As the biggest set releasing for LEGO NINJAGO's 15th anniversary next year, here are 15 of the best references from 71861 The Old Town.
71861 The Old Town is the centrepiece of LEGO NINJAGO’s 15th anniversary in 2026, due for release on January 1 and made up of a massive 4,851 pieces. On top of that, it's fleshed out with a cast of 24 minifigures – and a host of references geared towards long-running fans of the theme.
There are deep cuts going all the way back to the TV's pilot episode, as well as nods to lore dropped over the 15 years that NINJAGO has been running. 71861 The Old Town is a true love letter to the theme, so let's dive into some of the best references we've spotted so far. For a full look at every inch of the set, check out our in-depth review from the Brick Fanatics resident NINJAGO expert, Jack.
15 – Four Golden Weapons
The first entry on this list is the renditions of the Four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu: the Scythe of Quakes, the Nunchucks of Lightning, the Shurikens of Ice, and the Sword of Fire. This set of powerful weapons was created by the First Spinjitzu Master (more on him later) and used to create NINJAGO and three other Realms. Here, they're stylised in stickered elements in the same way that they're seen in the very first episode of the TV show.
14 – Four Weapons Blacksmith
In a nod that's both current and old-school, there's a sticker referencing the Four Weapons Blacksmith. That once again harkens back to the pilot episode, but also to another 2026 set, 71858 Four Weapons Blacksmith, paying homage to the opening scene of the animated series that started it all.
13 – Original LEGO set boxes
The green and black tiles are stickered here with miniature versions of sets, 70618 Destiny's Bounty and 9446 Destiny's Bounty. By tracking an iconic vehicle through the ages, this is just one example of how 71861 The Old Town pays homage to every stage of the NINJAGO theme for its 15th anniversary.
12 – Beatrix from Dragons Rising Season 1
There are also nods to particular characters, including this artwork of Beatrix Vespasian-Orus, the former totalitarian ruler of the Kingdom of Imperium. She's outfitted in a fittingly intimidating get-up, complete with the Imperium markings on her face.
11 – The first Scroll of Forbidden Spinjitzu
Tucked away on a wall in 71861 The Old Town, you'll also find a nod to the first Scroll of Forbidden Spinjitzu. Although the sticker is a simplified version, the details of the scroll are clear, originally made by the First Spinjitzu Master himself.
10 – Box art for Prime Empire
Once again proving that this set is all about deep cuts, there's also Prime Empire box art, an in-universe arcade game in the world of NINJAGO. References within references...
9 – Blueprints for the pilot rickshaw
Once again throwing it back to the pilot, here are the blueprints for Wu's horse carriage as seen in the first episode. It even includes Wu's signature moustache so you know who's hitting the road.
8 – Twitchy Tim
The newspaper cover, here seen between the copies of Destiny's Bounty throughout the ages, appears to be based on the online news article for Twitchy Tim from episode 1 of The Island miniseries. His spikey hairdo makes him instantly recognisable, as well as the gas station in evidence behind him.
7 – Dragon Form Scroll
The top right sticker here references the Dragon Form Scroll, an ancient scroll that was kept in the Library of Domu. This is a more recent reference from season 15, highlighting the breadth and depth of the easter eggs in 71861 The Old Town.
6 – Forbidden Five
Summed up in one poster, this sticker seems to tell the story of the Forbidden Five, specifically their exile to the Nether-Space by the Dragon Masters.
5 – The tale of Oni and the Dragon
In yet more proof of how stories can be told in tiny stickers, this poster tells the story of Oni and the Dragon, as seen in the third episode of season 8 back in 2018.
4 – The scroll of the Prophecy of the Green Ninja
The sticker with (you guessed it) the green ninja on the left here refers to one of the most significant legends in NINJAGO history: the Prophecy of the Green Ninja. The tile here is a near direct replica of the on-screen version of the prophecy toted around by the ninjas.
3 – Shintaro tourism poster
An imagined tourist poster for Shintaro expands the world of 71861 The Old Town, paying tribute to the various locations visited and referenced over the last 15 years.
2 – Moon phases for the Ying-Yang eclipse
Now turning to the top left sticker here, the LEGO NINJAGO designers have replicated the moon phases of the Yin-Yang Eclipse, a rare event within the universe that occurs approximately once every 3,721 years. There are only two or three recorded appearances – and now one immortalised in this set.
1 – The First Spinjitzu Master
Last but certainly not least, we take it back to where this list first began, with the statue of the First Spinjitzu Master, surrounded by the Four Golden Weapons. This is the first time that he has been replicated as a minifigure (albeit as a statue version), sitting on his own brick-built plinth to mark the occasion.
Thank you for supporting the work that Brick Fanatics does by buying your LEGO sets using our affiliate links!
Comments
Be the first to comment!