Review: 80049 Dragon of the East Palace
Posted by CapnRex101,
Monkie Kid has already explored some beautiful settings, between 80024 The Legendary Flower Fruit Mountain, 80036 The City of Lanterns and 80039 The Heavenly Realms. The ornate 80049 Dragon of the East Palace also looks exceptional, featuring outstanding detail.
Unfortunately, these impressive Monkie Kid sets are frequently expensive and the palace is no exception, costing £169.99, $189.99 or €189.99. However, there is an opportunity for extensive interior detail here, which past location-based sets have noticeably lacked, so hopefully that will improve on this occasion.
Summary
80049 Dragon of the East Palace, 2,364 pieces.
£169.99 / $189.99 / €189.99 | 7.2p/8.0c/8.0c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
80049 Dragon of the East Palace is spectacular, but expensive and not perfectly finished
- Beautiful on display
- Generally good interior
- Several appealing minifigures
- Exposed Technic pieces
- Very expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Monkie Kid wears new clothing in the latest sets, as normal. The torso and legs are therefore available elsewhere, but this combination with the underwater breathing apparatus is unique. This air tank and breathing mask piece was created for NINJAGO, but also suits Monkie Kid perfectly. Furthermore, the character's red and flame yellowish orange colour scheme remains intact, with flippers providing a traditional splash of teal.
The minifigure's dual-moulded legs look superb as well, similar to those on Monkie King. This version of Sun Wukong includes an exclusive torso, displaying a subtle and appealing pattern across the front and back. Ideally, this design would continue onto the legs, but they were not developed specifically for this minifigure.
Nevertheless, this is among my favourite Monkey King minifigures in simpler robes, contrasting with the spectacular armoured figures in a couple of other sets. Monkey King wields a wooden staff, while Monkie Kid comes with a camera. It is unusual for neither hero to carry the Golden Staff, although the reason for that will become apparent shortly.
The mighty Dragon of the East previously appeared in 80037 Dragon of the East, as that set name suggests. The magenta hair and beard component remains unchanged and captures fantastic detail, with metallic gold decorations on top. However, the dress element from the earlier minifigure is replaced with printed legs and the Dragon of the East now wears a cape,
A variety of underwater creatures reside in the palace, including the diminutive Turtle Minister. I love the rudimentary design of this minifigure's brick-built hat and the printed shell is effective as well, represented by a 2x2 dish. A spare dish is also provided. The torso looks superb, but the Dragon of the East sports much more elaborate robes, bedecked with teal and metallic gold patterns.
Removing the magenta hair reveals a printed beard on the double-sided head underneath, with matching eyebrows. The Dragon of the East is equipped with a pink-bladed sword and a staff, fittingly topped with a carved dragon head. The Turtle Minister, meanwhile, clearly serves an administrative role for the titular ruler, so carries an ink pen and a scroll.
The other ocean-dwelling minifigures serve in a military capacity, beginning with a pair of Crab Generals. These peculiar officers are completely identical and their crab heads are stunningly silly, although their expressions appear very serious! The armoured torsos also look nice, with teal accents and some detail reminiscent of real crustaceans.
I do find it strange that two Crab Generals are supplied though, joined by the same number of Shrimp Soldiers. These minifigures seem even more outlandish than the generals, but I think this works in their favour. The rubbery head pieces look wonderful and transition to a tail on the back. However, the repetition of the torso on the Crab Generals and Shrimp Soldiers is slightly disappointing.
The Completed Model
80049 Dragon of the East Palace contains 2364 pieces and certainly puts them to impressive use, as this model looks spectacular on display. The blending of natural features on the ocean floor and ornate structures is incredibly effective, particularly given the ingenious combination of scales. While much of the foreground is evidently minifigure-scale, the palace is constructed at microscale.
The colour scheme aids in this effect, as the rocky foreground is predominantly dark blue, with sand green accents and shades of tan across the floor, to contrast with brighter colours above. The texture of the rocks could perhaps be improved, but this cliff face is necessarily shallow to accommodate the interior. A few stickers decorate the rocks, although these are only a fraction of the 35 stickers included.
A pack of sea creatures is provided as well, introduced in LEGO Friends and appearing for the first time in flame yellowish orange. These elements and colourful LEGO fish look nice against the muted rocks, especially towards the left side of the model, where there is an opportunity for more depth. I like the green mop head, representing an anemone of some kind.
Pearl gold railings line the edge of the cliff, with opalescent trans-light blue gems interspersed between them. The neighbouring gems in the middle are awkward, but unavoidable because this is where the cliff face divides. There is enough space for minifigures to stand behind the railings, but their scales obviously differ.
A dragon emerges from the seabed on one side of the palace. This is similar in size to other LEGO dragons, featuring a brick-built head with familiar proportions, but I think this animal is also intended to be microscale. I wish the designer had included something to indicate its size clearly, perhaps on the stickered scales.
The dragon is attached to a 4x4 round brick and therefore rotates on a turntable. Moreover, the head, arms and wrists are connected using ball joints, while the jaw and fingers are articulated too. However, the dragon's segmented body is static and the dark blue and pearl gold colours blend with the surroundings. I love these colours together, but contrasting colours would clearly stand out more.
Even though stickers are used for the dragon's scales, the design does not excessively rely on them. The head in particular benefits from intricate use of various small parts, most notably for the whiskers and golden crest. The opalescent eyes also look excellent, matching a 2x2 slider inside the mouth and an orb, which is clutched in the dragon's right hand.
An ornamental gateway is found at the other end of the structure, where minifigures approach the palace. Unlike the dragon, the entrance contrasts with the neighbouring rocks, consisting primarily of white and blue pieces. The golden details across the two-tiered roof are effective and another orb is fixed on top, several of which can be found throughout the palace complex.
Wedge plates form a curving staircase towards the palace, beginning with sand and eventually giving way to stone steps. The shape is interesting and I like the transition between natural and architectural features. However, a few extra pieces would improve the finishing here, filling gaps and covering Technic elements around the staircase.
In addition to changing from sand to stone, the staircase gradually narrows. From six studs wide at the gate, the steps are just two studs wide when they reach the palace itself, again reflecting the shift between minifigure-scale and microscale. Moreover, the staircase divides en route, so minifigures can access an elegant pavilion.
This pavilion shares the white, blue and pearl gold colour scheme of the gateway, with another orb in the middle. I like how 3x3 double inside slopes are integrated for the upturned corners of the roof and the angled position of the pavilion is appealing. The sticker on the table underneath depicts a game of Xiangqi, alternatively known as Chinese chess.
I earlier mentioned that neither Monkie Kid nor Monkey King wields the fabled Golden Staff in this set. Instead, the staff appears at its largest size to date, towering above the Dragon of the East Palace! The texture on the handgrip looks great and the rocks around the base are lovely too, including some 1x4 flame elements, manufactured in dark bluish grey for the first time.
Monkey King's staff is able to change size, as we have seen in the likes of 80040 Monkie Kid Combi Mech and 80045 Monkey King Ultra Mech recently. Removing the enormous staff thus reveals a minifigure-scale version underneath, ready for Monkey King to seize. A new handgrip was developed for the staff in January, but the older metallic gold handles are used here.
The palace is by far my favourite part of this set. Despite its modest size, the vibrant exterior stands out brilliantly, featuring the same combination of blue, pearl gold and white, with a few teal highlights. The ornate windows are beautiful and match golden decoration across the roof, with a clamshell flanked by clouds in the centre.
Similar details are placed in each corner and the palace also displays the final two opalescent trans-light blue orbs on its roof. These complement the aforementioned gemstones along the railings, as well as some trans-light blue pieces beside the windows. Stickers are applied on both doors, which can open and feature dragon-shaped door knockers.
Minifigures can enter through these doors, but access is primarily intended by sliding the rocks aside to reveal the Dragon of the East's throne room. When closed, the whole model measures 47cm across, which is slightly smaller than I envisaged. This configuration has greater presence on display, stretching to a width of 59cm.
The throne room is richly decorated in gold, with teal and lavender carpets. I love the windows and the ostentatious wheel in the middle, repeating details from the microscale palace exterior. The throne is attractive too, with dragon-shaped armrests and scrollwork on the back. Standard minifigure legs, rather than a dress piece, allow the Dragon of the East to sit on his throne, but his cape only fits awkwardly.
However, much of the interior is hidden on the back and the four rooms presented below are easily accessible, whether the cliff face is open or closed. Given how much space is taken by the opening function, I was surprised to find so much of the interior exposed from the back. On the other hand, this design is probably better for play and the throne room is pivotal.
Technic elements are integral to the model, as expected because substantial sections need to move back and forth. Unfortunately, quite a few of those pieces are noticeable across the back and sides. Their colours blend reasonably well, but I particularly dislike the blue Technic beam in the armoury, which could easily have been concealed behind tiles.
Another beam is found beside the Dragon of the East's bedroom, although the back of a light bluish grey rock panel is arguably more distracting. Again, I think these unsightly pieces could have been disguised more effectively, especially in such an expensive set. The base under the dragon is also completely exposed, but should be covered, similar to Monkey King's staff.
The Dragon of the East obviously has opulent taste, which extends to his beautiful four-poster bed! Its dark brown colour looks superb and differs from other wooden furnishings throughout the palace, which are reddish brown. Stickers provide teal accents and complement the pillow, while the medium azure bedding looks nice as well.
Something is visible under the bed in the above image. Thankfully, the bed is only attached via four studs, so can be removed to reveal the vaunted Scroll of Memory. This accessory plays an essential role in Monkie Kid season four, but is only found here in minifigure-scale. A printed box of Pigsy's noodles is also provided, while the stickered fish tank features the four Dragon Kings, including the pink-haired Dragon of the East.
Monkey King once travelled to the palace to choose his weapon, hence a spacious armoury is situated behind the throne room. Various weapons are displayed inside, including four swords, four spears and the Yellow Tusk Elephant's clubs. Some of these accessories are required for the Crab Generals and Shrimp Soldiers too, as they are otherwise unarmed.
While the selection is reasonable, this chamber could be more detailed and contain many more outlandish weapons. For instance, maybe some could be suspended from the Technic beam or the Technic bricks underneath. As it is, I can understand why Monkey King decided to seize the Golden Staff from outside instead, then serving as a pillar to stabilise the ocean.
A sitting room is included as well, where Monkey King and the Dragon of the East sit to discuss the Fable of the Wise Man, according to the instruction manual. A painting on the wall portrays the wise man and his student. This sticker and the frame look nice, although the room is quite sparsely detailed otherwise, despite the presence of several carved dragon heads.
The exterior again leaves something to be desired, particularly with a couple of red and yellow pieces visible. Nevertheless, this section takes full advantage of the sliding function to reveal a prison cell beneath the external staircase, certainly improving upon the empty space beside the bedroom.
It appears the cell's hidden location has caused problems for its occupant, seemingly forgotten by residents of the palace! After all, only a sliver of light is visible through the barred windows once the model is closed. Additionally, there is only space for a single minifigure, or indeed a skeleton, inside.
The final room is found inside the microscale palace, where the Dragon of the East displays his various treasures. These include trans-light blue and trans-red crystals, an egg and a sparkling geode. Similar to the armoury, I think there was an opportunity for some more detail, but space is needed for the doors to open, of course.
Stickered signs are present throughout the set, identifying each room and featuring the same golden frames. This one reads 'treasure collection room'. I am not convinced the signs were truly necessary, but their consistency is welcome and they introduce some additional detail.
Overall
Given the high standard of earlier location-based Monkie Kid sets, I have been looking forward to 80049 Dragon of the East Palace. The model is undoubtedly impressive on display and the creative combination of minifigure-scale and microscale features is very effective. The colour scheme looks marvellous as well, particularly in differentiating the ocean floor from the palace.
However, I think the level of finishing could be substantially improved. The facade is essentially flawless, but a frustrating number of Technic elements are visible from behind, including several that could have been hidden easily. Such faults may be excusable in smaller and less expensive sets, but the palace costs £169.99, $189.99 or €189.99. The issues are thus frustrating, but this set is satisfying on the whole.
105 likes
31 comments on this article
"very expensive"? with 8ct per brick? Not really but of course in the end you have to know if you want to buy a big set set for bigger money.
The MK sets are always quite impressive, can't say I know anyone that has ever bought any of them though.
I am glad my niece and nephew have more modest and less expensive LEGO tastes.
Such an incredible set but something that keeps putting me off of the Monkie Kid sets is their constant high prices
I don't want to start any inter-series turtle-tournaments here (he lied, unconvincingly), but let's be honest: if it ever comes to it, Mrs. Castillo will crush Turtle Minister's skull like a GRAPE.
Love these MK sets, such fun builds and part usage.
This is one of best Lego sets ever. Seriously.
Shame its not available in Lego shops.
@marengho said:
""very expensive"? with 8ct per brick? Not really but of course in the end you have to know if you want to buy a big set set for bigger money."
The review does mention that, despite the favorable price per part, the finished set is smaller than usual for a set of its price and piece count
@marengho said:
""very expensive"? with 8ct per brick? Not really but of course in the end you have to know if you want to buy a big set set for bigger money."
Price per piece is really only useful as a very rough measure of value. Considering the size of the model, the level of detail and the minifigures included, I think it is overpriced, despite the substantial piece count.
Another great looking set from the theme, but I just don't have room nor want it bad enough compared to other LEGO sets.
The Turtle Minister's hat, while more elaborate, reminds me of how the old Ninja subtheme of Castle used 2x2 radar dishes to represent coolie hats, as seen on this guy: https://brickset.com/minifigs/cas051/ninja-master
I love this theme a ton,this is another awesome set from them.
@marengho said:
""very expensive"? with 8ct per brick? Not really but of course in the end you have to know if you want to buy a big set set for bigger money."
Considering that there are loads of 1x1 pieces in this set, a PPP of 8ct is actually quite expensive.
I don't know why people hate on technic beams being visible, to me they look like architectural support texture which makes total sense.
Price per piece has been a largely meaningless metric for a long time. The only people who should care about price per piece are BrickLink resellers.
Arrgh ya ready kids? Eye eye captain! I can't hear you! Eye eye captain! Oh,
Who lives in a temple under the sea...
Wish they had these sets in actual LEGO stores to look at in person...
@illennium said:
"Price per piece has been a largely meaningless metric for a long time. The only people who should care about price per piece are BrickLink resellers."
Absolutely. There's only one accurate measure of anything's value, and that's how much you want it!
Now, I'm just off to weigh the Mona Lisa to see if I can afford it...
I’m confused about the use of the term microscale here. Isn’t the whole thing minifig scale? Or is the temple door too small for a minifig to pass through naturally?
@chrisaw said:
"I’m confused about the use of the term microscale here. Isn’t the whole thing minifig scale? Or is the temple door too small for a minifig to pass through naturally?"
Yeah, I am a bit too. I think it is to do with the palace being much bigger in the show/legend, so it has been scaled down compared to what it should be.
@chrisaw said:
"I’m confused about the use of the term microscale here. Isn’t the whole thing minifig scale? Or is the temple door too small for a minifig to pass through naturally?"
Minifigures can pass through the palace door, but that structure is intended to be microscale because it is enormous in the animated series. The foreground and particularly the right side, meanwhile, are minifigure-scale.
If the palace is micro scale it would seem sensible to put some appropriate micro/nano figs in the set to enhance play in that area.
@marengho said:
""very expensive"? with 8ct per brick? Not really but of course in the end you have to know if you want to buy a big set set for bigger money."
Monkie Kid sets not having discounts is a much bigger factor then price per piece for this theme in particular.
This theme has been a lot of fun right from the start. I don't have the budget to sink into it, but I've really enjoyed the sets we've gotten from it. Shame they're so difficult to get (ugh, paying full price ordering direct from Lego...).
Maybe I'm missing something, but what makes the outside of the palace microscale rather than just small? It looks minifig scale to me.
Price per piece tells you not only how much you pay for a piece on average in a set but also tells you how long will it take you to build that set. The more parts, the longer it takes. Some people like to have quick builds, others like to take their time. To me, building time is important, when I pay premium I want to be occupied longer. I also always find sets irl much bigger than in the photos, and the bigger the set, the perceived difference is also bigger. That's why I am very surprised that this set has 'too expensive' con. If this is too expensive then what we call the latest marvel ships? Because these are too expensive for real.
@TeriXeri said:
Monkie Kid sets not having discounts is a much bigger factor then price per piece for this theme in particular.]]
Yes, these discounts is also giving to me a better feeling but on the other hand it is misleading because when the original price is higher compared to other sets the years before discounts will not help also.
And if there are complaints about flaws which are expected not to come in expensive sets this would be a different statement.
Please have a look at the Landrover with less pieces and 50 Euros more - this I would call expensive and why? Because I am not the target group.
Anyway I am used to more expensive sets collecting Star Wars for twenty years now.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @marengho said:
""very expensive"? with 8ct per brick? Not really but of course in the end you have to know if you want to buy a big set set for bigger money."
Price per piece is really only useful as a very rough measure of value. Considering the size of the model, the level of detail and the minifigures included, I think it is overpriced, despite the substantial piece count."
I'm never, ever, ever going to be Lego apologist. I agree it's expensive.
Yet, to play The Devil's Advocate (my natural and professional role), for $20 less you could buy a trully infantile, unfinished piece of crap 75365.
This set provides far, far, far better value than Yavin. I have yet to be disappointed with the MK sets I've purchased. They've all impressed me.
@sjr60 said:
" @illennium said:
"Price per piece has been a largely meaningless metric for a long time. The only people who should care about price per piece are BrickLink resellers."
Absolutely. There's only one accurate measure of anything's value, and that's how much you want it!
Now, I'm just off to weigh the Mona Lisa to see if I can afford it..."
PPP is valuable because it's easy. Everything that could replace it is harder to calculate or is grossly subjective- especially when you're staring at boxes on the shelf.
That said, I can NOT wait until I see an AFOL in my local store with a digital bathroom scale under his arm. That will make my day!.... and, I'll politely ask to borrow it. ;)
It's beautiful. I can see here some good ideas for a MOC, sadly without those splendid minifigures.
Despite comparisons to other sets, price per piece, etc., any set still must pass the one test that matters most.
Everyone has a different name for it. Sniff Test, Gut Check, Feel Test, etc. Bottom line is this…sometimes when you look at a set you have an instinctual response and that response creates a window of how much you’d be willing to pay (for any product really). The person making those goods needs to be able to stick a landing within that window.
If they do, everything is usually fine, perception wise. If they don’t, it raises questions. The number of which usually influenced by how far away from that window the target RRP is.
All that being said, damn that’s a cool set. And I say that about a lot of MK stuff but I only own one set. It’s just too pricey overall for a theme I don’t have a lot of emotional investment in. Still really great sets there though.
Always loved these large Monkie Kid location sets (Flower Fruit Mountain, Heavenly Realms)! Sadly none (apart from City of Lanterns - was at store on release day) really acquired as they were never readily available in local LEGO-brand stores and 3rd party sellers/resellers asking too much.
Thanks for the great review...living vicariously through reviews [more] nowadays :)