Lego Ninjago

LEGO Ninjago is a Lego theme that was introduced in 2011. It is the first to be based on ninja since the discontinuation of the Lego Ninja theme in 2000. Whilst it retains some elements of the previous theme, it is based on a more detailed storyline, primarily underpinned by the TV series that it is based on, Ninjago. The theme enjoyed popularity and success in its first year, and a further two years were commissioned before a planned discontinuation in 2013. However, after a brief hiatus, the line was revived after feedback from fans and has been in production ever since.[1]

This article is about the line of Lego toys. For the related TV series, see Ninjago (TV series). For the 2017 film, see The Lego Ninjago Movie.
Lego Ninjago
The logo used between 2011 and Mid-2019
SubjectNinja, Dragons, Snakes, Skeletons, Classical element, Martial arts, Spinjitzu
Licensed from2014
Availability2011–present
Total sets262 (including promotional sets)
CharactersLloyd Garmadon, Cole, Jay, Zane, Kai, Nya, Sensei Wu, Lord Garmadon, Pixal, Dareth, Skylor, Misako
Official website
TV SeriesNinjago (TV series)

Premise
Main article: Ninjago (TV series) § Overview

The main focus of the line is the formation and consequent exploits and trials of a group of teenage ninja, battling against the various forces of evil.[2]

Development

The origin of the Ninjago theme lies in the earlier Lego Ninja theme, which was released in 1988. This theme was based on Feudalistic Japan and featured ninjas, fortresses, catapults and horses. It originated in the Lego Castle theme that had been in existence since 1978. In 2000, Lego Ninja was replaced by Lego Knights. These themes eventually resulted in the introduction of the Ninjago theme, which included some of the original concepts of the Ninja theme, such as the dragons and fortresses, but also introduced modern day elements. The Ninjago theme then employed the use of an original story that would appeal to young teenage boys, by creating a cast of characters that focused on a group of ninja heroes and a wide variety of villains.[3]

Ninjago television series
Main article: Ninjago (TV series)

The Lego Ninjago sets are based on the Ninjago television series. Since 2011, the Lego Ninjago themed sets have been released in waves each year to correspond with the Ninjago seasons. The playsets in each wave feature some of the main locations, vehicles, mechs, weapons and characters from the corresponding season, including Lloyd and the Ninja dressed in their current gi designs. Ninjago is a 3D animated television series. The series was animated in Denmark by Wil Film ApS for its first ten seasons. Animation was relocated to WildBrain Studios (formerly DHX Media) in Canada from its eleventh season onward. Since it first aired in 2011, thirteen regular seasons have been produced, along with one pilot season and one extended special.[3]

Main characters
Main article: Ninjago (TV series) § Characters

The main characters featured in this theme are based on the central characters of the Ninjago television series. The show focuses on a team of six teenage ninja, who are trained in the art of Spinjitzu by Master Wu and are also elemental masters.[3]

  • Lloyd Garmadon - The legendary Green Ninja and Elemental Master of Energy, son of Lord Garmadon
  • Kai - The Red Ninja, Elemental Master of Fire, and older brother of Nya
  • Cole - The Black Ninja and Elemental Master of Earth
  • Jay - The Blue Ninja and Elemental Master of Lightning, boyfriend of Nya
  • Zane - The White/Titanium Ninja and Elemental Master of Ice, boyfriend of Pixal
  • Nya - The Grey/Maroon Ninja, Elemental Master of Water, and former Samurai X, younger sister of Kai and girlfriend of Jay

There are also several other major recurring characters in the show, which play important roles as allies or enemies of the Ninja team.

  • Master Wu - The Master of Creation and teacher of the Ninjas. He is an elderly figure and acts as a spiritual mentor to the cast.
  • Lord Garmadon - The Master of Destruction, brother to Wu and father to Lloyd
  • Misako - Lloyd's mother and Garmadon's estranged wife
  • Pixal - a female nindroid and the current Samurai X, girlfriend of Zane
  • Skylor - The Elemental Master of Amber, Kai's girlfriend
  • Dareth - The owner of a dojo in Ninjago City and a close friend of the Ninja.

Playsets

There have been 262 Lego Ninjago sets released since 2011.[4] Each season has anywhere between six and 15 corresponding regular boxed sets, either released in one or two waves across a given year.

In 2012, the Fire Temple set (#2507) was awarded 'Activity Toy of the Year' for inspiring creative play through various forms of activity at the 12th Annual Toy of the Year Awards, which is held at the American International Toy Fair in New York City.[5]

In 2019, the Ninjago Legacy line was introduced, which recreated new playsets based on Ninjago sets from previous seasons.[6]

Battle games and spinners

With the release of the Pilot Season of the Ninjago TV series in 2011, the first Ninjago toys with collectible cards and spinners were launched.[6] These all involve placing a Lego minifigure on either a spinning or flying disk. The first generation of spinners was released in 2011 and incorporated a two-player battle game, involving exchanges of weapons and collectible cards. The second generation was released in 2015 and consisted of a ripcord mechanism to launch the spinner into the air, recreating the art of "Airjitzu" in the Ninjago TV series.[6] The most recent release of Ninjago spinners was in 2020.[7] Several Ninjago battle games have been released, including a board game from the Lego Games theme, and a board game consisting of several playsets in 2020.[8][6]

Ten year anniversary

On 14 January 2021, the Lego Ninjago theme celebrated its 10th anniversary.[9] It was originally intended that the theme would end in 2012 with the completion of the second season of the Ninjago TV series. However, due to its continued success, it was extended indefinitely.[10] The Ninjago theme is therefore one of Lego's longest running and most successful franchises.[3]

See also

References
  1. "Ten years of LEGO NINJAGO!". Brickset.com. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  2. "The Best Lego Ninjago Sets For Discerning Spinjitzu Masters". Fatherly. 2019-05-11. Retrieved 2021-01-27.
  3. Estrella, Ernie (2017-09-20). "LEGO Ninjago has a long and storied history you definitely didn't know about". SYFY WIRE. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  4. ago, Mary Jane 2 years (2018-11-17). "What is LEGO Ninjago? Product line introduced in 2011". Bricks are Awesome. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  5. "2012 TOTY Winners". The Toy Association. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  6. "A visual journey: 10 Years of LEGO Ninjago [News]". The Brothers Brick. 2021-01-14. Retrieved 2021-01-31.
  7. "Ninjago | Spinners". Brickset.com. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  8. "3856-1: Ninjago: The Board Game". Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  9. Lego Group (14 January 2021). "LEGO® NINJAGO® MARKS ITS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH LEGACY SETS AND STYLISH COLLABS". Lego.com. Lego. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  10. "Here's how the LEGO Group is celebrating NINJAGO's 10th anniversary". Retrieved 2021-01-28.
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