Review: 80041 Mei's Dragon Jet
Posted by CapnRex101,80041 Mei's Dragon Jet takes paramount design influence from the popular 80020 White Dragon Horse Jet, featuring identical colours with equally angular bodywork. The continuity between Mei's vehicles is fantastic, although reaching the same standard will be difficult.
However, this model is affordably priced, costing £17.99, $19.99 or €19.99, while the presence of three minifigures is appealing. Moreover, the vessel features some unexpected and interesting functions, despite its relatively modest size.
Summary
80041 Mei's Dragon Jet, 246 pieces.
£17.99 / $19.99 / €19.99 | 7.3p/8.1c/8.1c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Mei's Dragon Jet provides a suitable entry point for Monkie Kid, but is not a must-have
- Excellent functions
- Good minifigures, given the price
- Some awkward features
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
80034 Nezha's Fire Ring introduced a new, heavily armoured, version of Monkie Kid, which then reappeared in 80040 Monkie Kid's Combi Mech. An equivalent armoured Mei minifigure arrived this year, although only with the larger 80043 Yellow Tusk Elephant. This variant has appeared several times before, so a less common minifigure would have been ideal.
Nonetheless, the combination of white, bright green and pearl gold across Mei's garb is splendid and I love the dragon's menacing visage on her torso. Furthermore, the golden shoulder armour looks superb, alongside Mei's usual double-sided head and green-accented hair element. Even though this minifigure is excellent, its availability in four other sets cannot be ignored.
Mei's trans-bright green sword appears even more often, although this colour complements her armoured attire. Also, the white dragon-shaped hilt looks marvellous, if oversized given the short blade length.
Ink Demons aid the animal demons in their nefarious plans, led by the Ink General. This figure definitely appears superior to his underlings, not least because the ghoulish lower body element increases his height. The transition between the black torso and the black plastic in this piece is impressive, while the shoulder armour also increases the general's bulk.
The lowly Ink Demon includes the same torso and head as the leader, which is disappointing. A distinctive emblem decorates their yellow armour, with subtle metallic gold highlights around the waist. With the further addition of purple details, I find the whole colour scheme muddled. Maybe the golden accents could have been omitted.
However, the differing hairstyles look great, with the Ink Demon's hair returning from the Monkie Kid sets released in 2021. Both minifigures are equipped with black Power Blasts, representing ink, beside a bow belonging to the standard soldier and a flaming torch for the general.
The Completed Model
The torch is needed to light the cannon accompanying these minifigures. While small, I like this weapon very much. The wooden wheels look nice and 2x4 roof slopes are effectively integrated on either side, enclosing the stud shooter within. Some extra 1x1 round plates are stored in the barrel, with another ink tendril alongside!
LEGO has developed some interesting shared features between Mei's many vehicles, including their angular shapes and, most obviously, their colours. The blend of white, trans-bright green and teal looks marvellous, matching the minifigure and including occasional splashes of pearl gold. Thankfully, the unsightly vibrant yellow accents on 80031 Mei's Dragon Car are consigned to history.
Of course, this model is much smaller than 80020 White Dragon Horse Jet, measuring 20cm in length and lacking the same substantial fuselage. In fact, the wings provide much of the vessel's physical size, especially when spread, rather than being swept back. However, this size seems reasonable to me, considering the price.
4x5x1 cockpit elements are combined to appealing effect on the nose, creating the sharp angles associated with Mei's vehicles. These nestle beautifully around the lime green 1x1 round bricks found at the front, decorated with stickers. The stud shooters mounted behind these panels look odd though, given they are not actually pointing forwards.
A new blade was introduced with the Monkie Kid range this year, featuring cloud-like swirls and an elegant curved shape. These pieces form the wings and look good, although I expect angular blades would have been even more successful. Even so, their adjustable positions are welcome and the white panels behind the wings can also swing outwards, as presented below.
Another of the aforementioned 4x5x1 cockpit pieces forms the canopy, protecting the minifigure inside, without fully enclosing the cockpit. Personally, I prefer enclosed cockpits, but there is not enough space for one here. There is sufficient room for Mei though, seated behind the stickered console, which features a targeting display.
Two teal fins are situated behind the cockpit, with swords representing thrusters underneath. An additional trans-bright green thruster can be revealed after detaching a smaller aircraft, with the same colours as the Dragon Jet. I am pleased the designer managed to incorporate a separate vehicle, as these are always appreciated for play. Presumably the bigger vessel is oversized for some missions.
Overall
While not as impressive as 80020 White Dragon Horse Jet, Mei's newest vehicle maintains her established aesthetic and includes an unexpected array of functions. The adjustable wings and detachable vehicle are simple and similar features commonly appear elsewhere, although rarely in such inexpensive sets.
80041 Mei's Dragon Jet also provides a satisfying minifigure selection, despite lacking the new iteration of Mei available with 80043 Yellow Tusk Elephant. Given the price of £17.99, $19.99 or €19.99, this would be an excellent entry point to the Monkie Kid theme, although perhaps not a set for collectors of the range. However, this set and 80040 Monkie Kid's Combi Mech become more interesting when combined, which will be explored very soon.
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26 comments on this article
Minfigs are kinda lacking
Monkie Kid continues to present exceptional value, but I’m afraid that if I buy one set from the line, I’ll want them all.
I love the vibrancy of this set, and the cannon is interesting...
Mei huh? Isn't that the name of the climatologist from OW? They even look of similar.
This one looks kinda off
I think the Mei minifig in this set actually is the matching version to the Monkie Kid figure in 80040. The Mei figure in 80043 looks more like it matches Monkie Kid's minifig in 80045.
The model reminds me of one of the old Insectoid ships.
No combi images with 80040? :/
I do like the set,tho. Especially the colors and parts.
I like a lot of MK, but, not this. Good vehicle for the kids, I suppose.
@StyleCounselor said:
"I like a lot of MK, but, not this. Good vehicle for the kids, I suppose. "
It makes up for it a bit when combined with 80040
Getting NJO195: Nadakhan vibes from the Ink General...
This set looks kinda mei to be honest.
I'm okay being in the minority that finds this entire theme adds nothing to Ninjago.
@darthnorman said:
"No combi images with 80040? :/
I do like the set,tho. Especially the colors and parts."
The conclusion of the review says they'll be coming in a separate article:
"However, this set and 80040 Monkie Kid's Combi Mech become more interesting when combined, which will be explored very soon."
I bought this and 80040 on the first of January, and have been very happy with them since I've built them (although a review I saw on YouTube has me considering tweaking the elbows of the combi mech, and I've toyed with squeezing the 80020 / 80031 cockpit canopy on this smaller jet). I think they're great, especially as they extend the Monkie Kid range down to $20 sets.
My only annoyance (which I think I've mentioned before) is that Lego Stores in the US no longer stock the physical sets. I know the first couple of years of sets didn't sell that well (I think they were all 20% off in my local store), but these are good lower cost / impulse buys, and I think they'll be held back by being available only online.
I love Mei's color scheme so much, and it's nice to see cheap Monkie Kid sets. I think this set is a winner!
It's been a long time since the long white pieces used as wings were last available in white. I paid six dollars apiece for them last year when I built a Psiaki X-wing. I wonder how far the price will come down now (not that anyone is building Psiaki X-wings anymore).
As always, I adore the white, neon green, and teal color scheme. Cool parts, a great price, and neat minifigs made this an insta-buy for me. Saving it to build on a rainy day!
I can squeeze in the budget for either this set or 80040 Monkie Kid's Combi Mech. Not a fan of the open cockpit space though, and I generally prefer mechs. Might get 80040 and see about this one near the end of the year. I do enjoy the side builds in this one though.
The Ink Demons are giving epic Overlord vibes.
@Jackthenipper said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"I like a lot of MK, but, not this. Good vehicle for the kids, I suppose. "
It makes up for it a bit when combined with 80040"
More interesting, for sure. But, I have 71765 and 21311. This can't really compare.
I don't really like this set
@StyleCounselor said:
" @Jackthenipper said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"I like a lot of MK, but, not this. Good vehicle for the kids, I suppose. "
It makes up for it a bit when combined with 80040"
More interesting, for sure. But, I have 71765 and 21311. This can't really compare. "
I mean, of course it can't. You're comparing a pair of $20 sets with a $90 set and $180 set. Obviously these aren't going to approach the level of complexity and refinement of those more expensive sets—but if you judge them for what they are (a pair of small, entry-level vehicle sets that are compatible with one another), they still seem a pretty decent value.
I like the Vibrant Yellow, so I've added tiles to all of Mei's vehicles!
@Lyichir said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @Jackthenipper said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"I like a lot of MK, but, not this. Good vehicle for the kids, I suppose. "
It makes up for it a bit when combined with 80040"
More interesting, for sure. But, I have 71765 and 21311. This can't really compare. "
I mean, of course it can't. You're comparing a pair of $20 sets with a $90 set and $180 set. Obviously these aren't going to approach the level of complexity and refinement of those more expensive sets—but if you judge them for what they are (a pair of small, entry-level vehicle sets that are compatible with one another), they still seem a pretty decent value."
I think that's exactly what I said if you look at both of my comments. For me, they're no good, for reason stated.
I feel like Mei and her vehicles would fit perfectly into a Sci-Fi MOC.
I don't agree that the Ink Demons' color scheme is muddled, but I do agree that they need either different faces, different torsos, or both.
@HandPositions: I've only bought one MK set, 40472 (which I swear used to have an official review here), in addition to owning 30341 which was a GWP. Neither has made me particularly desire more of the line by themselves, although the combining function made me want both this and 80040.
@ItisNoe: Assuming you're referring to Overwatch, why didn't you just type the name out? I was just about to ask what "OW" was untilI realized.