Review: 80112 Auspicious Dragon

Must have!

Dragon of the West.

Hopefully this is the beginning of a whole line of different dragons, either from Harry Potter or from DnD. :)

It's a great looking set, but not sure if I agree with the "None" as cons. The color palette is very much Chinese festival, which is understandable and welcomed, but also limits the usage of the dragon in a non Chinese new year setup. Ninjago and HP dragons have more natural colours which allows them to blend in better with a castle set etc. This will look out of place without the Chinese context.

Did TLG abandon its "no portion of a printed part may be concealed by another part" policy? I haven't been following closely. The set looks great, though, and I love the color palette.

I want to get it and mod it to be more posable!

I keep going back and forth over whether I want this or not. I definitely want 80113-1 , but I'm in two minds about this.

@M_Jibril said:
" @SummerSanta said:
"Here is an example of how bad this set is compared to the completion: ..."

I'm honestly not seeing how the one you linked to is any better than this. Most of the detail seems to be achieved using some kind of foil or plastic shrouding rather than bricks, and overall, it looks more simplistic.

As for the subject of this review, it looks pretty nice. I especially like the use of colour on the base, it really elevates the displayability of the entire model.
"

Yes, I quite like some of the stuff other brands put out there, but this dragon is really good, and let's not forget Loz bricks are smaller. Blergh!

@Ridgeheart said:
"Well, normally you'd have to collect seven shiny balls and fight hundreds of nearly identical-looking spikey-haired monkey-men before you'd get to see a cool dragon like this, and who has time for that anymore?

I like this."

I'm actually watching DBZ right now :P

The set looks fantastic indeed. I'm tempted to get it when the time comes!

When I first saw this, I had to say, "Wow!" Being Chinese-American, I've appreciated the Lunar New Year's LEGO sets and I'll find somewhere to display this beauty.

@Lyichir said:
" @elangab said:
"It's a great looking set, but not sure if I agree with the "None" as cons. The color palette is very much Chinese festival, which is understandable and welcomed, but also limits the usage of the dragon in a non Chinese new year setup. Ninjago and HP dragons have more natural colours which allows them to blend in better with a castle set etc. This will look out of place without the Chinese context."

TBH I wouldn't necessarily consider that a "con", especially since the sorts of dragons you describe that work in those other sorts of contexts already exist. There's no need for this particular one to fill that niche, so it can instead focus on its strengths as a Chinese-inspired display piece."

Fair enough, but as someone who doesn't celebrate Chinese lunar year/coming from a Chinese background, I look at the theme's sets from that perspective. For those that do, it's an excellent set.

Having said that, looking at it more, I think it can go well with the colour palette of "Monkie Kid" as a generic dragon.

@rslotb said:
"Yes, I quite like some of the stuff other brands put out there, but this dragon is really good, and let's not forget Loz bricks are smaller. Blergh!"
After having build several Loz sets, I can't help but feel Lego is a bit clunky. I actually like the smaller size! Not as tiny as Nanoblock, but just the right size. And look at it this way: if the Titanic was made out of Loz bricks, it would fit my shelf :-)

Hope I don't get banned for this ;-)

"Cons: None"

Honestly, even looking at this picture, the set looks absolutely GORGEOUS. 10/10 dragon right there.

To be honest, I don't think I get the love for this set. It's not bad, it just doesn't scream amazing either. I can appreciate the lack of stickers though, and the nice building techniques/shaping. Maybe the color scheme is what is wrong? I probably wouldn't have bought it even if I liked it, but I'm glad others are in love. The picture of the dragon without the stand reminds me a lot of the great devourer.

I'll definitely pick up during the Year of the Dragon. It's lovely! Thank you, Huw, for the detailed review and the pictures of the build process. Your work is much appreciated!

@WizardOfOss said:
"After having build several Loz sets, I can't help but feel Lego is a bit clunky. I actually like the smaller size! Not as tiny as Nanoblock, but just the right size. "

I bought three of Loz's "ancient street" sets, based on traditional Chinese buildings, because I was curious how they would compare to Lego modular buildings. I bought them online and until they arrived I didn't realise that the bricks are actually smaller than Lego bricks. I like the building designs, but there are several flaws in the construction (sections that are held together in a very flimsy manner, for example, that almost certainly wouldn't get through Lego's review process), I don't like the tiny bricks, the instructions were awful and the bags of pieces were not numbered. I know there are some people who might like the idea of that but to me it just made the build process feel like a kind of punishment, not enjoyable at all. I did finish one of the buildings, but I have never bothered with the other two.

I really like it…I just want it to do something….like accordion or something. Is that wrong of me?

Well up to the excellent Chinese Festival set standards. Glad they didn't mess around with a pre New Year release date, then change it at the last moment, like they did last year!

This set looks wonderful - I feel like it's not everyday we see a review with "None" for negative parts of the set. Even the pricepoint seems great!

I've kept my eye on the Lunar New Year sets and I'll definitely get one of these!
80113 Family Reunion Celebration also looks like a must-have set! I also can't wait for that review!

@EvilTwin said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
"After having build several Loz sets, I can't help but feel Lego is a bit clunky. I actually like the smaller size! Not as tiny as Nanoblock, but just the right size. "

I bought three of Loz's "ancient street" sets, based on traditional Chinese buildings, because I was curious how they would compare to Lego modular buildings. I bought them online and until they arrived I didn't realise that the bricks are actually smaller than Lego bricks. I like the building designs, but there are several flaws in the construction (sections that are held together in a very flimsy manner, for example, that almost certainly wouldn't get through Lego's review process), I don't like the tiny bricks, the instructions were awful and the bags of pieces were not numbered. I know there are some people who might like the idea of that but to me it just made the build process feel like a kind of punishment, not enjoyable at all. I did finish one of the buildings, but I have never bothered with the other two."

I got a whole bunch of those. And while I can say they sure aren't flawless, I don't think it's nearly that bad. No problems with the instructions, apart from them being a huge folded piece of paper. But they are clear (bonus points for greying out previous steps!) and at least you make some progress with each step, surely not one or two pieces per step. I don't really mind the lack of numbered bags for the smaller sets, though for another 1700+ piece set, yeah, that sure was annoying. I have encountered a few actual errors, where things don't quite fit. Not as a result of the parts, would have been the same with Lego pieces. I guess they also use a mostly digital design process where such errors can slip trough. All easily fixed though, except for one single time when X-Acto had to come to the rescue. And yes, a few somewhat flimsy construction methods, though not that much of an issue for what in the end are static display models. My main gripe would be the number of (rather thin) stickers, sometimes even including STAMPs.

But I think they make up for that by sheer detail. I mean, compare them with those Houses of the Worlds GWPs, the closest thing Lego makes to these. Lego clearly didn't even try to get to the same level. And there's the other thing: when I pay €10 for a 800 piece set (+ another 100 spare parts....), I can overlook a few small flaws, as long as the final result is worth it. Let's not forget Lego is a hell of a lot more expensive, and not all that perfect either.

But don't get me wrong: I still very much like Lego, and still have (and keep buying) more Lego than Loz or other brands. But there sure is a lot of interesting stuff beyond just Lego.

It's OK. Doesn't blow me away. Might get it if it's discounted 20-30%. But there is so much good LEGO now, I certainly can think of better ways to spend that money.

"The body is made in sections that are held together by Mixel ball-joints, although they do not articulate."
That's not mixel ball-joint, it's actually Bionicle or large action figure ball-joint. Mixel are smaller variant.

As someone who has always liked the look of Chinese dragons, I'm tempted to get this.

@Rabrickzel said:
""The body is made in sections that are held together by Mixel ball-joints, although they do not articulate."
That's not mixel ball-joint, it's actually Bionicle or large action figure ball-joint. Mixel are smaller variant."

Look closely at the third-from-last picture in the review of the neck piece. There are a pair of Mixels ball joint sockets just behind where the front leg connects to the body.

The plaque actually says ????, "auspicious Dragon presenting prosperity/good fortune". I think Goole translate was a bit off this time ....

To me, the printed shields are an unconvincing - or dare I say lazy? - method for giving texture to the sides. All I see are shields at various angles. The rest of the dragon is great though.

@SummerSanta said:
"Here is an example of how bad this set is compared to the completion: "

That set uses foil for most of the body. I agree that it looks good, but it is a whole different building experience and the foil pieces can't really be used to build anything else.

I like that this dragon is charging up a hadouken in one hand. Or whatever is happening there.

I like it!
With exception of the very obvious exposed grey joints

It comes with a dragon ball!

Not a fan of the colour scheme. This would have been so much more striking had the tan pieces been dark red, the turquoise ones pearl gold and the cheese slopes also pearl gold.

@SummerSanta said:
"Here is an example of how bad this set is compared to the completion: https://www.walmart.com/ip/LOZ-mini-Blocks-Kids-Building-Toys-Chinese-Dragon-New-Year-Gift-Home-Decor-1928/1569279063?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101290190&adid=222222222271569279063_101290190_14069003552_202077872&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-295289030566&wl5=9028792&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=736870304&wl11=online&wl12=1569279063_101290190&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAjrarBhAWEiwA2qWdCOgcHZt1lX556aZ3ZRZobMYFw3RXB79MmwyMxU_t2tLxVTHLgdG_fRoCqdYQAvD_BwE "

How is that an example when said competition wouldn't exist with Lego? Nearly all of those piece's designs were copied/stolen from Lego.

Also, since when did Wal-Mart start selling bootlegos? It isn't a knock-off of a Lego set, but wouldn't the pieces similarity put it in the category of knock-off products? Or is that kind of thing acceptable when WM is just the middleman and not directly carrying the product themselves?

It's a really great looking set, but I wish it was this year's CNY Creator 3-in-1 set instead of the 31145 dragon we eventually got. It would be a nice successor to the Majestic Tiger. The new safari animals set is good enough though.

I am from HK and I know Chinese. That means auspicious dragon is here enjoying prosperity and good luck, and thus bringing the same to the people.

Good looking set! Not common to see a sideway-built base!

I like the whole "Chinese" theme. No this dragon would not work well in a Harry Potter scenario, but then it was not meant too. As a looooong time Lego collector/builder, I make improvements on just about every set I buy especially the modular sets. These improvements are things I think would be better, other improvements are based on all the reviews & suggestions I read. Anymore I buy sets just as a starting point. This dragon can surely use more details & refinements. That's what makes LEGO's fun & intriguing. If you don't like something, change it!!! There are no Lego Police!

When the old man that created WM died many years ago (can't remember his name) , his greedy family decided to buy from China and anybody else they could, knockoff or not, as long as it was cheap & they could make $$$. Once upon a time WM merchandise only came from the US.

@Zander said:
"Not a fan of the colour scheme. This would have been so much more striking had the tan pieces been dark red, the turquoise ones pearl gold and the cheese slopes also pearl gold."

Agree, make it your way. Improve it then share your pictures. There are no Lego Police!

@elangab said:
"It's a great looking set, but not sure if I agree with the "None" as cons. The color palette is very much Chinese festival, which is understandable and welcomed, but also limits the usage of the dragon in a non Chinese new year setup. Ninjago and HP dragons have more natural colours which allows them to blend in better with a castle set etc. This will look out of place without the Chinese context."

I'm not sure that's a fair judgment toward this set. It was clearly designed as a display piece for a Chinese New Year setting and that is its sole purpose. If you want to be mixing and matching sets around in a display, then that's your own thing. You can modify sets to fit your setup which is the charm of LEGO, but I don't think it's fair to say "This set doesn't come built exactly the way I want it to look in my collection so it's bad".

It's definitely an impressive set, just the pricing seems a bit hefty but i suppose I'm not too sure on the overall size yet..for that price I'm sure there are some better sets available. Having said that, I'll see what the GWP will be for this, otherwise i'll just build it on my own with the instructions in the meantime. But printed pieces and no stickers is definitely the best way to go.

@DaddyRabbit said:
"I like the whole "Chinese" theme. No this dragon would not work well in a Harry Potter scenario, but then it was not meant too. "

Your're forgetting "the Chinese Fireball... oooohoooohooo!"

This really is a Fantastic looking set!