The LEGO Monkie Kid collection is based on the ancient Chinese legend of the Monkey King, combining modern, futuristic, and traditional elements as well as fun play-features. Unfortunately, episodes of the related television show are hard to find, so sometimes it’s not clear what’s going on in a particular set or who the characters are, but you can always add your own imagination. The sets also introduced several new elements and colors that could be useful in other projects. We reviewed most of the LEGO Monkie Kid sets already (see links at the end of this post), but there is one set we haven’t discussed yet; the #80024 LEGO Monkie King Flower Fruit Mountain.
This is the largest set in the LEGO Monkie Kid collection to date, and the closest to the original legend of the Monkey King described in the novel, Journey to the West. It features the famous Flower Fruit Mountain, a central location in the novel. Every section of the set tells a different story about the Monkey King; from how he was born out of a stone to how he became king of the monkeys.
On the right side of the set, you can see the stone that Monkey King was born out of. This section also features a nicely sculpted rock formation with a built-in staircase and some vegetation. Notice the beautifully shaped clouds, suggesting that this mountain is very high!
The middle section features a waterfall that opens to allow entry to a hidden mountain cave. The waterfall is built from the new iridescent blue curved panels that were introduced in LEGO Friends sets. LEGO designers added stickers to enhance the effect, but you can leave them off if you don’t like to work with stickers, and the water will still look nice.
The left side of the set depicts Monkey King on a throne as king of the monkeys. This section also has a play-feature, where characters can fight on a moving platform. And there is a second, smaller waterfall as well. I really like all the nooks, corners, and hiding places throughout the set.
As you can see on the pictures, the set is very large; measuring over 13.5 in. (34 cm) high, 27 in. (68 cm) wide, and 10 in. (25 cm) deep. To help manage building and transporting such a large layout, it is built from three separate sections that connect together.
Overall, this is one of the best landscapes I have seen in an official LEGO set that would work equally well for other stories and characters. I already mentioned how much I like all the little caves and hiding spaces. Another nice feature is the vegetation covering the rocks throughout the landscape, as well as the waterfalls and the clouds. There is even a brick-built crane!
The set includes eight minifigs; Monkie Kid, Evil Macaque, Brother Monkey, Sister Monkey and four versions of Monkey King (Baby, Classic, Apprentice, and Battle). They are all highly detailed with printing all over their legs, torsos, and heads.
You may also notice several stickered signs with Chinese calligraphy. According to a commenter on the video below by Bricks by Mind, the sign next to the stone Monkey King was born from it says 仙石化靈猴 which means “Celestial rock forms soulful/spiritual (or perhaps nimble) monkey”. Next to the stairs, it says 嬉遊花果山 which means “Frolicking through the Flower Fruit Mountain”. Next to the waterfall in red characters on a stone, it reads 花果山福地，水簾洞洞天, which means “Flower Fruit Mountain is a blessed land” and “Water Curtain Cave is a grotto-heaven” (a type of sacred Taoist site). Below it on the sign it reads 勇闖水簾洞, which means “Courageously dash through the Water Curtain Cave”. Next to the Monkey King’s throne, it reads 齊天大聖, a title given to and by Sun Wukong himself meaning “The Great Saint who’s equal to Heaven”. Below on the sign it reads 雲遊來仙道 which means “Traveled by cloud to the celestial path”. Finally, in the back it reads 真假美猴王 which means “The real and fake Beautiful Monkey King” (another title given to and by the Monkey King himself, as he was portrayed as extremely arrogant in the beginning of the story).
Overall, the #80024 LEGO Monkie King Flower Fruit Mountain is a beautiful set. As I mentioned above, I can see this as a landscape that can be reused for other stories and characters. It could be the home of elves, dwarves, and other mountain dwellers. And this is equally impressive as a display set as well as a play-set. I think both kids and adults would like it. The only downside is that the it takes up quite a bit of room, so make sure you have enough space for it. The set comes with 1,947 pieces for $169.99, which is a very reasonable price. If you want to check it out, it’s available at the LEGO Monkie Kid section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the LEGO Monkie Kid sets? Do you have any of them already? Which one is your favorite? And how do you like the Flower Fruit Mountain? Feel free to share your thoughts and own reviews in the comment section below!
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