LEGO Monkie Kid’s smallest 2023 sets combine, for better and for worse

The two most affordable LEGO Monkie models for 2023 combine into a bigger build, but this design choice is both a blessing and a curse for the sets. 

As showcased on the back of the box for both 80040 Monkie Kid’s Combi Mech and 80041 Mei’s Dragon Jet, the two smallest builds for the theme in 2023 so far have a main function in that they can attach to form a flying mech to take down the latest trio of villains and their Ink Demon army. 

It’s not too common for multiple LEGO sets to combine, especially at this price range so the feature is a welcome addition to an impressive-looking collection of 2023 models. 

Both builds have aspects that are designed around and to facilitate this feature, though with 80040 Monkie Kid’s Combi Mech being the base of the combined model, it arguably suffers a lot less from these necessary choices, despite its clear namesake. 

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On the back of 80040 Monkie Kid’s Combi Mech, a pair of clips is featured. These can be used to hold the included weaponry such as two sizes of Monkey King’s staff and a giant sword, two at a time. However, that’s not the intended purpose for them, though they serve exceedingly well in that regard. 

The intended purpose of these clips is to attach 80041 Mei’s Dragon Jet with the other small creation using the newer brick with integrated bars, stowed away within the model but just in the right place for these clips to reach and attach. 

Unlike 80040 Monkie Kid’s Combi Mech, that’s not the only aspect of the build designed around the combining aspect, and that’s not to the base model’s benefit. While the clips in the mech set don’t get in the way and only serve to build on what’s already there, the same can’t be said for 80041 Mei’s Dragon Jet. 

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With the jet folding in various ways to accommodate the combining feature, it’s hard to see why tilting the nose cone directly up and unfolding its sides would be helpful to Mei in an airborne battle. Likewise, the chest plate and harness could be seen as landing gear, but only for when you want the jet to be grounded at an angle. 

You’re welcome not to use these features of 80041 Mei’s Dragon Jet, though that leaves you with just stud shooters and a smaller ejecting aircraft. 

However, when 80041 Mei’s Dragon Jet is attached to 80040 Monkie Kid’s Combi Mech, these design choices make sense and the length of the jet allows the combined to believably stand up even with the extra weight. 

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Together, these two sets look great though the combining aspect affects one of the small models much more than the other. It’s easy to do and the result is worth doing at least once for those who own both. Unfortunately, the main feature is both a blessing and a curse for 80041 Mei’s Dragon Jet. Despite the namesake of 80040 Monkie Kid’s Combi Mech, it stands on its own far easier. 

You can read our full review of both builds by clicking here for 80040 Monkie Kid’s Combi Mech and here for 80041 Mei’s Dragon Jet. The two sets are launching on January 1, 2023, for £17.99 / $19.99 / €19.99 each. 

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