Retro LEGO | All Adventurers (Jungle) Sets Ranked!

[@Huttrager]

Not trying to be hater, but lego really doesn't make them like they used to

[@abeard1]

Agree, these sets/series seems to be smaller but more cohesive.

[@FreeSisyphus77]

The way I see it, Lego sacrificed great designs for a better building experience

[@Huttrager]

@@FreeSisyphus77 gotta disagree. A lot of the building experience gets lost today. The builds themselves are definetely very solid with clear instructions, but sets arent desigend to be expanded or altered. too many tiled off surfaces, too many small pieces for nice, but ultimately unnecessaty details (plus sets rarely include space to place minifigs; see the usual 3 studs deeps rooms etc). What im trying to say is, that the too detailed/tiled off builds, alongside a lack of incentive for alternate builds lessens the potential for lego sets to be enjoyed compared to up until around 10 years ago

[@FreeSisyphus77]

@@Huttrager fair point

[@keltondavisLEGO]

There are things I love about modern LEGO as great display pieces, but for me, nothing beats 90s LEGO. However, I have to acknowledge my biases. I’m sure there will be Ninjago, Dreamz and Monkey Kid retrospectives in the future that people have the same fond nostalgia for. Just ain’t my generation of LEGO.

[@jaynederp5236]

God I miss this theme so much, The Adventurers will always hold a special place in my heart

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Definitely in the top 5 of all time when it comes to LEGO themes.

[@PatinaEater]

There is just something quintessentially ‘Lego’ about Lego sets from the 90s. Maybe it’s my nostalgia talking, but the less is more approach to set design just amplifies the creativity and charm. I love it.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I buy modern LEGO because it looks good. I buy retro LEGO because it FEELS good.

[@hawk494edward]

As someone who was born in 1994 and grew up in the late 1990's-early 2000's I agree with you.

[@Johnny-Thunder]

Another great video mate! Yes, Harry and I parted ways after this. He didn't mind the snakes, spiders, scorpions and the villains' bullets, but he couldn't stand dr. Lightning's aftershave...

[@mkaali]

Didn't he gravitate towards professional soccer? To play for Tottenham and England.

[@Johnny-Thunder]

@@mkaali Ye nah mate, he was more into potato sack racing.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Your first-person accounts of your adventures are essential parts of any Adventurers comment section 😂

[@SamuelEagle-zd8rq]

No way I'm a huge fan of your adventures Johnny

[@Johnny-Thunder]

@@keltondavisLEGO Thanks mate, it is my pleasure :)

[@dylanmoon780]

We had the Amazon Ancient Ruins growing up. I'll never understand why modern Lego collectors and fans dislike baseplates. Baseplates were literally the foundations of so many adventures and rebuilds. Even today, though I don't collect now and only watch these kinds of videos for nostalgia, I still get excited when I see a good baseplate in a review video. Who cares if it's just one piece and messes up the price-per-piece ratio? A baseplate is like a steroid injection of creativity when you're 10 years old and playing or exploring new stories for your Lego.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE classic Lego baseplates! I just thought in this particular instance, the set used it as a bit of a crutch.

[@empire0]

These sets were right around the time I got "too old" for Lego, it's a shame, they look great. I remember seeing the zeppelin in store and thinking it was super cool. Binge watching your vids is just making me want to spend money on older sets!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

My channel can definitely be a dangerous place for those who want to save money 💰 😆

[@empire0]

@@keltondavisLEGO with the new wave of Bricklink Designer Program stuff up for preorder in a few days, gotta save some cash

[@the_cleantone]

It’s the voice work. Dude… it’s so good I am hoping for longer episodes in due course!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Haha thanks!! As a person who regularly tires of hearing himself speak, that's great to hear. LOL. Some of the gigantic themes like Pirates and Classic Space are going to necessitate longer episodes or many short ones, so you're wish will come true!

[@eldoradopirates]

I'm in agreement about your #1 selection. My father died a few years ago and left behind a treasure trove of Legos for his grandkids, and River Expedition will be going to one of my sons this Christmas.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Lucky kid! What a great gift for him, not just for the Lego, but for the legacy.

[@slayervrOfficial]

Your voice work and the accompanying excellently written script sets your channel apart from others. Another great video!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks so much! I always hope the scripts aren't too fawning and cheesy, but hey, it's how I feel! LOL.

[@lillemakken]

I love these high quality LEGO set coverings. Keep it up, please! I think it's a combination of the high quality scenes and spotlights you manage to capture the sets and minifigs in, with seamless backgrounds and music working perfectly together as well as your voice.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I appreciate this so much! Glad to see the details aren’t lost on people. I love this stuff and I’m so glad others find enjoyment in it.

[@enelabe]

I looove these ranking videos that you do, please do more of them! I'd love to see some about Ice Planet 2002, Classic Space, Pirates and Aquazone!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

All of the above are on my list!

[@enelabe]

@@keltondavisLEGO I am so excited then! Thanks for your hard work :)

[@Sanguivore]

@@keltondavisLEGO Super excited to see those! ^-^

[@BrotherhoodWorkshop]

River Expedition was the first LEGO set I ever bought for the express purpose of using it in a brickfilm.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Ooooh! I was a big brickfilmer in my early teenage years!

[@BrotherhoodWorkshop]

Me too! And my 20s…and 30s…juries out on 40s

[@realkingofwales3917]

Ayo Brotherhood Workshop! You guys got me into brickfilimg!

[@hiddendesire3076]

11:27 Weird thing is, I had this set, but my memories of it had it as a skull instead of an Ape. Still remember that birthday too. It was at my house, we had a giant water balloon party with a slip and slide, and we ended it with gifts and watching The Little Rascals.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Love hearing people’s memories like this. ❤️

[@vista4043]

Fantastic stuff. I really love your presentation. Super excited to see some Classic Space retrospectives!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Classic Space is my personal pet project, but they’re sure hard to get a hold of!

[@aydenjenkins8760]

I think this is the best Adventurers subtheme. A nice and tight lineup of amazing sets and amazing minifigures.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

It’s even better than I remembered. Definitely in contention for the top spot.

[@rickcharlespersonal]

My siblings and I only got a couple of the smaller sets from this line back in the day, the pontoon plane is probably my favorite.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Definitely one of, if not the best plane in all of Adventurers.

[@TheToneBender]

1:00 bless you

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! Fall allergies are really getting to me. I try to sneeze as calmly as I can.

[@lunchlady_doris]

Achu is one of my favourite minifigures of all time. Simply outstanding design. I was so happy when I finally found one for a decent price.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

He’s not an easy one to find for a reasonable price! I have 2, but one of them is super chewed up.

[@TheFirstCurse1]

I never knew of him before this video and my mind was blown. Like that's from a 90s small set and not a Collectable Minifigure Series.

[@Sanguivore]

He looks so super cool! :D I especially love the red gloves/handpaint.

[@AR_119]

Another great video! I remember these sets fondly from the 90s.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Those were the days.

[@SuperSecretBricks]

Awesome retrospective, as always. Thanks for sharing those awesome sets. I really like the small side builds, they truly demonstrate that you don't need loads of parts, shapes and colours to make something unique

[@keltondavisLEGO]

One of the many things that this era offered that just gives me that warm, nostalgic feeling inside.

[@joejunjulas7917]

The plane was my first lego I ever owned! Brings me back ! Love these videos !

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! That’s one of the better places in this whole theme! Love it.

[@farseer2043]

Thanks for the video! The theme was very cool, and those traps were cruel but inventive. It's hard to imagine so playable sets released now.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Some definitely exist, but this was the norm back then. Great stuff!

[@nlberglov8458]

Great video, very nice angles and editing

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! 🙏

[@EpicoNubletto]

Your retrospectives are my favourite content. The quality is incredible! And really interesting that you threw convention to the wind in 2 ways, not buying a bad deal blimp set just to own it and not giving the big set the top spot! Thank you for another great video

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! And yes, I definitely couldn’t justify buying that blimp with the options I saw for sale. It’s one I’ll keep my eye on for a good deal, but I only strike when it’s a solid bargain. As for the ranking, I felt some pressure to put the ruins at the top, but I had to follow my heart in that one 👍 Thanks again!

[@realkingofwales3917]

Another day another banger from the greatest up and coming LEGO KZbinr

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Aw thanks!!! 🙏 Your support has been amazing!

[@Sanguivore]

I love that they weren't afraid to get colorful with this subtheme! And how fitting that colorful nature is to the Mesoamerican themes it represents.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Though I still prefer the desert theme overall, this sub theme has the best color palette, hands down.

[@js1423]

Hopefully we get the adventures of Johnny Thunder in Asia and Dino-island soon as well!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Definitely in the works!

[@theawesomeunclechannel4881]

I like how they brought back Johnny thunder in Lego city sets

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I appreciate their honoring the character. I just wish they didn’t change him quite so much, particularly his hat.

[@francoisregis2155]

Cool video I just subscribed I only have one set of that serie and I almost have all the egyptians sets. Those sets were very cool Can’t wait to see more videos Greetings from 🇨🇦

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Welcome aboard! I also have a video covering the Egypt sets as well!

[@killroyjenkins9339]

Very nice work man! I’m looking forward to seeing the Native line that Lego did along side the Wild West theme

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! That’s a line I’m desperately trying to get my hands on in good condition. Those teepees are a nightmare! 😂 But that video IS coming!

[@wolfielee11]

I've been going down a lego/bionicle rabbit hole lately after slightly regretting selling off my childhood lego bins (then promptly buying a handful of kits with the cash lol) and your Retro series has been amazing to dive into! I know you've said it in other videos but I really agree that Lego has lost something by focusing more on licensed sets and dropping their original IPs like they had in the 90s. I remember loving seeing the nods to this era of sets in Lego Racers and the Lego Island games and that magic just isn't captured in the modern licensed Lego games for me.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Glad these have been a source of joy and nostalgia for you! And yes, I wish the proportion of original themes was quite a bit bigger.

[@SPGT3]

Fantastic video, very well done. Thank you! This is my favorite theme of all Lego and favorite of the Adventurers theme overall. I agree on your ranking, too, Amazon Ancient Ruins is great but not as impressive as it could have been.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Glad to see that I didn’t make people too angry with that one. 😂 I love it, but the River Expedition just speaks to me more.

[@christhegamingdude3491]

Great video! Love how many cool details lego put into their sets before, Kinda wish they did this with modern sets aswell.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! It did feel like they were inviting a lot more imagination in this era. But then again, I’m sure there are kid-centered sets today that do this as well.

[@roddyriffs1168]

Extremely based putting River Expedition at the top of the list, just shows how great of a set it is even if it’s half the price of the flagship. The Ape Shrine holds up extremely well even some twenty five years later.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! I felt a pull to put the Ruins as #1 because it’s what people expect, but I followed my heart on this one.

[@EpicoNubletto]

@@keltondavisLEGORespect!!

[@MOOKSVILLE.]

another great video! seems like i'm going to binge today....🤜💥🤛

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I appreciate it! Binge away 😎

[@HatedJared]

Man I used to drool over the larger sets in this theme. I only ever had enough money as a kid to buy the smaller sets. I fortunately still have most of my lego adventurers figures still.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Catalogue-gazing was quite the pastime for me as kid 😂

[@mastterby]

These videos are gorgeously filmed, edited and narrated! I’m really curious about the dinosaur themed sets. I’m a palaeontologist and I’ve been working recently on the overlap of the depiction of palaeontology in pop culture with tropey, “lost world” fiction and how both are tied to colonialism. It’s interesting that a dinosaur island was considered as a worthy setting alongside the Amazon basin or the Middle East.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I’ll admit that Dino Island is by far my least favorite Adventurers sub theme. It felt like they wanted to capitalize on the popularity of another big franchise (Jurassic Park) instead of letting pure storytelling take the lead. However, it did produce some cool sets. That one’s in the works!

[@mastterby]

@@keltondavisLEGO ah that’s a shame, looking forward to learning more!

[@NicWir]

Why not longer videos? That Voice, the background music and the nostalgia is just perfect

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That darn day job keeps getting in the way!

[@SamuelEagle-zd8rq]

Love classic lego

[@keltondavisLEGO]

It's where my LEGO heart truly lies!

[@SamuelEagle-zd8rq]

never been to the 1990s, but watching the video is like the time twisters

[@keltondavisLEGO]

@@SamuelEagle-zd8rq LOVE it! That's exactly why I do these videos. Sharing these sets with new generations is so much fun.

[@SamuelEagle-zd8rq]

Blast corps on the n64....pokemon anime came out....sigh 1990s were amazing

[@SamuelEagle-zd8rq]

Blast corps....pokemon anime came out... sigh the 1990s were amazing

[@brycevo]

The adventurers is such an amazing franchise. I'm glad Lego is slowly bringing back Johnny, but it's not the same

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Give him back his slouch hat, and then we’ll talk! 😆

[@deckie_]

2:30 what an interesting clip piece!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

For the oar? Yep, they kept it nice and simple.

[@deckie_]

@@keltondavisLEGO I admit I'm being a bit nitpicky and mean, but I believe the clip piece you've used is the new design, whereas back in 1999 they definitely would have used the old clip piece. I've been thoroughly enjoying your videos however! I find it very inspiring

[@keltondavisLEGO]

@@deckie_ Oh haha! Yes. The little sets were recreated using the ol’ parts bin. Couldn’t find any old style clips for this’un.

[@josephmeluso2377]

As someone who just recently completed the jungle line of adventurers except for some of the smaller sets from the bottom of this list, I completely agree with the rankings and the reasons.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That’s awesome! And congrats on your collection. It’s an amazing sub theme:

[@mads5693]

good video

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks! 🙏

[@hiddendesire3076]

I had three or so Sundisks, but I’ve been trying to find them lately among my bins of bricks. Also had two or three Achus.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Those Achus are worth a pretty penny now!

[@davewills94]

Hey Kelton! Love your vids. What type of camera do you use? Love your close-up shots.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Hi there! I use a Canon 5D Mark iv. It’s an oldie but a goodie!

[@MegacoreTeamJake]

Now this is what I'm talking about!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Love doing these!

[@danielwordsworth1843]

While I like the themes of these sets more than today's, I gotta say they look more crude/less polished, but there were fewer bricks back then so I understand also, those backpacks are marvelous, mainly those loops for items that can't usually be placed but made to be held by lego figures

[@keltondavisLEGO]

It might be pure nostalgia, but the crudeness and simplicity of the builds is a plus for me 😂 And yes, few accessories will ever live up to the oversized Adventurers backpacks.

[@DraconisMarchVII]

That blimp price today... man, wish I still had mine.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

SOOO many valuable sets I had as a kid and I just let them slip away into the bin of doom 😆

[@myrandommindtv]

I love the minifigure designs! Achu is certainly on my bucket list of figs to collect, even though I'm sure they're worth a pretty stud last time I checked. 😅 Will you be doing the other waves from this theme, at some point? Or is this more a one time thing? Actually now i'm curious, how would you rank all 4 subthemes from favorite to least?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I'll be covering all the sub themes eventually! I already covered Desert, and you can check that episode out on my channel. Dino Island and Orient Expedition are on their way! As far as my ranking of the sub themes, here's how I'd say they go for now: 1 - Desert 2 - Orient Expedition 3 - Jungle 4 - Dino Island Jungle and Orient Expedition are SUPER close, though, and I regularly alternate those two.

[@myrandommindtv]

@@keltondavisLEGO Ooh awesome! I'll have to give the desert one a watch (or rewatch). Definitely good ranking! I feel the theme peaked with Orient, but desert is always a classic!

[@Dyatlov_iF]

Trying to get my hands on these sets has been such a pain since their prices have ballooned so much (especially the literal balloon set). Ive had no issues with acquiring any of the other Adventurers subthemes!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That was a doozy!

[@thatspamboi]

I wish Lego would bring this theme back. We sort of have a tribute with the "Jungle Explorer" City sets, but it would be great to have a complete theme with all of the original characters again.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

With Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park Lego out there, it makes these a tough thing to pitch a comeback. Sad, but true.

[@bman3794]

I had all the Johnny thunder sets. I would combine them for endless play. Miss those days. 😢😢😢😢

[@keltondavisLEGO]

A lucky kid indeed!

[@MrHanninho]

Very nice!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you 🙏

[@hawk494edward]

Looking back on Adventurer's theme as a complete package, it feels like Lego's homage to Indiana Jones.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

And eventually Jurassic Park as well.

[@ryanbaircraftmechanicandsm7524]

Love the video. One of my favorite series of the adventure line. What’s the music called in your video I love it

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! The filename for the music is 50004-15.wav. I got it from a free trial of a stock music site YEARS ago, so I'm not sure if it's still available there.

[@ryanbaircraftmechanicandsm7524]

@@keltondavisLEGOsounds good thanks

[@ScarysReviews]

the ancient ruins set can be used to make the bridge scene from Temple of doom

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Very true!

[@florenmage]

I had a few of the cheap ones as a kid.❤❤❤❤

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Even the little ones in this sub theme were on point!

[@florenmage]

@@keltondavisLEGO That's all I could afford as a kid. Lol

[@ent66]

We need a lego Jonny Thunder movie, with Harrison Ford voicing Jonny. :)

[@keltondavisLEGO]

That’d be the day!

[@nicons6713]

A video for the orient expedition will be awesome

[@keltondavisLEGO]

In the works! Might have to break that one up into two videos. One for India/Nepal and the other for China.

[@ryanscheffer2302]

When it comes to the Jungle subtheme of Adventurers, I never had any of the sets. Course I did want River Expedition.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

The best one, IMO!

[@albinpersson9719]

Do rock raiders next plz😢

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Can't promise it will be next, but it's coming!

[@FrederikRobertBorner-ul6wb]

Good Job

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thanks!

[@homesteadforhardtimes9131]

Family friendly and informed hope when your big you remember the OG fans

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you! Who knows how far this channel will go, but I'll never forget the folks who got me this far.

[@aliostrowski1935]

Ancient ruins was fun i still have the baseplate and most of the parts

[@keltondavisLEGO]

It’s worth a pretty penny today! Might be worth trying to piece it together.

[@streamroller1974]

As an Adventurers Guru ( having all the major pieces including 5956 ) the number 1 should be 5986 followed by 5956 due to its unique molds Also TBH Adventurers Jungle and Western Cowboys are THE BEST LEGO THEMES EVER. ( i started collecting cowboys from 1996 )

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Sounds like we have the same taste in retro themes! I knew my final 2 would be controversial, but I had to go with my gut (and what my 9-year old self loves most).

[@streamroller1974]

Oh by the way. Harry Crane died fighting rudo vilano during the sun disk heist in 5956 mini temple. He will live in our hearts

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Did he now? Even more tragic than I thought!

[@zui]

i had the zeppelin as a kid it was so cool

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Jealous!

[@bobbojj]

just picked up a spiders secret. señor palomar just way too cool.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

An underrated villain, for sure!

[@normalplayer7377]

These were good

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Indeed they were.

[@misfitscomics6953]

In sorry man , but Legos unlicensed sets were some of the best to ever be.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Truth has been spoken ☝️

[@andrewepp6763]

I like the new monkeys they have made, but man I miss that classic poseable monkey

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Right with you there!

[@SuperSecretBricks]

Achu's got a printed belly button. Now it can't be unseen, you're welcome

[@keltondavisLEGO]

And of course, I had to find out if it was the first LEGO printed belly button. As far as I can tell, it is!

[@haizeok]

nice

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Thank you!

[@zacksinelcuda]

i still have the zepelin full complet ^^

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Lucky! It still evades me….

[@bran8935]

How I long to own these sets

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Collecting old Lego can be a very expensive endeavor, I’m afraid.

[@bran8935]

@@keltondavisLEGO certainly, which is why i very much appreciate your showcases of the lego sets from many of our youth. do you physically own all of the sets you cover? or does set scarcity force you to use computer generation for some displays? apologies if you have already answered this

[@keltondavisLEGO]

@@bran8935 I wish I was that good at CGI! 😆 Every set you see is real. If I don’t have access to a set, I just use images from the box art and instructions, as you see with the Blimp and the Jungle surprise set in this video. Otherwise, what you’re seeing is from my collection or borrowed from a generous friend’s collection.

[@spideysteve3895]

How are you able to Fund these Videos? does it all come from video revenue?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I wish! For most of the videos I’ve done thus far, I’ve already had the sets in my personal collection. I’m increasingly relying on other people’s collections to make these going forward, since I can’t afford to buy everything 😆

[@nateosborne7361]

I had the blimp. Of course it is in awful condition now.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

Most are pretty beat up, unfortunately. Hard to find a mint one.

[@aliostrowski1935]

I built almost all of these sets i did build almost all the jungle sets

[@keltondavisLEGO]

The theme is a winner all around!

[@aliostrowski1935]

@keltondavisLEGO i liked the OG johnny thunder version better

[@ludmillacijs2769]

👍🤤

[@keltondavisLEGO]

🙏❤️

[@Marco1973est]

#8 should replace #6 or 5

[@keltondavisLEGO]

A-Chu alone does make that a case to be considered!

[@jooshwasmithony]

PAPYRUS??!

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I KNOW WHAT YOU DIIIIIIIIIIIID!!!

[@TheFirstCurse1]

Your thoughts on number 2 destroyed your own argument. The printed raised baseplate is exactly why it's Price Per Piece is lower, and this example (among hundreds) proves how bad and irrelevant Price Per Piece is. It's not a valid metric for rating sets.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

I’m less fixated on price per piece and more on the fact that it feels overpriced. $80 in 1999 is $154 now. That and I just found more enjoyment in the River Expedition. But hey, it’s just my own opinion, and it doesn’t have to matter to anyone but me 😂

[@TheFirstCurse1]

@@keltondavisLEGO The pricing I fully agree with. It does feel small for it and the River Expedition is the better set. I just despise Price Per Piece as a metric for ranking sets.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

@@TheFirstCurse1 I fully agree with you there!

[@TheAtoll]

Does Achu have a belly button? Is this the only instance in Lego were a minifig has a navel?

[@keltondavisLEGO]

He does! I’m not sure if he’s the only one, but I do believe he was the first.

[@sirraf23]

I couldn't agree with you more on number one. I wanted this set so so so soooooooooo bad as a kid and never could get it.

[@keltondavisLEGO]

It's a great one! A little overshadowed by the ruins, but it was always my favorite.