LEGO Reviews Monkie Kid80012

Monkey King Warrior Mech

Name: LEGO Monkey King Warrior Mech 80012
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 80012
Rating: 4.67 (78 reviews)

76 · RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: BBB20201,629 pcsHigh agreement · 89%

Expert reviews

2analyzed

Owner ratings

BrickScore

Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"The Monkey King Warrior Mech earns a Recommended BrickScore of 75.7 as a visually commanding display centerpiece with an excellent parts rate at $0.092 per piece, but its foot instability, heavy sticker use, and comparatively weak play experience (3.94 out of 5 from LEGO.com buyers) mean it is best suited for collectors and display-focused builders willing to accept limited posability."

The Monkey King Warrior Mech earns a Recommended BrickScore of 75.7 based on its exceptional visual presence, distinctive color scheme, and cultural significance as a flagship set for the Monkie Kid theme's launch wave. Reviewers consistently praise it as one of the most impressive mechs LEGO has produced, with owners giving it 4.67 out of 5 across 78 ratings. The main caveats are its high $149.99 price compared to similar-scale Ninjago mechs, structural instability in the feet when posed, heavy sticker usage, and limited playability relative to its display strength.

Where they split: The most notable divergence is between display and play: owners on LEGO.com score play experience at only 3.94 out of 5 while scoring overall satisfaction at 4.67, confirming what expert-level reviewers also flag. One owner calls it the best display mech while also noting the feet keep breaking off during posing.

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LOVED (8)

01Visually striking at full height, towers over comparable mech sets
02Distinctive gold, red, and blue color scheme with large cape element
03Small side builds (dumpling stand/restaurant) praised as well-designed and space-efficient
04Multiple minifigures including Sun Wukong and supporting characters with expressive printing
05Many rare golden pieces noted as highlights for parts collectors
06Build process described as intricate and engaging with new techniques
07Large fabric-style cape element as a unique design feature
08Staff weapon accessory and decorative flags adding character detail

CRITICIZED (6)

01High price at $149.99 compared to Ninjago Movie mechs of similar scale
02Structural instability in the feet and ankle connectors when legs are unlocked for posing
03Heavy sticker usage throughout
04Staff cannot be held convincingly in one hand due to weight distribution
05Limited playability relative to the display investment; playability aspect consensus is 45 out of 100
06Play experience signal from LEGO.com buyers is only 3.94 out of 5, lower than other metrics

What reviewers are saying

"Since then Monkie Kid has had some truly great Mechs."

Rebrickable Reviews

"the height of this Mech at the head not including these height enhancing tassels up here so right there in 33 cm and consider the fact that this costs $150 in the US"

JANG's LEGO Reviews

Ecosystem

Other LEGO mechs — This mech is less playable and posable than many other small LEGO mechs, which are often 'really nice and very very playable very very usable.' The upper legs are bulky and limiting movement. However, the mini demon bull mech is 'way more posable than the big Mech ironically.'

Collectible Minifigure Series Monkey King — The set's Monkey King figure is mostly new with new torso, head, and legs compared to the collectible version, representing a different stage of the character with different accessories and alternate face.

Monkie KidTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

Rebrickable Reviews

Editorial Source

"Since then Monkie Kid has had some truly great Mechs."

Key Pros

✓Holds overall title for best LEGO mech
✓Exceptional design and features

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JANG's LEGO Reviews

Expert Video Source

"the height of this Mech at the head not including these height enhancing tassels up here so right there in 33 cm and consider the fact that this costs $150 in the US"

Key Pros

✓Exceptional drum lacquered gold pieces (120+, a LEGO record)
✓Premium appearance and feel with excellent gold finish
✓Exclusive cape piece with good material quality

Key Cons

✕Severely limited articulation and posability
✕Staff cannot be held in various ways without customization

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Dimensional Analysis

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Minifigures & Standout Parts

In this set (6)

Monkey King - Pearl Gold Shoulder Armor

$26

General Ironclad

Monkie Kid - Bright Light Orange Open Jacket, Dark Turquoise Headphones, Neutral / Angry with Red Face Paint

Ironclad Henchman (Bob / Grunt / Growl / Roar / Snort)

Jia

Standout parts (per reviewers)

Drum lacquered/painted gold pieces (approximately 120)
The largest number of drum lacquered pieces LEGO has ever included in any set, creating a premium appearance and feel.
Exclusive cape piece
Custom cape for the Mech, distinct from standard pieces.
Vinyl pieces with gold backing
Shiny, detailed gold-backed vinyl parts that are not difficult to apply, offering premium appearance.
Ratcheted joints
Used for head movement with three click positions; geared mechanisms with U axle pins to control arm shoulder rotation with extra friction.
Large ball joints (character/creature building system sized)
Used for connecting major articulated segments.
Mixel style ball joints (smaller/medium)
Used for additional articulation points including optional knee movement when unlocked.

What Owners Say · summarized from 34 written reviews (LEGO, Amazon, Walmart)

Owners praise this as one of LEGO's best and largest mechs with stunning display appeal, vibrant colors, and engaging theme, but stability issues and poor poseability make it a display-only set, not suitable for active play.

COMMON PRAISE