Bags 1 and 2 are the base “companion” mode, with bag 3 upgrading to “flight ready” and bag four finishing things up with “battle-ready” status. The bags correspond to the different EVO stages. Inside the box are four numbered parts bags and a 92 page, perfect-bound instruction booklet. The only problem is that it’s not super clear that the tiles are unique without looking closely at all the packages – this feels like something that fans (and causal shoppers) are likely to overlook.

Each of the sets in the EVO theme has a unique “wisdom banner” that is meant to be awarded after completing the set’s “mission” – an ill-defined concept that seems to mostly be “defeat the bad guys”. This is part of a “gotta catch ’em all” idea that LEGO hopes will inspire fans to pick up the full-wave. Next to the LEGO logo, there’s a small inset shot of Kai holding a banner made from a 2×3 printed tile. In this case, it’s Kai’s Fire Dragon that goes from “Companion” to “Flight Ready” to “Battle Ready”. Each set has a creature or vehicle that goes from a basic state to a more combat-ready mode, sometimes over multiple stages.

The back of the box has a plain white background, possibly an attempt to more clearly explain the “EVO” concept that unites these early 2022 sets. The age range is set at 6+, which is fair for the complexity level of the set’s build. It’s more “comic book” than “animated cartoon,” but it does bring the toy front-and-center in a welcome way. The product image on the front is very clear, with a background that is much more subdued than previous Ninjago waves. This set comes packaged in a thumb-punch box. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews. The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Is this a set that will evolve to be a fan favorite? Read on and see what you think! This 204 piece set includes an upgradeable Fire Dragon, a drone, and three minifigures.

Among the lures is LEGO Ninjago 71762 Kai’s Fire Dragon EVO, which will be available January 1st from the LEGO Shop Online for US $29.99 | CAN $39.99 | UK £24.99. LEGO designer Niek van Slagmaat shared on Twitter how that age range is a group that’s currently under-represented in Ninjago fans, and now LEGO aims to change that. The January 2022 Ninjago EVO theme has some very targeted “6+” age range offerings.

Double dragon cartoon bit by snake