[REVIEW] 50004916 - Kai's Dojo Pod

Welcome back to 2017, time traveller. This is my 27th review, 50004916 Kai's Dojo Pod. Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 45 seconds.

Overview

Name: 5004916 Kai's Dojo Pod
Theme: NINJAGO
Year: 2017 (2H)
Pieces: 35
Minifigures: 1
Price: N/A (Promotional item)

Introduction

I don't think we need any sort of introduction for small polybags but this is not an ordinary polybag because this is the 2nd  pod to be released as promotional item, next to Nexo Knights.

I remember seeing this and my initial reaction was very neutral. The next thing I know, my local marketplace is already flooded with all these pod sellers and collectors trying to get their hands on one.

Front of the polybag

Exactly what you see in front is what you get.

Back of the polybag

Like most polybags, there is a thin transparent strip in the middle so that you can peek what's inside. However, because the pod acts as a storage, you don't see what's inside at all except the pod and the instruction manual.
 

Once you open the polybag, right immediately, you will see the circular lenticular image that is attached in front of the pod.

Just in case you don't know how a lenticular image words, when you change the viewing angle of the image, it changes from one image to another. This makes an illusion that the image is animated.

From Kai's face, the image changes to the creature emblem of Kai.

The instruction included is just a piece of folded paper, typical for polybags. 

Content of the pod

Inside the pod, the small parts and minifigure elements are inserted in a clear plastic bag.

The 6x6 round plate attached to the pod is not designed to be removed. I tried prying it but I think it will damage the pod or the plate before I could even remove it. Dare if you want.

Build

Out of the plastic bag, below are the parts needed for the build. You can complete this in less than 5 minutes because the pieces are so few.

Below you can see the 2 small assemblies of the weapon racks.

Voila! We are done.

Minifigures

There is only 1 minifigure in the pod and there is no shame in that because it is a descent minifiture.  Kai has a Wu Crew training gi which is generic enough to be used if you want to make a large group of dojo students.

The Ninjago script  written on the left leg is "ninja".

At the back you can see the Wu crew emblem repeated. Kai also has dual face print which is always welcome.

Conclusion

In summary:

Pros:

• Free, if you got it from a promotion
• Portable
• Novelty has staying power
• Highly collectible

Cons:

• No external stud or anti-stud connections

Review summary

Playability: 5/10 - Kids can put this in their pocket but the playability is very limited to what you can do with a single minifigure and a small compartment.
Design / Building Experience: 7/10 - The appeal of these pods is its portability. It has very high marks in form & function but very low in building experience. 
Minifigures: 8/10 - Above average. The torso and legs can be repurposed easily to make an army or large group of dojo students. 
Price / Value for money: 10/10 - I got it free so I have no problem giving this a perfect score in this criteria.
Overall: 7.5/10 - For such a tiny set, these pods offer pocketable toys that kids can bring outdoors to enjoy and play. They are also highly collectible for adults.