LEGO Reviews Ninjago71721

Skull Sorcerer's Dragon

Name: LEGO Skull Sorcerer's Dragon 71721
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 71721
Rating: 4.9 (1456 reviews)

78 · RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: A20201,016 pcsHigh agreement · 97%

Expert reviews

4analyzed

Owner ratings

1.5K+

Consensus

BUY

BrickScore

Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"The Skull Sorcerer's Dragon earns its Recommended BrickScore of 77.6 through a combination of impressive scale, striking skeleton aesthetics, and exceptional owner satisfaction (4.9 stars across 1,456 ratings), making it one of the most well-received Ninjago dragon sets among buyers and one of the stronger value propositions the theme has offered."

The Skull Sorcerer's Dragon (71721) from Ninjago earns a BrickScore of 77.6 and a Recommended verdict, underpinned by outstanding owner reception: 1,456 ratings average 4.9 out of 5, with LEGO's play experience signal at 4.35 and would-recommend at 94%. Reviewers praise the dragon as one of the most striking and playable Ninjago builds, with an impressive 20-inch wingspan, skeleton-inspired detailing, and six minifigures included. The set also functions as part of a board-game-compatible dungeon system, adding replay value beyond the build itself. At $79.99 for 1,016 pieces, the value proposition is strong.

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LOVED (7)

01Large-scale dragon with approximately 20-inch wingspan that impresses on display and in play
02Skeleton and skull detailing throughout the dragon's body gives it a distinctive aggressive look
03Six minifigures included, among the best minifig-to-price ratios in the theme
04Board game integration with other Skull Sorcerer sets adds extra value
05Opening chest cavity feature on the dragon noted as a fun interactive element
06Strong play durability praised by multiple families
07Design aesthetics score of 85 reflects broad agreement on the dragon's visual impact

CRITICIZED (3)

01Aimed at ages 9-plus, but some pieces are fiddly for younger builders without assistance
02Build is relatively fast for experienced builders, with one teenager completing it in under an hour
03Ninjago-specific appeal means it resonates less with buyers outside the theme's fanbase

What reviewers are saying

"Across the extraordinary selection of NINJAGO dragons, 71721 Skull Sorcerer's Dragon seems particularly intimidating."

Brickset Reviews

"a lot of care went into this I feel a lot of things were done right"

JANG's LEGO Reviews

"Dragons are always a good draw for LEGO sets, and this one should be no exception to that trend."

The Brothers Brick

"I directly loved the look of the dragon."

Rebrickable Reviews

Ecosystem

70679 The Ultra Dragon — 71721 surpasses in every dimension (56cm length and 55cm wingspan versus previous models), though The Ultra Dragon remains a valid comparison point for NINJAGO dragon collectors.

70653 Firstbourne — 71721 narrowly surpasses in every dimension, making it one of the largest NINJAGO dragons available.

70593 The Green NRG Dragon — 71721 lacks the wing retraction feature present on The Green NRG Dragon, representing a trade-off in articulation for structural support of the larger fabric wings.

70665 The Samurai Mech — The black shoulder armour and helmets on Awakened Warriors draw comparisons with Kruncha from this set.

NinjagoTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 4

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

Brickset Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

"Across the extraordinary selection of NINJAGO dragons, 71721 Skull Sorcerer's Dragon seems particularly intimidating."

Key Pros

✓Imposing skeletal dragon design with phenomenal detail
✓Distinctive head and ribcage construction unlike previous NINJAGO dragons
✓Excellent minifigure selection including exclusive Skull Sorcerer and updated ninja designs

Key Cons

✕Extremely restricted wing movement due to size
✕Weight distribution issues causing the model to tip forward unless legs positioned perfectly

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JANG's LEGO Reviews

Expert Video Source

BUY

"a lot of care went into this I feel a lot of things were done right"

Key Pros

✓Large, dramatic skeletal dragon design with excellent visual presence
✓Cloth wings with authentic decay printing and flexibility
✓High-quality detail work throughout (brick-built head, rib cage design, bone structure)

Key Cons

✕Wing articulation severely limited—cannot flap down to horizontal position due to design stoppers
✕Tile Shooters are generic action feature with limited utility ('honestly not that useful')

JUMP TO REVIEW

The Brothers Brick

Expert Video Source

BUY

"Dragons are always a good draw for LEGO sets, and this one should be no exception to that trend."

Key Pros

✓Wide array of unique and rare elements among 1,016 parts
✓Many new-for-2020 exclusive recolors and printed parts
✓Engaging build with good mix of parts and techniques

Key Cons

✕Sticker sheet included instead of all-printed parts
✕Mixed feelings on printed eyes; brick-built solution might have been nicer

JUMP TO REVIEW

Rebrickable Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

"I directly loved the look of the dragon."

Key Pros

✓Amazing dragon design
✓Completely brick-built (except cloth wings)
✓Beautiful wing prints that complement the build

Key Cons

✕Game-board components feel like a waste of time and bricks (boring to build, add nothing to the dragon)
✕Limited articulation in joints despite Technic usage

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Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (4)Wait for sale (0)

Value drivers

Brickset Reviews: The exclusive Skull Sorcerer with dual-moulded mask/hat and unique triquetra decoration, plus the armoured Hero Kai/Jay/Nya variants, drive significant collector value.

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Skull Sorcerer is primary unique character. Awakened Warriors with black bone pieces and new dark skeleton variant. Hero ninja with dual-molded armor pieces.

Exclusivity

Brickset Reviews: LEGO exclusive with unique villain character not available elsewhere; special minifigure variants exclusive to this set.

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Wide retail availability expected (standard Ninjago season release). Board-game terrain pieces modular and connectable across multiple sets in season (not exclusive to this set).

Resale

Brickset Reviews: Likely to maintain strong aftermarket value given the impressive scale, exclusive character designs, rare new parts (black bone elements, pearl gold hearts), and appeal to both display collectors and NINJAGO theme enthusiasts.

JANG's LEGO Reviews: Likely stable to positive given Ninjago theme popularity, large dragon centerpiece, and innovative board-game system mechanics. Season-specific sets often retain value in Ninjago collector market.

Minifigures & Standout Parts

In this set (12)

Skull Sorcerer

$10

Kai Hero - Clip on Back

Skull Sorcerer

Awaken Warrior

Hero Kai

Nya Hero - Clip on Back

Jay Hero - Clip on Back

Standout parts (per reviewers)

Black bone elementValue
Has not appeared in black before; five pieces provided including one spare
Pearl gold 1x1 heart tiles
Have not been produced in pearl gold previously
Dual-moulded Ivory Blade of Deliverance (sword)Value
Unique accessory with extraordinary moulded detail, particularly on the hilt where a decorative skull appears
Dual-moulded spinnerValue
Resembles Spinjitzu tornado pieces with two studs inside for attaching minifigure
Printed 2x2 brick (dragon head centre)
Forms the dragon's eyes using familiar modern LEGO dragon technique
Printed shields
Display lion insignia on Kai's golden shield and dragon sigils on silver shields

What Owners Say

The Skull Sorcerer's Dragon is a visually impressive and popular build among Ninjago fans of all ages, but its front leg and shoulder joint construction makes it a better display model than a play toy.

COMMON PRAISE

+Imposing size with a 60cm wingspan that wows kids and adults alike
+Intricate skeleton detailing and unique bone dragon aesthetic praised as one of the best Lego dragons ever made
+Good value at around 1,000 pieces for the price, with strong minifigure selection
+Ribcage opening action feature works smoothly and adds play value

COMMON COMPLAINTS

−Front legs and shoulder joints are structurally weak, causing the dragon to fall forward or come apart during play
−Wings cannot be repositioned without modification, limiting poseability
−Not suitable as an active play toy for younger children despite the 9+ age rating on the box

impressive display dragonfragile front legsNinjago fan favoritegreat piece valueplay vs display

Buyer Ratings

Amazon4.9

1,427 reviews

92%