LEGO® Monkie Kid™ review: 80045 Monkey King Ultra Mech

Today we’re looking at 80045 Monkey King Ultra Mech: the largest of the upcoming January wave of LEGO® Monkie Kid™ sets. Soon, Caz Mockett will be investigating the other four sets: 80040 Monkie Kid Combi Mech, 80041 Mei’s Dragon Jet, 80043 Yellow Tusk Elephant, and 80044 Monkie Kid’s Team Hideout. What better way to celebrate the approaching new year than with some brand-new LEGO sets and elements?

Products in this article were provided by LEGO®; the author's opinions are their own.
LEGO® Monkie Kid 80045 Monkey King Ultra Mech
US$159.99/ £119.99/ 139.99€/ AU$229.99
1 January 2023
1705 parts
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New elements

• 4 x Big Sword with Axle (6408777) 

This blade element is new for the Monkie Kid 2023 wave and will also appear in 80040 Monkie Kid’s Combi Mech. It is 16 modules long, with a single axle connection at one end. It reminds me of the specialized blade-propellor elements introduced in the LEGO® NINJAGO® line but here, with the cloud motif at the hilt, it is distinctly Monkie Kid.

•  1 x Monkie Kid Weapons pack (6410229) 

The LEGO armoury has been further expanded with this new selection of elements. These 8 Pearl Gold pieces came packaged together as a "family mould" in their own plastic bag, though this particular set only makes use of the staff ends (far right in the image above) and the long curved blade (far left).

We’ll have to wait and see how the designers ultized the remaining elements which also appear in 2 other sets from this wave: 40043 Yellow Tusk Elephant and 80044 Monkie Kid’s Team Hideout. I’m most intrigued by how the crown/comb looking element will be integrated. 

I can see the potential in these parts as decorative elements for MOC building. My favourite are the staff ends, but that handle-like element has already inspired me to whip up the following tablescraps.

Ideas for LEGO keys by Thomas Jenkins using the new Monkie Kid Weapons pack (element 6410229)

 New Minifigure Elements 

• New neckwear element (wings) in Pearl Gold (6369006), also in 80044 Monkie Kid’s Team Hideout
• New hair/headwear element in White (6420281) exclusive to this set
• New Hair element in Bright Light Orange (6414818) exclusive to this set
• New neckwear element (beak) in Bright Light Orange (6428437), also in 80044 Monkie Kid’s Team Hideout
• New Neckwear element (elephant trunk and tusks) (6420208), also in 80043 Yellow Tusk Elephant

Recoloured elements

• 1 x Wedge Sloped 45° 6 x 8 with Pointed Cutout in Pearl Gold (6202741 | 22390)
• 8 x Wedge Sloped 4 x 4 Pointed in pearl Gold (6357781 | 22391)

• 1 x Windscreen 8 x 4 x 2 Curved with Handle in Trans Red (6426592 | 23448)
• 1 x Weapon Hilt Symmetric in Red (6422224 | 66909) will also appear in 80044 Monkie Kid’s Team Hideout
• 2 x Plate Angled 2 x 2 with Step and Hole in Center in Red (6375427 | 79846)

• 4 x Plate 1 x 5 in Dark Bluish Grey (6413109 | 78329)
• 1 x Plate Special 2 x 4 with Groove and Two Center Studs (Jumper) in Yellow (6424448 | 65509)
• 1 x Minifig Neckwear Armor Shoulder Pads in Light Bluish Grey (6426615 | 41637) Also in 80044
• 1 x Wave / Flame Small with Pin in Black (6426595 | 37775)

Rare Elements

The trademark Monkie Kid colour scheme of turqoise, red and gold is created with a host of rare elements:

Rare elements in Dark Turquoise:

• 8 x Brick Round Corner, Curved 3 x 3 x 1 Quarter Circle (6399565 | 76797) in 1 other set 
• 27 x Slope Curved 2 x 2 with Stud Notches (6344861 | 66956) in 2 other sets 
• 2 x Slope Curved 2 x 1 with Stud Notch Left (6391018 | 29120) in 3 other sets
• 2 x Slope Curved 2 x 1 with Stud Notch Right (6291017 |29119) in 3 other sets
• 20 x Bracket 1 x 2 - 1 x 2 Inverted (6373576 | 99780) in 1 other set 
• 2 x Tile 1 x 3 (6213787 | 63864) in 4 other sets
• 4 x Tile Special 1 x 2 with Sloped Walls AKA Money / Gold Bar [Ingot] (6391344 | 99563) in 1 other set 

Rare elements in Red:

• 1 x Wedge Plate 2 x 4 27° Right (6286513 | 65426) in 5 other sets 
• 1 x Wedge Plate 2 x 4 27° Left (6286516 | 65429) in 5 other sets 
• 4 x Technic Brick Special 1 x 2 with Pin Hole and 1 x 2 Plate (6385920 | 73109) in 4 other sets 
• 34 x Tile Special 1 x 2 with Sloped Walls AKA Money / Gold Bar [Ingot] (6394880 | 99563) in 4 other sets 
• 4 x Flag 2 x 2 Trapezoid with Flared Area between Clips (6365503 | 80324) in 4 other sets 
• 4 x Brick Curved, 3 x 1 with 1/3 Inverted Cutout (6365716 | 70681) in 2 other sets 

Rare elements in Metallic Gold

• 1 x Wedge Curved 1 x 2 x 2/3 No Studs, Wing End (6376475 | 47458) in 2 other sets 
• 6 x Slope 18° 2 x 1 x 2/3 with 4 Slots (6294514 | 61409) in 5 other sets 
• 9 x Slope Curved 2 x 1 with Stud Notch Left (6386791 | 29120) in 2 other sets 
• 9 x Slope Curved 2 x 1 with Stud Notch Right (6386790 | 29119) in 2 other sets 
• 4 x Tile 2 x 2 Curved, Macaroni (6294524 | 27925) in 5 other sets 
• 2 x Slope 45° 2 x 1 with 2/3 Inverted Cutout and no stud (6404402 | 28192) in 1 other set

Rare elements in Pearl Gold:

• 3 x Wedge Sloped 4 x 2 Triple Right (6394216 | 43711) in 2 sets 
• 3 x Wedge Sloped 4 x 2 Triple Left (6394215 | 43710) in 2 sets 
• 2 x Brick Special 1 x 2 Rounded with Center Bars (6370621 | 77808) in 3 sets 
• 4 x Brick Special 2 x 5 with Slope, Studs on Side (6371694 | 79897) in 5 sets 
• 2 x Wedge Curved 2 x 3 x 2/3 Two Studs, Wing End (6357918 | 47456) in 4 sets

And a random assortment of rare elements in other colours:

• 8 x Rubber Technic Tread Attachment in Orange (6185551 | 24375) 
• 2 x Plant, Pumpkin in Dark Tan (6357809 |51270) 
• 2 x Rotation Joint Socket with 2 Pins in Dark Bluish Grey (6369944 | 80563) 
• 1 x Hair Mohawk with Ponytail in dark Bluish Grey (75512 | 6338388) in 80043 and 4 other sets 
• 1 x Minifig Neckwear Shoulder Guards in Purple (37614 | 6392222) in 80043 and 1 other set 
• 4 x Technic Axle Connector 2 x 3 with Ball Socket, Closed Sides in Black (6338289 | 67695) 
• 2 x Hinge Plate 1 x 4 Swivel Top / Base - Hollow Clip [Complete Assembly] in Yellow (6416522 | 1927)

Decorations 

• 1 x Tile Round 3 x 3 in Red (6420289) 
• 2 x Tile Round 1 x 1 in Trans Yellow (642090)

Both are exclusive to this set and won’t appear in other January release Monkie Kid sets. At first glance, I assumed the 1x1 printed eye that featured in previous Monkie Kid sets but it is subtly different in the printing on the eyelid. 

 

There is a sizeable sticker sheet boasting 34 stickers in 18 unique designs. Most of the stickers are used to add superfluous details to the mech, so the aesthetics aren't affected much if they aren’t applied. Though I feel there are some that are a little more necessary such as the nose design (sticker number 8) which adds a bit more character to the face.

The foil sheet is another exclusive element to set 80045. The Chinese character on the large elements means sky or heaven - suitable for these elements that will be used on the wing-like structure protruding from the mech’s back. I’d like to get my hands on a few more of these sheets to procure some more of those long prints in the centre of the sheet as I think they'd make amazing plumage for a mecha-peacock.  

Minifigures in set 80045 Monkey King Ultra Mech

The set is replete with a host of 6 minifigures, all of which include numerous new elements and/or new decorations. We've already looked at the new elements above, so here they are in situ, along with the new decorated parts.

Azure Lion 

• New decorated head in Dark Turquoise (6420286) 
• New cloth element in Purple (6421058) 
• New decorated torso in Dark Turquoise (6429288)  
• New decorated legs in Pearl Gold (6420288)

Azure Lion is an exclusive figure for this set.

The Golden-Winged Eagle 

• New decorated head in Light Aqua (6417770)
• New decorated torso in Light Aqua (6428990) 
• New decorated legs in Black (6417772) 

These decorated elements will also be available in 80044 Monkie Kid's Team Hideout, in which the Golden-Winged Eagle also makes an appearance.

Yellow Tusk Elephant 

• New decorated head in White (6417494)  
• New decorated torso in White (6426648) 
• New decorated legs in Dark Turquoise (6417496) 

Yellow Tusk Elephant will also appear in 80043 Yellow Tusk Elephant, and his decorated parts will be available there too.

Monkie Kid Power-up 

• New decorated torso in Pearl Silver (6328468) 
• New printed legs in White (6417498) 

These decorated elements for Monkie Kid Power-up are exclusive to this set.

Monkie King 

• New printed head in Tan (6420291) 
• New printed torso in Bright Light Orange (6430010) 
• New printed legs in Bright Light Orange (6417776) 

The above prints for Monkie King are exclusive to this set. The legs feature some lovely crisp printing on either side.

Mr. Tang 

• New printed head in Yellow (6420283) exclusive to this set 
• New printed torso in Dark red (6428827) exclusive to this set 
• New Printed legs in Tan (6420285) exclusive to this set 

Mr Tang is another figure exclusive to this set. Like Monkie King, his legs feature printing on the sides.

Constructing the side build: Monkie King’s Jet 

With the plentiful batch of new and rare parts out of the way, let's build!

We start with the jet. The design has a modular approach with various sub-assemblies attached via clips and LEGO Technic axles. 

The Jet is responsible for one of the set’s main play features, so is required to be particularly sturdy. As such, I came across an interesting technique to anchor this brown Technic axle into the structure of the vehicle. The hollow of the boat stud conceals the stopper of the Technic axle. It’s simple but effective.

Building the Ultra Mech

The construction of the Mech itself begins with the torso. There are plenty of SNOT elements - particularly brackets - at work here, used to both strengthen the structure and attach the decorative elements. 

On the back is an interesting bracket-clip combination of parts that help keep the shoulder area together and provide the attachment point for the opening cockpit. 

With the torso mostly complete, we work our way down from the hips, which attach to the body using some ratcheted liftarms. It’s an approach that is often seen in these large mech models. There are plenty more brackets to be found here. You might notice that the yellow bricks usually found in the Monkie Kid colour scheme have been relegated to the internal structure, to be replaced by gold bricks for the aesthetics.

 

As with many of these large mech kits, the knees are locked in a slightly bent position to keep the model standing. It’s a shame there is no articulation here, but that’s expected in a model of this size and heft.

 

I really like the way the boots come together. The design evokes traditional hanfu-like slippers thanks to their pointed toes. I was also impressed with the way the designer managed to limit the movement in the foot to keep the model standing. 

 

On the soles of the feet are the orange Technic rubber stoppers. It’s a simple and space-efficient solution to keep the mech from slipping around on the shelf.

The build continues with the arms which are almost fully articulated. The construction is similar to the legs: a core of brackets around which the decorative elements are added. In this case, in the form of turquoise bands on top of the red base colour. There are only a handful of studs and anti-studs dotted around the model. 

 

The hands are solid and powerful with three movable digits each which are attached on clips and bars. The palm of each hand conceals an attachment point for the staff which will be constructed later. 

 

Before we attach the head, there are armour sub-units which conceal some of the joints and add a bit more bulk to the model around the chest and shoulders. We also add structures onto the back of the model to make use of those lovely foil elements.

 

There is some great shaping to admire on the head but its construction is not as complicated as it first appears. Like the rest of the body, we start with a core of bracket elements. Clips and bars help round out the shape of the head. The Monkie Kid theme has made some good mileage from that modified wedge, as like previous monkey-inspired mechs in the line (see 80012 Monkie Kid Warrior Mech or 80033 Evil Macaque’s Mech for examples). It’s used again here, and I’m not complaining as it’s the perfect part to create the mech’s primate features.

 

The model is complete after he receives his staff. A long axle is concealed within to keep all those 2x2 round bricks together. 

Play Features and Functions 

 The jet can be quickly and easily disassembled. 

Its constituent parts can then be added to the mech. It’s simple and works well. The attachment points are well concealed so the mech looks great in both configurations. 

The transformation process reminded me of the Power Rangers combination toys that were popular when I was a child so I did feel a tinge of nostalgia when switching back and forth between the two versions. 

 

The light brick in the head works well enough too. I think most of the light shines through the gaps around the eyes rather than through the eyes themselves, however. 

 

Finally (and crucially), both the jet and mech can seat a minifigure. 

Conclusion 

 

The resulting model is an imposing and powerful mech. The fixed legs mean that dynamic poses like running, or kicking aren’t possible, but that’s pretty par for the course with a mech model of this size. Even so, the model’s proportions along with that colour scheme (I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the red, turquoise, and gold combo) and the articulated arms, head, and tail mean it can still cut a striking pose. 

 The extensive use of brackets means that each surface can be made super smooth with studless elements; indeed, only a handful of studs and anti-studs can be found across the whole model. With such refined aesthetics it looks like it could go toe-to-toe with some of the 18+ sets... perhaps it could become a formidable opponent for the recent Iron Man Hulkbuster model? Plus, with all those brackets keeping the model together, not only does it look good on a shelf as a centerpiece to a Monkie Kid collection, it’ll take a beating, too. 

I didn’t build the previous iteration, 80012 Monkie Kid Warrior Mech, but I did read Jonas Kramm’s review of it for the sake of a comparison. 

One of the draws of that set was the high quantity of Metallic Gold elements. 80045 favours Pearl Gold over the shinier lacquered ones, but it seems that the designers addressed a few of the issues Jonas had with that set such as the feeble looking hands, noticeable gaps and exposed grey elements peeking through in some places. So, this will certainly appeal to Monkie Kid fans looking for an upgrade.

LEGO® Monkie Kid 80045 Monkey King Ultra Mech will be released on 1 January 2023, priced at US$159.99/ £119.99/ 139.99€/ AU$229.99. If you are preordering or buying it from LEGO.com, please consider using our affiliate links, we may get a commission: USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop | UK LEGO Shop.

Editor: Chris Baginski

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