Good news, Chinese folklore enthusiasts. LEGO has just revealed the toy maker’s first ever Chinese-inspired theme sets based on the legendary Monkey King from the classic work from the 16th century novel, Journey to the West by Ming Dynasty-era novelist and poet Wu Cheng’en (吴承恩).
To say it is the “its first-ever Chinese-inspired theme” is not quite accurate. The company had released a couple of Chinese New Year sets and so… though it is true that it is the first ever LEGO theme to be inspired by a Chinese legend.
Anyways, LEGO’s take of the Monkey King is not literal. It will be nice if they did. The LEGO Monkie Kid series is a re-imagination of the classic that includes no less than eight sets and features giant mechs.
I am sure you can see where this is going, don’t you? LEGO Monkie Kid is destined to be a franchise like The LEGO Movie, Ninjago, and Knights’ Kingdom. In other words, there’s a storyline. Speaking of which, here’s the story:
“The tale begins when an ordinary boy, Monkie Kid, finds Monkey King’s legendary staff and he becomes the chosen one. Together with his brave and loyal friends, Monkie Kid begins his quest to stop the Demon Bull King and his army of Bull Clones from taking over the city.”
LEGO Monkie Kid is a new trademarked property of LEGO and as far as LEGO toys are concerned, it includes the following:
• 80006 White Dragon Horse Bike: 259 pieces, RRP: CNY 299.00/EUR29,99/USD 34.99
• 80007 Iron Bull Tank: 430 pieces, RRP: CNY 449.00/EUR 44,99/USD49.99
• 80008 Monkie Kid’s Cloud Jet: 529 pieces, RRP: CNY 499.00/EUR49,99/USD 59.99
• 80009 Pigsy’s Food Truck: 832 pieces, RRP: CNY 599.00/EUR 59,99/USD69.99
• 80010 Demon Bull King: 1,051 pieces, RRP: CNY 799.00/EUR 79,99/USD89.99
• 80011 Red Son’s Inferno Truck: 1,111 pieces, RRP: CNY 999.00/EUR99,99/USD 119.99
• 80012 Monkey King Warrior Mech: 1,629 pieces, RRP: CNY 1,299.00/EUR129,00/USD 149.99
• 80013 Monkie Kid’s Team Secret HQ: 1,959 pieces, RRP: CNY1,599.00/EUR 169,99/USD 169.99
Here’s a product trailer of the story:
As you can see, it is kind of a superhero story that is along the line of Power Ranger, Gundam, Avengers, and the likes. Not going to lie, LEGO Monkie Kid does somehow reminds us of the (LOL) Iron Man suited Monkey King iteration from some years ago. Obviously, this is not as amusing. In fact, it is fun and it might spur a whole new generation of fans.
LEGO Monkie Kid building play sets will launch on May 16 on LEGO.com, in LEGO stores (where they are open), LEGOLAND, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centers. Early access starts on May 15 in China in LEGO stores, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, and TMall Flagship stores only. Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong are also getting the sets on the same day in LEGO stores, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centers.
Here’s the official product promo video:
All images courtesy of LEGO Group.
