Join Raya on her quest to find Sisu, the last dragon. Can Sisu help Raya defeat the Druun and restore Kumandra? 
Inside the box there are two bags of parts that correspond to two instruction booklets, a sticker sheet, a vinyl sheet, and Sisu's head. Each booklet covers one bag of parts. I appreciate this arrangement as it allows two builders to work together. If they can agree on who gets to build Sisu (bag/book one), the other person can start in with the second instruction book and bag to build the palace gatehouse.
The first thing we do is build Raya. This is mostly the same mini-doll from set 43181 sans cape and a paint change to her feet. The Raya mini-doll uses medium nougat for the skin color. She has brown eyes and black hair. Her hair is dual molded as one piece with her conical hat. The detailing of her braided hair and hat are really well done.
Raya is wearing a yellow wrapped top. Over this she is wearing a reddish-brown sleeveless, cropped vest with a gold scale pattern and a wide reddish-brown belt. The detailing of her torso is excellent.
While the olive green cropped pants aren't quite accurate to her movie wardrobe, they do create the appropriate silhouette of her pants. You just need to pretend this is flowing, wrapped fabric and not rolled up pant legs.
At first glance, I thought this was the same figure from the Heart Palace set, but on closer inspection this Raya has bare feet. I appreciate that if you get both mini-dolls, Raya will be able to easily remove her boots before going indoors and putting them back on as she continues to adventure. Given the footwear difference in these two mini-dolls, I would have really liked one of them to show her interesting center hair braid without the hat.
Raya is carrying her serpent-hilted sword which is also included in set 43181. I love how the details of the sword and vest connect her to the Naga inspiration that was used in creating Sisu. She also has a map of Kumandra, showing all the tributaries of the Dragon River as she looks for the the last dragon at the river's end. The map of Kumandra is a printed 2 x 3 tile, and is included in all three Raya sets. The print is excellent, especially the shiny gold details.
Raya and Sisu are the main characters of the story, so I'm really happy that we get to build Sisu before any of the location/landscape side builds.
To build Sisu, we will need the metallic vinyl sheet, Sisu's head, and most of the pieces in bag one. The head and jaw (not pictured here as it gets added later) are exclusive pieces for this set. The head is pre-assembled from three colors of plastic: the aqua head and lavender hair are in the usual hard plastic, and the trans-blue crest is the softer, rubbery plastic.
The vinyl sheet has two pieces, one for the fins/spine ridge and one for the tail. The pieces are printed in aqua and lavender over a metallic silver. The color has an almost opalescent sheen to it. The back is metallic gold. So shiny!
In addition to the head and jaw, there are several new and recolored parts used in building Sisu which we will discuss as we build. We start with the hip assembly.
The curved 3 x 2 x 2/3 slope with two studs and wing end and the 1 x 2 technic brick with axle hole are both new in medium azure and so far exclusive to this set.
The 1 x 1 technic brick with axle hole in light bluish grey is also new for 2021, but less rare, as it already appears in 5 other sets.
More fun new pieces are used to create the tail. Last year we saw the introduction of the 2 x 2 round brick with 45 degree elbow in the set 43179 Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse. Here we get five of them in medium azure to make up the body of Sisu. A new, medium azure 2 x 2 tapered tail piece is used to taper off from Sisu's body to the attachment for the vinyl tail piece. At the time of writing, this piece is not yet listed in BrickLink.
The 157.5 degree technic axle and pin connector (#3) is not new, but is rather rare in medium azure. It has appeared in two technic sets back in 2016-17, and other wise only in a couple FIRST LEGO League and WeDo sets. I appreciate getting this in a bright, fun color.
We create the shoulder assembly before adding the spine ridges/fins. This assembly uses a few more medium azure 1 x 2 technic bricks with axle hole and a 25 degree 2 x 2 slope, which is new in aqua. Then we add the vinyl fins/spine piece and another 2 x 2 round brick with 45 degree elbow to hold it in place.
The vinyl fins are one long, narrow piece that connects over the neck pin and reaches back to attach over the ball joints for each back leg. This creates a double row of fins on Sisu's sides rather than a single row along her spine. It follows the curves of the body well, and the reflective metallic gold color helps the fins blend in with the body. When picking up Sisu from the body, it's very easy to crush the vinyl, so hopefully it doesn't rip easily. It's a strange design, but it captures her serpentine body well.
Next, we build the back legs, and then the front legs. The 1 x 3 x 2 arches in the back legs are exclusive to this set in medium azure. The 1 x 3 inverted arch used in both the front and back legs is a new piece for 2021, and only appears in medium azure in the three Raya sets. In addition to being used on Sisu's legs, it is used again in this set as architectural detail which will match the detail in set 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace and polybag 30558 Raya and the Ongi.
Finally, we add the feet, the head, and the vinyl tail. Sisudatu is complete. I really like this dragon. At first glance, she might seem rather strange. Once you realize that she is inspired by the Southeast Asian Naga, the design makes sense. She is a powerful sea serpent and bringer of water and life.
I'm impressed with Sisu's poseability. While there are no elbows or knees, the mixel ball joints at the shoulders and hips give a great range of motion, and the hinged ankles allow for a stable walking or running pose. You can even have her sit or lay down. The tail has rotation where it attaches to the hips and at the technic connector. This allows you to move the tail around and keep the decorative side of the vinyl facing you. Sisu's head also rotates so she can look around. The only thing that could be better is if she could look up and down. Overall, it's a very good figure.
We aren't finished with bag 1 yet, but we've got our two main characters ready for adventure. While this isn't a large set and won't take that long to build, this is a natural break if you need one. But we have more to build.
The rest of bag/book one is used to build a little waterfall. There are a few more pieces worth mentioning for this build, so let's take a quick look at those before we continue building.
We've already seen the 1 x 2 technic brick with axle hole and 1 x 3 inverted arch in medium azure; as mentioned before a few more will be used here.
The 2 x 4 oval tile was a new piece last year. It appears in tan in only three other sets.
The 3 x 4 x 6 curved top wall panel in satin trans-light blue was a new color last year in two of the Friends Jungle rescue sets.
The 2 x 3 modified pentagonal tile is new in satin trans-light blue this year, and so far only appears here an in set 43189 Elsa and the Nokk Storybook Adventures.
The 1 x 1 technic brick with hole in bright light yellow and the 2 x 2 round brick with domed bottom in pearl gold were both new colors last year. They are still both fairly limited, so it's nice to get them again.
Here's our first bit of terrain with just 5 extra pieces. It's a quick build with just one sticker to create the water rushing over the falls. Rather than a waterfall hidden in nature, this one appears to be flowing from a man-made structure. The architectural detailing creates the Southeast Asian feeling of Kumandra.
The waterfall has a simple but fun play feature. With a little human help, Raya can approach the waterfall and then pass through to the other side. It's nice to see that the mini-doll will fit under the waterfall as you move Raya though. But there's not much to see back here. Unless, ... is that Sisu‽
Bag one is complete, and we have another natural break in the build for playing or getting lunch.
Before we start on bag two, here are all the parts from bag one. So many great pieces and so much azure.
We only used one sticker in the first book of instructions. The rest will be used on the palace gate with the parts in bag 2. It's not a huge sticker sheet, but they add much needed detail to the gatehouse. Without them, the walls would be very plain.
We start by building the curved base of the gate structure. I like how gold flowers are used to support the 2 x 3 coupling plate. I'm sure this isn't a new technique, but it's a good one to remember.
Next we apply the stickers to the wall panels. The white panels are themselves somewhat rare having appeared in only 4 other sets since their first use in 2009. I really wish these had been printed pieces. While I'm not opposed to stickers in general, this isn't the place for them. Each panel gets two stickers. The lower one is easy enough place. I'm fine with that. The upper sticker has to fit around the window. Given that this is targeted for the 6+ age range, I think this is a big ask. It's a very tricky sticker placement, and I think younger builders will probably need help. You could leave the stickers off, but the walls would be very plain and you would lose part of the Southeast Asian style of this building.
As we continue building the gate, hinge plates are used to contact the top of the angled walls. Bright light yellow was a new color for these plates in 2020 and this is only the fourth set to use them. It's so nice to get these useful hinges in a newish color.
The 2 x 6 x 6 panel with gothic arch that is used for the gateway is new in dark turquoise. It is so far only used here and in set 43185 Boun's Boat. It creates a really elegant entrance.
As we start to build the cupola over the entrance, two more medium azure 1 x 3 inverted arches are used for architectural detail.
The base of the cupola uses a couple more parts worth mentioning. The 1 x 2 x 2 castle window, like the white wall panel above, is another older but strangely still rare piece. It was used in two sets in 2012-13 and then reintroduced here and in set 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace.
The 4 x 4 sphere with knobs is new this year. It appears in dark turquoise three sets including 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace, and two of the new Beat Boxes.
After we finish building the cupola, we use our last sticker to create a little treasure box with the Dragon Gem which gets hidden behind the window. This is a lovely little sticker that is easy to apply and adds charm to the box. The 2 x 2 x 1 top opening container box was new in medium nougat last year. It is used in four other sets.
1 x 1 gem in stain white first appeared last year in the DOTS bracelet 41903 Cosmic Wonder and set 21324: 123 Sesame Street, so it's still rather rare. I think it is a good part choice for the Dragon Gem and it's nice that we get a spare.
A 1 x 2 modified plate with closed handles on ends in white is used to hold the treasure box in place. It is only clipped on one side so it can swing open to remove the dragon gem box.
A candle stand and basin are added to finish the interior of the gatehouse. I like the use of the goblet for the basin stand. It's an elegant solution.
Some foliage is added to the exterior and our gatehouse is complete. Just a few, small spare parts. As mentioned above it is nice to get a extra of the satin white gems.
The finished gatehouse is a beautiful structure. I love the architectural details and the colors used. Unfortunately, Raya doesn't easily fit under the gate arch. From the front, it looks like she will fit, and the pointed arch is a great echo of her pointed hat. But when she steps up to cross inside, that lovely pointed hat is too tall to fit through. Just another reason why I want a hatless hair piece for Raya.
And here are all the parts from bag 2.
The set is complete; Raya and Sisu are ready for their adventures. Sisu is oversized compared to the gate house, but it works. She's an impressive dragon. The waterfall side build and gatehouse provide an excellent setting for our main characters, and are beautifully detailed given how small they are.
The box front shows Raya and Sisu setting out on their adventures with the palace gatehouse and waterfall in the background. The set is placed in a magical setting with glowing blue flowers and Naga fireballs (will-o'-wisps) in the sky.
Raya is pictured in the lower right corner, with her elbow wrapping around the edge of the box. Much like the Frozen II sets, the Raya and The Last Dragon logo is used instead of the Disney Princess logo.
The top of the box names Raya and Sisu as the included characters and uses Raya at the actual size image. The edges of the box are dark turquoise with a lighter pattern of symbols reminiscent Southeast Asian brocade patterns.
The back of the box shows the interior/back of the gatehouse with Raya retrieving the Dragon Gem from the treasure box. Call out images show how the gem box is stored in the cupola and the action feature of the water fall.
There is also a call out image showing that this set can be combined with set 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace. So let's see what that looks like.
I love how the gatehouse just clips into the Heart Palace and completes the circle. The architectural details and stickers create a unified build between the two sets. I appreciate how each set is complete on it's own, but fit together so nicely. It's a beautiful palace.
Summary:
For a relatively small set, Raya and Sisu Dragon packs in the fun.
There are a ton of new parts, and I love the azure and white color scheme with gold accents. The build structure allows for both a build-play-build experience, or a cooperative build split between two books and bags of parts. The main build of Sisu is fun by itself. The two side builds just add to the fun, and then you can connect it with set 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace for an expanded play experience.
I highly recommend this set. AFOL MOCers will enjoy the interesting new parts in exciting, bright colors. Anyone looking to add some Southeast Asian flavor to their builds can use the pieces and ideas from this set to get started. Fans of the movie or of Disney Princesses in general can't go wrong adding this to their collection. Kids and adults alike will find something to enjoy.
Happy Building!
-prrbrix
--
Disclaimer:
This set was provided by The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans.
Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer.
Photographs are property of Friends Bricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.
Raya is carrying her serpent-hilted sword which is also included in set 43181. I love how the details of the sword and vest connect her to the Naga inspiration that was used in creating Sisu. She also has a map of Kumandra, showing all the tributaries of the Dragon River as she looks for the the last dragon at the river's end. The map of Kumandra is a printed 2 x 3 tile, and is included in all three Raya sets. The print is excellent, especially the shiny gold details.
Raya and Sisu are the main characters of the story, so I'm really happy that we get to build Sisu before any of the location/landscape side builds.
To build Sisu, we will need the metallic vinyl sheet, Sisu's head, and most of the pieces in bag one. The head and jaw (not pictured here as it gets added later) are exclusive pieces for this set. The head is pre-assembled from three colors of plastic: the aqua head and lavender hair are in the usual hard plastic, and the trans-blue crest is the softer, rubbery plastic.
The vinyl sheet has two pieces, one for the fins/spine ridge and one for the tail. The pieces are printed in aqua and lavender over a metallic silver. The color has an almost opalescent sheen to it. The back is metallic gold. So shiny!
In addition to the head and jaw, there are several new and recolored parts used in building Sisu which we will discuss as we build. We start with the hip assembly.
The curved 3 x 2 x 2/3 slope with two studs and wing end and the 1 x 2 technic brick with axle hole are both new in medium azure and so far exclusive to this set.
The 1 x 1 technic brick with axle hole in light bluish grey is also new for 2021, but less rare, as it already appears in 5 other sets.
More fun new pieces are used to create the tail. Last year we saw the introduction of the 2 x 2 round brick with 45 degree elbow in the set 43179 Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse. Here we get five of them in medium azure to make up the body of Sisu. A new, medium azure 2 x 2 tapered tail piece is used to taper off from Sisu's body to the attachment for the vinyl tail piece. At the time of writing, this piece is not yet listed in BrickLink.
The 157.5 degree technic axle and pin connector (#3) is not new, but is rather rare in medium azure. It has appeared in two technic sets back in 2016-17, and other wise only in a couple FIRST LEGO League and WeDo sets. I appreciate getting this in a bright, fun color.
We create the shoulder assembly before adding the spine ridges/fins. This assembly uses a few more medium azure 1 x 2 technic bricks with axle hole and a 25 degree 2 x 2 slope, which is new in aqua. Then we add the vinyl fins/spine piece and another 2 x 2 round brick with 45 degree elbow to hold it in place.
The vinyl fins are one long, narrow piece that connects over the neck pin and reaches back to attach over the ball joints for each back leg. This creates a double row of fins on Sisu's sides rather than a single row along her spine. It follows the curves of the body well, and the reflective metallic gold color helps the fins blend in with the body. When picking up Sisu from the body, it's very easy to crush the vinyl, so hopefully it doesn't rip easily. It's a strange design, but it captures her serpentine body well.
Next, we build the back legs, and then the front legs. The 1 x 3 x 2 arches in the back legs are exclusive to this set in medium azure. The 1 x 3 inverted arch used in both the front and back legs is a new piece for 2021, and only appears in medium azure in the three Raya sets. In addition to being used on Sisu's legs, it is used again in this set as architectural detail which will match the detail in set 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace and polybag 30558 Raya and the Ongi.
Finally, we add the feet, the head, and the vinyl tail. Sisudatu is complete. I really like this dragon. At first glance, she might seem rather strange. Once you realize that she is inspired by the Southeast Asian Naga, the design makes sense. She is a powerful sea serpent and bringer of water and life.
I'm impressed with Sisu's poseability. While there are no elbows or knees, the mixel ball joints at the shoulders and hips give a great range of motion, and the hinged ankles allow for a stable walking or running pose. You can even have her sit or lay down. The tail has rotation where it attaches to the hips and at the technic connector. This allows you to move the tail around and keep the decorative side of the vinyl facing you. Sisu's head also rotates so she can look around. The only thing that could be better is if she could look up and down. Overall, it's a very good figure.
We aren't finished with bag 1 yet, but we've got our two main characters ready for adventure. While this isn't a large set and won't take that long to build, this is a natural break if you need one. But we have more to build.
The rest of bag/book one is used to build a little waterfall. There are a few more pieces worth mentioning for this build, so let's take a quick look at those before we continue building.
We've already seen the 1 x 2 technic brick with axle hole and 1 x 3 inverted arch in medium azure; as mentioned before a few more will be used here.
The 2 x 4 oval tile was a new piece last year. It appears in tan in only three other sets.
The 3 x 4 x 6 curved top wall panel in satin trans-light blue was a new color last year in two of the Friends Jungle rescue sets.
The 2 x 3 modified pentagonal tile is new in satin trans-light blue this year, and so far only appears here an in set 43189 Elsa and the Nokk Storybook Adventures.
The 1 x 1 technic brick with hole in bright light yellow and the 2 x 2 round brick with domed bottom in pearl gold were both new colors last year. They are still both fairly limited, so it's nice to get them again.
Here's our first bit of terrain with just 5 extra pieces. It's a quick build with just one sticker to create the water rushing over the falls. Rather than a waterfall hidden in nature, this one appears to be flowing from a man-made structure. The architectural detailing creates the Southeast Asian feeling of Kumandra.
The waterfall has a simple but fun play feature. With a little human help, Raya can approach the waterfall and then pass through to the other side. It's nice to see that the mini-doll will fit under the waterfall as you move Raya though. But there's not much to see back here. Unless, ... is that Sisu‽
Bag one is complete, and we have another natural break in the build for playing or getting lunch.
Before we start on bag two, here are all the parts from bag one. So many great pieces and so much azure.
We only used one sticker in the first book of instructions. The rest will be used on the palace gate with the parts in bag 2. It's not a huge sticker sheet, but they add much needed detail to the gatehouse. Without them, the walls would be very plain.
We start by building the curved base of the gate structure. I like how gold flowers are used to support the 2 x 3 coupling plate. I'm sure this isn't a new technique, but it's a good one to remember.
Next we apply the stickers to the wall panels. The white panels are themselves somewhat rare having appeared in only 4 other sets since their first use in 2009. I really wish these had been printed pieces. While I'm not opposed to stickers in general, this isn't the place for them. Each panel gets two stickers. The lower one is easy enough place. I'm fine with that. The upper sticker has to fit around the window. Given that this is targeted for the 6+ age range, I think this is a big ask. It's a very tricky sticker placement, and I think younger builders will probably need help. You could leave the stickers off, but the walls would be very plain and you would lose part of the Southeast Asian style of this building.
As we continue building the gate, hinge plates are used to contact the top of the angled walls. Bright light yellow was a new color for these plates in 2020 and this is only the fourth set to use them. It's so nice to get these useful hinges in a newish color.
The 2 x 6 x 6 panel with gothic arch that is used for the gateway is new in dark turquoise. It is so far only used here and in set 43185 Boun's Boat. It creates a really elegant entrance.
As we start to build the cupola over the entrance, two more medium azure 1 x 3 inverted arches are used for architectural detail.
The base of the cupola uses a couple more parts worth mentioning. The 1 x 2 x 2 castle window, like the white wall panel above, is another older but strangely still rare piece. It was used in two sets in 2012-13 and then reintroduced here and in set 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace.
The 4 x 4 sphere with knobs is new this year. It appears in dark turquoise three sets including 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace, and two of the new Beat Boxes.
After we finish building the cupola, we use our last sticker to create a little treasure box with the Dragon Gem which gets hidden behind the window. This is a lovely little sticker that is easy to apply and adds charm to the box. The 2 x 2 x 1 top opening container box was new in medium nougat last year. It is used in four other sets.
1 x 1 gem in stain white first appeared last year in the DOTS bracelet 41903 Cosmic Wonder and set 21324: 123 Sesame Street, so it's still rather rare. I think it is a good part choice for the Dragon Gem and it's nice that we get a spare.
A 1 x 2 modified plate with closed handles on ends in white is used to hold the treasure box in place. It is only clipped on one side so it can swing open to remove the dragon gem box.
A candle stand and basin are added to finish the interior of the gatehouse. I like the use of the goblet for the basin stand. It's an elegant solution.
Some foliage is added to the exterior and our gatehouse is complete. Just a few, small spare parts. As mentioned above it is nice to get a extra of the satin white gems.
The finished gatehouse is a beautiful structure. I love the architectural details and the colors used. Unfortunately, Raya doesn't easily fit under the gate arch. From the front, it looks like she will fit, and the pointed arch is a great echo of her pointed hat. But when she steps up to cross inside, that lovely pointed hat is too tall to fit through. Just another reason why I want a hatless hair piece for Raya.
And here are all the parts from bag 2.
The set is complete; Raya and Sisu are ready for their adventures. Sisu is oversized compared to the gate house, but it works. She's an impressive dragon. The waterfall side build and gatehouse provide an excellent setting for our main characters, and are beautifully detailed given how small they are.
The box front shows Raya and Sisu setting out on their adventures with the palace gatehouse and waterfall in the background. The set is placed in a magical setting with glowing blue flowers and Naga fireballs (will-o'-wisps) in the sky.
Raya is pictured in the lower right corner, with her elbow wrapping around the edge of the box. Much like the Frozen II sets, the Raya and The Last Dragon logo is used instead of the Disney Princess logo.
The top of the box names Raya and Sisu as the included characters and uses Raya at the actual size image. The edges of the box are dark turquoise with a lighter pattern of symbols reminiscent Southeast Asian brocade patterns.
The back of the box shows the interior/back of the gatehouse with Raya retrieving the Dragon Gem from the treasure box. Call out images show how the gem box is stored in the cupola and the action feature of the water fall.
There is also a call out image showing that this set can be combined with set 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace. So let's see what that looks like.
I love how the gatehouse just clips into the Heart Palace and completes the circle. The architectural details and stickers create a unified build between the two sets. I appreciate how each set is complete on it's own, but fit together so nicely. It's a beautiful palace.
Summary:
For a relatively small set, Raya and Sisu Dragon packs in the fun.
There are a ton of new parts, and I love the azure and white color scheme with gold accents. The build structure allows for both a build-play-build experience, or a cooperative build split between two books and bags of parts. The main build of Sisu is fun by itself. The two side builds just add to the fun, and then you can connect it with set 43181 Raya and the Heart Palace for an expanded play experience.
I highly recommend this set. AFOL MOCers will enjoy the interesting new parts in exciting, bright colors. Anyone looking to add some Southeast Asian flavor to their builds can use the pieces and ideas from this set to get started. Fans of the movie or of Disney Princesses in general can't go wrong adding this to their collection. Kids and adults alike will find something to enjoy.
Happy Building!
-prrbrix
--
Disclaimer:
This set was provided by The LEGO Group for the purpose of sharing set details with fans.
Opinions provided here solely reflect those of our reviewer.
Photographs are property of Friends Bricks and are not directed by TLG in any fashion.
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