Rebooted fared well (to most). Perhaps this one will follow suit. I direct you to every video game anniversary that was celebrated in the past eight years... Okay, okay. To each their own I suppose. No. Relevance is when something is connected to the matter at hand. A reminder that, outside of the TV show, there no longer will be any direct references to anything prior to rebooted (because of the soft reboot to make this, now evergreen, to keep things from reaching a Bionicle G1 Level of Confusion). Odds are that, despite the Skullkin and Stone Warriors returning, there won't be any direct reference to 2011-2013's line of sets. Aside from, potentially, "these are the ninja's old enemies," and that being it. The lighthouse is a perfect example of a set that was made based off of older TV show material. The Blacksmith Shop set was designed first, however, and Four Weapons is the show's interpretation of that set. In the show. Unless of course the Ninja will be time-traveling sometime soon as a main part of the story/set line. I do think though, that, having younger versions of the Senseis would confuse kids much more than, let's say, Echo Zane would ("OMG a golden Zane!!") See: Young Garmadon I had initially stated that: A beautiful few moments. I had stated that: See my response to Garmadon In a set though? I mean if he's evil again, sure, but as a good guy...(confusion). Technically Soto and Yang have never had the opportunity to be in the sets (aside from the latter's statue in the Temple of Airjitzu). Regarding the Samurai Mech: And I redact my statement regarding the Ultra Dragon. For all we know, the Elemental Dragons might combine in a similar fashion. I'd love that. Maybe the movie will deliver something good. Again, confusion with kids. I'll state again about a reissue of older "collectibles" as new collectibles reduces value. I want them back as much as the next person, though. See my quote on Samukai and the Overlord above. If they are relevant in the next season, then sure, I'd like to see them in sets. They have to appear in a pivotal moment in the show, though, as just slapping them into a set would make it confusing. Because it's a bit big. I want one though. See my quote on these guys above. Sure. As I said, anyone who is willing to take up the mantle of Samurai X, then sure. For all we know, Nya needs to disguise herself next season, so takes on the helmet again.

Movie delay? Sure. So? Rebooted suffered from something similar. Look how it turned out. Doesn't really matter what wave it is. It's during it's fifth year, right? The Lighthouse is as accurate as it gets. Aside from anything Cyrus Borg related, PIXAL, Kruncha, Nuckal, and potentially Garmadon, name one thing you've mentioned that would still be relevant at this point in time. The reason why none of these things are in a set, is because they aren't relevant. According to the story, young Wu and Garmadon are flashback characters, Samukai and the Overlord are dead (if either of these characters show up in the two sets we haven't seen, then sure, they're relevant, but only then), Skales is no longer a villain, the Golden Weapons are now the Golden Master's armor, and the elemental masters have no true relevance to the story. They aren't in sets for the sake of consistency to the story, which Lego helps create. Do keep in mind that where would many of the things you mention fit into the sets? Redoing old weapons loses collectible value. Characters that exist for no more than five minutes total (aside from Nindroids apparently) don't drive sales (young Senseis/elemental masters). Also keep in mind that Lego doesn't rehash sets (in action themes). If someone were to take on the moniker of Samurai X, however, than sure, a new Samurai Mech similar to the Final Flight of Destiny's Bounty and the Stealth Raider 2.0 would be fine (The other two simply would need a hard reboot to see the light of day as sets again).

Reminder that the reusing of concepts and designs works well if you have the mentality that Lego is celebrate Ninjago's 5 year anniversary this year. Very, very few sets make it to that point, and likewise should be celebrated tremendously, and nostalgically.

If I keep pushing money on the screen. Nothing's happening. I need them now. I'm SO glad descriptions for these sets were vague. I would have formulated something completely different in my head if they were detailed, and I'd be disappointed. What's here is good! My thoughts: -Kryptarium Escape $24.99 I was expecting this set to be about the size of the Spinjitzu Dojo. Disappointed that I was wrong, but that doesn't at all mean the set is bad. It invokes the feeling of Dojo Showdown, and features unique characters to boot. Now I'm a bit disappointed that Soto and the Stone Warrior are in prison garb, but I'm not going to complain too much. I'm just glad they're there. Soto also has a map to Tiger Widow Island, which is nice. I'm disappointed though with lack of consistency in the characters, as Airjitzu Kai throws things off. I digress. This set is superb for what it is, and will warrant a day one purchase if it weren't for another particular set that I'll talk about later. Oh yeah, and Zane Hair. Very big deal. -Titanium Ninja Tumbler $29.99 Very surprised by this set. It's about time Zane got a heavy rig sort of vehicle. It's rather compact, but that doesn't mean that there isn't anything on the inside (which I wish we knew the details of). This set also includes Zane's Hair which is a plus, but I would of rather had Lego keep that exclusive to Krypatrium, and given Zane his new flat silver/white wrap. I'm really disappointed that those Nindroids have no hoods. They are the only drawback to this set. They do include a spectral Techno-Blade though. -Cole's Rock Raider $39.99 (Oh how that name tugs at my heart) So, is it just me, or does the Purple Ninja have a white face? I also can't really tell what people mean by the purple ninja having shorter legs. You can't really tell from the images provided. Anyway. This set is not exactly the most creative of the bunch, but it certainly has merit as a 4x4 vehicle. The Stone Soldier and Stone Scout are nice, but let me be honest here... I really, really want Kozu to show up in this wave. It's just odd to leave him out. I'll hold my tongue though, as there are still two sets that need to be revealed. The set includes a spectral Elemental Blade. But the color isn't necessarily exciting. -Ronin M.E.C. (not really sure on the name) $49.99 I had high hopes for this set, but I was expecting more olive green. The net function is mediocre, and I don't see the practicality of using stud shooters to fire it. This is one of those sets that I'll have to see built before I can make a proper opinion on it. Yay for the Exo-Force reference, but the Skullkin mech is extremely disappointing. Krazi and Frackjaw are disappointing as well. I understand the choice of an ax as a spectral weapon though. All but the Nunchucks of Lightning use rubber pieces initially so options were slim. Aside from being a large mech, this set is probably my least favorite of Ninjago 2016. -Lloyd's Green NRG Dragon $59.99 Really love the look of this dragon. I love the small homages to the Golden Dragon to signify that it's the same (sans gold power), although it is much bigger. Don't like the head very much, though. I love all of the little extra pieces included for the Crew of Misfortune's Keep. It's also cool that members of the Crew have had their epaulets upgraded for Stone Army gear to match Nadakhan (who uses Kozu's upper torso). I'd like to take this moment to mention that I'm really glad that we got a couple more sets out of Skybound. It's been my favorite season so far, so I was disappointed that it would get so few sets. The lantern tail is a nice addition as well. -Lighthouse Siege Defense $79.99 Where do I begin! This set is gorgeous. It's all that I could ask from a set to represent this scene from the show. Echo Zane and Gizmo are fantastic additions. The minifig selection for this set is to die for. The size of the set is impressive, and all of the additional furniture and contraptions within are great additions as well. And may I be the first to point out the absolutely divine box art for this set. This is the first time I have ever wanted to mount a Lego Box on my wall as a work of art. I haven't felt so adamant to own a set this way since the Fire Temple. This is, no holds barred, a day one purchase. -Stealth Raider 2.0 $99.99? I really love how this set was executed. The curves are very futuristic, and best of all it transforms sorta (my weakness). So the side treads form separate into other vehicles, and then the plane comes off the top again, but it looks like the portion that Cole is in can also eject from the model as well. Not quite sure though. It's an awesome homage to not only be getting all four Ninja in the set, but also an Anacondrai as well. It's unfortunate that it has no tail, but oh well. It's nice to have Chen back, but I'm surprised that he's not accompanied by Clouse. Chen's Mech is also a bit lackluster, but it's nice that his throne is included. I also like how this set comes with Sensei Yang as well. Very excited about this release. Love the new Gis for the Ninja. Odd that Lloyd is nowhere to be found among the sets with the lantern logo. I have high hopes for the Samurai X Cave and the Airjitzu temple grounds. Such a shame that they haven't shown up at either of these Toy Fairs. Here's hoping that at least one of them show up in New York.

Think of it as a celebration of being a Lego Theme that actually lived to be 5-years-old. What better way to celebrate than a throwback, am I right?

*Machine of Doom It's on the box, and listed on Brickset as such, yes.

None of these were what I expected, but I think that's okay. My thoughts: -Ultimate Sets $9.99 ea. I really appreciate the fact that Lego actually gave a damn about Keetorange Flama. Makes me happy. I also love the trans-clear armor on Lance. Magmar is certainly impressive as well. Based on appearance alone, his Nexo Power Weapons are my favorites. Axl is also really cool looking, what with the Keetorange and the trans-orange. Exactly what I was hoping for. -The Glob Lobber $9.99 This set was so impressive sounding by it's name, but let me honest here... it's horrible. It looks like the designers got a pair of wheels, grabbed big handfuls of red, bleys, and trans orange and slapped this unfortunate pile together. It's only redeeming quality is the Royal Soldier with a Kingdoms helmet. -Macy's Thunder Mace $19.99 I was surprised by how small it is! Don't get me wrong, it's still a great looking set. The function, is simple sure, but for an "unfolding-function" in a small scale set, it looks great. Gonna need this one for the Macybot. -Aaron Fox's Arrow Striker V2 $39.99 This set was certainly a surprise. I love the use of this piece for the engines at the bottom. I really like how the wings are done as well. Wish we had a side view of the vehicle though. That way we could have some idea of how the function(s) of the vehicle work. Also, why is this the only set with the last name of a Nexo Knight in its set name? -General Magmar's Siege Engine of Doom $49.99 The quality of the naming conventions for the Evil Mobile are evident in this set as well. Hooray for consistency, I guess... Anyway, by the sounds of Brickset's previously deleted description, this set transforms. Immediately a turn on for me, but the build looks like it has something to be desired. The menacing look is okay, but the sticker sheet that will be included to accomplish that look is going to be... fun... It comes with two unique minifigures, Clay's Hover Horse, and an orange book as well. -Axl's Tower Carrier $69.99 I expected a flying vehicle, but WOW is this set chunky! The armored look is very impressive. It looks like there is some sort of internal function inside it. Brickset also mentioned something about the Tower Axl sits in being removable. Hmm. The Axlbots are certainly a drive for the set. That of course is aside from Burnzie who I've loved since his reveal on Lego's website a month ago. A blue book is also featured in this set. -Jestro's Volcano Lair $119.99 This set, unfortunately was not what I expected. I mean you can't just say "this set looks like a combination of the Agents Volcano and Vladek's Dark Fortress" and have it come out looking like... this. The set is cool. I was just hoping for more of a castle. One without a plank that leads to a lava Sarlacc. The internal features are funny, but some of those traps seem a little too obvious (the saw) to be considered menacing. The minifigure selection in this set is fantastic though. The Black Scurrier and the Bookkeeper are certainly pluses. This one also includes a small vehicle for Macy, Axl's Hover Horse. and a green book. To summarize, this lineup isn't necessarily stellar, but there are plenty of forgiving things throughout. I'll definitely be leaving final judgment on Jestro's Volcano Lair until I see it built. Reminder that Whiparella shows up in none of these sets, and that there is a store exclusive set that isn't going to be featured at any of the Toy Fairs. Note: Prices are based on comparing box sizes to sets that are currently available in similar sized packaging.

Oh wow... My Wallet... My fanboy riddled heartstrings... I'm absolutely salivating for pictures. I just hope that either the Airjitzu Temple Grounds or the Samurai X cave are present at Nuremberg. New York is too long to wait for. Gonna hold off on my opinions until I actually see the sets.

I will be honest, if the Ninja are re-casted with celebrities, I still will probably see it. Although if it's the game actors... I'll still go see it... wondering why they would make what might literally be the stupidest idea for Ninjago as a whole (that's right, who cares about plot holes when your actors are utter crap!).

Last year, Luke and Vader were the only two shown at the New York Toy Fair (the last one of the year).

There are a few ways the movie could go (IMO). Either: -The movie will remain non-canon to the TV show -The movie will reboot the entire series -The movie is canon, but will make few references (if at all) to the TV series. Regardless, the Movie will definitely effect another generation of kids. But whether the story will continue throughout remains to be seen. On the subject of the movie, I really hope that they use the actors from the TV show. I mean, sure, have a few celebrities sprinkled throughout, but don't take away from something that is good, Lego, please!

I don't actually own it, but I have taken a good look at a display of it. It's rather moderate in size, and it isn't a very substantial rolling fortress. However, some of the built in features are really well done. The way the jaw is built so that it can chomp up and down is really ingenious. The rising/lowering tower access is also quite functional as well. While if I had to choose between it and the Fortrex, I'd more that likely go for the Fortrex, but that's just me. With the mixed opinions I've seen, I think we might have another Garmatron on our hands.

Even though it's only 5 or so minutes long, it's still the show... I'm curious if we'll end up getting more magic books in the Summer. They seem to be this years collectible (similar to Ninjago's weapons) so why not have more?

Do keep in mind, though, that preliminary images do tend to be a bit faded some occasions. This is beside the fact that Lego loves to use placeholders on their preliminary boxes (and at Toy Fairs) as well.

I'd like to congratulate Nexo Knights for doing in just 4 episodes what it took Ninjago 35 episodes to do... nudity. It's nice that these characters actually have some sort of fear. It's certainly further than Chima got with character development, even though they are no where near what they could have been.

It probably would survive, but it would need another marketing push. We'll know if more troops will be returning (potentially) by London Toy Fair at the end of next week. I also expect that, if there is going to be a return of generic troops, that abandoned molds and original colors will effect the turnout of minifigs. The former will most likely effect the serpentine, whereas original colors could effect the chances of white Nindroids appearing, as they were only featured in sets as bad guys, thus leaving them in their black and purple color scheme. For all we know, though, Cryptor might be the only Nindroid featured in the entire wave. I just hope that Lego spoils us with loads of minifigs, like they did with the the Summer 2015 wave.

I had assumed that they didn't continue with more Airjitzu sets in order not to cannibalize the sales of the Nexo Knights Ultimate Sets.

To reiterate what tkatt said, unless you are willing to shell out the $200 for the absolutely gorgeous Temple of Airjitzu, then go for the Master Wu Dragon. It's price per piece and minifig count are extraordinary for a set that size. That's aside from the point that it's probably the best Dragon aesthetically to date. In all honesty, I collect complete themes here. I'm only missing a couple older Ninjago sets, but if you need an opinion on set choices, feel free to PM me or spark up conversation here. When it comes to 2015 sets, specifically the Tournament of Elements sets (Winter Wave) you're best off just getting the Electromech, The Titanium Dragon and Ninja DB X Now when it comes to the Summer 2015 sets, the only ones that are hard to justify are the Airjitzu flyers, but, damn they have good minifigs. Jay Walker One is also a so-so set, as it really isn't all that impressive, and the way the "ghost gun" works can be situational. Basically the rest of the wave, is minifig, part, build, and visual gold (in my opinion).

Apparently every one except for the Stone Army. Whether we're getting the Crew of Misfortune's Keep or Soto's crew (due to what I'd assume will be Misfortune's defeat (pure speculation)) has yet to be mentioned.

I'm really getting tired by Clay's by-the-book attitude. I was thinking that Axl would be an issue with a repetitive trait, but with him, it isn't food all the time. With Clay it's rules, after rules, after rules. Even the Book of Monsters isn't that bad. At least not anymore

Reminder that the designer for Flama already confirmed that Flama is a male. End of discussion and moving on... So, I recently picked up Lance's Mecha Horse. As some, if not most of you, know, I'm a sucker for transforming Lego sets and this one is no slouch. Although the instructions don't call for it, the feet on the front legs look like they're designed to fold up, so that's just a little additional thing I transform to get more out of the function. It's a bit of a shame that Lance can't really see out of the windshield when in motorcycle mode, but no biggie. Dennis is also a good starter for the Squire Bots, and I must say, they're adorable. Love that we get an extra 1x1 heraldry plate as well. I hope we'll see at least one Squire-Bot for each of the Nexo Knights down the road.

I don't think that those who I live with would like that very much... Bad lighting. I also don't have the tools for an outdoor studio. When it comes to taking pictures, especially something of these proportions, of course! Also keep in mind that the smallest sets, being the Tribe Packs, would at least require a 5 inch wide circle-shaped area in order for minimum dynamic posing to be done. This is aside the fact of how much real estate the Speedorz Hazardz (I still love that made up term) would take up. Add in the larger Crocodile vehicles and Base, the Tiger's Mobile Command, and the Temples and you've got a bit of a space issue. Especially since I have plenty of other themes on display as well. I also have an issue with my Amiibo encroaching in that area as well, so my hands are a bit tied.

I don't think this is a fan idea. I know it is. A common writing tool/trope for mysterious beings, spiritual or not, is that they are "known by many names," and that "the one (insert character) knows is just one of them." Makuta is definitely not the first, and the Overlord is one of the more recent to say so. Another common trope is the "balance between good and evil." Stories use this as a means to justify the evil in the worlds writers have created and can be used limitlessly. The same quote, whether similar or not does not mean anything. From this perspective, saying the Overlord is Makuta is like saying Sauron and Darth Sidious are the same. They're simply two different bad guys that are present in worlds that take good and evil similarly, regardless if it's light and darkness, magic and sorcery, or Light and Dark Sides of the Force. This is more of a theory, than something with concrete evidence. It's also something that Lego would never confirm either, as they have clearly moved on from Bionicle G1.

... but... it's more than just a little glare from a window. They're out in the elements where so much can go wrong. Rain, bugs, birds! And who says I have friends? ... I'm a little more paranoid on this subject than I thought... As cool as it would be, I'm not going to be taking a picture of the entire line. At least not yet.