LEGO Dragon Ball Shenron & Goku (11390): A Nostalgic Build for the Wallet?

The wallet winces. LEGO just dropped the Dragon Ball Shenron & Goku set, and if you grew up watching Goku’s adventures in the 90s and 2000s, you’re already calculating how much you can “borrow” from your Diwali bonus. This 1,764-piece behemoth taps directly into that deep well of nostalgia, and the price tag certainly reflects its appeal to the adult fan with some disposable income.

This set is clearly designed as a display piece, and it absolutely nails that. The star of the show is Shenron, the wish-granting dragon. Its looping, serpentine form is impressively organic, curving gracefully around a rock-like structure that’s thankfully sturdy enough to support its considerable length. Standing at about 32cm tall, it’s a commanding presence. The detail is fantastic, capturing the traditional Chinese dragon aesthetic with scales, claws, and those distinctive antlers that fans will instantly recognise. It’s a build that feels substantial and, more importantly, rewarding to look at once completed.

Then there’s Goku. This isn’t just any Goku; it’s the young, pure-hearted Goku from the early days of the series. He’s kitted out in his iconic orange Gi, complete with the “Kame” kanji from Master Roshi’s Turtle School of martial arts. The new hairpiece is spot-on, and the inclusion of his tail is a crucial detail for this era of the character. He comes with his trusty Power Pole and, crucially, the Flying Nimbus cloud. Riding the Nimbus requires a pure heart, a trait young Goku possesses in spades, making it more than just a fun accessory – it’s an essential part of his early characterisation. Seeing him perched on the cloud, ready for adventure, is a genuine thrill for any long-time fan. The figure itself is excellent, capturing the character’s innocence and martial artist spirit.

However, the set isn't without its minor quibbles. The articulation on Shenron, while allowing for that dynamic pose, isn’t exactly extensive. It’s a display model, so this isn’t a deal-breaker, but some might wish for a bit more flexibility. More noticeably, the absence of Bulma is a missed opportunity. She’s the driving force behind the initial Dragon Ball hunt, and her inclusion would have rounded out the narrative feel of the set perfectly. It feels like a significant oversight, especially given the focus on the early series.

The build experience itself is described as satisfying, with the 7.4p per piece cost in the UK suggesting decent value for the part count, though we’ll need to see how that translates to India. The set is packed with references that will make fans smile, tapping into specific moments and items from the early anime. It’s a celebration of the series’ roots, rather than its later, more complex iterations.

Official Indian pricing hasn't been announced yet, but based on the UK price of £129.99, expect this to be a significant investment. If it lands around ₹15,000-₹18,000, that’s roughly the cost of three months of premium streaming services or a decent mid-range smartphone. Toycra and LEGO. Code ABHINAV12 takes 12% off full-price sets at Toycra, minimum order ₹500.in will likely stock it 4–6 weeks after global launch.

Ultimately, this Shenron & Goku set is a love letter to the original Dragon Ball. If you’re a fan who cherishes those early memories, the display value and the nostalgic details make it a compelling proposition. The build is solid, the dragon is spectacular, and Goku is perfectly represented. The lack of Bulma is a shame, and the price will demand careful consideration. It’s a great set for the dedicated fan, but perhaps not an impulse buy for the casual observer.

On that bombshell, it's time to say goodbye. I'll see you on the next one. Bubyee.

Verdict: WAIT. Good set, but the price will drop.