The Year of the Dragon is coming, so Blocks is swooping through the fiery LEGO sets available to celebrate this zodiac in 2024.
It’s Lunar New Year and 2024 is the year of the Dragon. There are 12 animals on the Chinese zodiac, one representing each year, which cycle through in a very specific order – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Dragons are the only mythical creatures on this zodiac, representing revolution and change.
So, what dragon related LEGO sets can fans buy to celebrate? Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, is flying through some of the best fiery friends available right now.
80112 Auspicious Dragon
With the LEGO designers now making yearly sets to mark the Lunar New Year, there is naturally one for the dragon. 80112 Auspicious Dragon is an incredible display model that captures the traditional colours of Chinese artwork into a stunning scene of the dragon in the clouds and holding its precious pearl, a sign of spiritual energy.
31145 Red Dragon
Maybe you just want a little dragon? This is perfect for your desk rather than something that is sleeping on a hoard of treasure. 31145 Red Dragon is an adorable Creator set that is based on the Western legends surrounding these creatures. It’s got curling horns yet wonderfully expressive eyes, and little wings that are only just big enough to suggest flight. It’s quite like a Terrible Terror from How to Train Your Dragon.
80047 Mei’s Guardian Dragon
Combining pearl gold with white and lime green to brilliant effect, 80047 Mei’s Guardian Dragon is a beautiful and unique LEGO dragon model. She’s based on typical Chinese iconography, with a serpentine body, as well as whiskers and no wings. Chinese dragons use their spiralling bodies to propel themselves through the air and most have some form of magic.
Upgrade your LEGO hobby! If you take out a subscription to Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, you’ll get each issue first and at a discount, plus other perks including a free digital subscription and the chance to win LEGO prizes every month.
71809 Egalt the Master Dragon
Oldest and wisest of the dragons, Egalt is a sensei to his kind in NINJAGO Dragons Rising. He’s inspired by a Japanese ryu, a three-clawed dragon, known for symbolising strength and courage. There’s also some great references to Master Wu in Egalt’s hat and the way his new wing elements are reminiscent of Wu’s cape.
5007962 Baby Dragon
For those looking for a cuddlier type of dragon then the new NINJAGO Dragons Rising also has plushes in the range. This one is based on Riyu, a mountain dragon (he’s grey in order to camouflage) who is under the care of Sora. Although he’s a young dragon, he’s already very powerful and grants the ninja gifts to help them fight the villainous Claws of Imperium.
These are the current LEGO dragons available to buy and there could be some more as NINJAGO Dragons Rising continues throughout the year. Or you could build your own fiery companion! If you’re making your own dragon model we’d love to see it, so remember to tag Blocks on any of our social media channels!