Hello there. Seeing how popular the rare Portal Emperor minifig is, many might think about getting the keychain as a cheap way of acquiring that fig. But is it worth it? The following semi-review will answer your question.

The chain can be removed easily. In fact, this is the easiest keychain removal I have ever done.

However, as it turns out, the helmet of the emperor has been modified to be able to fit the keychain pin. Therefore, after removal, you are left with a rather annoying gap in the helmet's fin as you can see in this side view.

The good news is that the only parts that are glued together are the hips and torso. Anything else can be seperated like on the real fig.

And yes, he has the back printing too, in case you were wondering.

What's also annoying is that it seems to be made out of the lower quality Chinese plastic. I don't have the real fig to compare it to, but it does look a bit cheap.

So is it worth getting this keychain instead of the real deal? Well, if you don't mind the quality issue and the gap in the fin, or are only interested in the head and shoulder piece or arms and legs, I'd say go for it. But otherwise you should just try to get the Portal of Atlantis set on sale. Ordering the fig from Bricklink for the high prices that it goes for there should be your last resort.

I hope this was helpful to at least some of you.

HAIL THE EMPEROR!

Hmmm... I think you can fill that gap with some black putty, and then splotch gold paint on it. Other than that, it's nice to see that this is really easy to pull apart.

Thanks for this review - I was wondering how succesful these attempts would be. Not great as it turns out! Thanks for making this sacrifice to the Atlantean gods on our behalf, Oky

To be honest, that black speckled armour does feel cheap anyway - in the original set it comes in a ChinaBaggy and it is a bit sucky in the fact that it doesn't colour match any other shade of gold or speckle and is only a cheap spray job on the outside. Great mould, yes, but the execution gets the from me and hence so does the fig.

Thanks Oky! I'm get one of these after all since its a low price and the fin gap doesn't bug me but I'm also kinda iffy because he might come in a 2011 set.

Edited August 20, 201014 yr by computerbug

Thanks for sharing this Oky Wan.

Although if the rest is a normal fig anyone could just go and take all the figs away without the helmet and without paying!

(That doesn't mean you should be doing that kids.)

Yes! I have been wanting that keychain for a while, but have not had a way to get it out. I will hopefully be getting this now!

I don't know where you got the "emperor" title for this minifig, because he looks nothing like one. I thought he was just a keeper of the portal.

Anyway, I got the real set that had this minifig, so I luckily won't have to settle for cheap keychain versions. This truly is a fantastic minifig, and I'm really glad to own it.

You're welcome, everyone.

Hmmm... I think you can fill that gap with some black putty, and then splotch gold paint on it.

It would be hard though to get the right gold color and right amount of speckles in order to make it look seamless.

To be honest, that black speckled armour does feel cheap anyway - in the original set it comes in a ChinaBaggy and it is a bit sucky in the fact that it doesn't colour match any other shade of gold or speckle and is only a cheap spray job on the outside.

You got that trademarked, eh? It's true that the armor doesn't match any other pieces, but then again, does it need to? It's purpose is to look great on the fig, and so it does, so I personally don't care if it matches anything.

I'm (gonna) get one of these after all since its a low price and the fin gap doesn't bug me but I'm also kinda iffy because he might come in a 2011 set.

Well, you can wait until prelim pics show up. I'm sure the keychain will still be around by then.

Although if the rest is a normal fig anyone could just go and take all the figs away without the helmet and without paying!

It's not that easy to remove. It still takes a good yank to get it off, and it's good to have a piece cloth while doing so since pulling the shoulder piece with bare hands can be painful due to the spikes on them.

I don't know where you got the "emperor" title for this minifig, because he looks nothing like one. I thought he was just a keeper of the portal.

Don't ask me, ask TLC. If you check the second picture, you'll see that this is what they officially call him.

Thanks Oky, just bought one on this review. My plan is to crush off the chain level with the top of his helmet, I think it will look better to have just a little bit of silver in with the gold, rather than the gap. I did this with Captain Cody and he looks ok. Not sure what to do with Ahsoka though, I think her headpiece might melt if I heat the pin.

Robuko

So the keychain can be removed just by turning and twisting it off?

Thanks Oky, just bought one on this review. My plan is to crush off the chain level with the top of his helmet, I think it will look better to have just a little bit of silver in with the gold, rather than the gap. I did this with Captain Cody and he looks ok. Not sure what to do with Ahsoka though, I think her headpiece might melt if I heat the pin.

Yes, on the Emperor it might work, but I wouldn't recommend it for Ahsoka. I tried that on Princess Leia and it didn't turn out too pretty.

So the keychain can be removed just by turning and twisting it off?

Yes, but mostly just pulling. I recommend using pliers to hold the chain.

the real alternative is to cut off the fin and file it down. that way, you can still seal the hole with putty, respray the helmet and it will look good. maybe chromebricks will make some of these. :D

better yet, wait for it to become a magnet minifigure and buy it then! it'll come with a trident too!

I bought this ab out four weeks ago at a LEGO store in Colorado. My first ever lego store experience!

Anyway, it's definitely the cheaper chinese plastic, but honestly for just about a fraction of the price of PoA, it's well worth it. For those of us that aren't so great with money, this is an excellent opportunity to grab a genuinely amazing fig.

I checked out the lego keyrings the other day but didn't buy them. I wanted this figure as well but the lower quality of it put me off. My old lego king I had years ago was really good quality compared to the ones on sale now.

Hmm maybe I should get this,I really like this fig except for the hole in the spike thats whats put me off it kinda looks like some kids chipped off a bit at the top

I thought you might like to see the result from my chop and snip on the keychain. There is no gap, I left the base of the ring on. I think it looks not too bad.

I am so happy I managed to deeplink a picture!

That looks really nice! Just take a gold pen, and cover the silver with it