Kai - The Golden Weapons (Legacy)
njo491 · Ninjago
Ninjago Legacy · 2019 - Released as part of the first wave of Ninjago Legacy, which revisited and updated iconic characters from the early seasons of the TV show with modern printing techniques.
Figure ID
njo491
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2019 - Released as part of the first wave of Ninjago Legacy, which revisited and updated iconic characters from the early seasons of the TV show with modern printing techniques.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon - It was mass-produced across several sets and polybags in 2019-2020, making it very accessible to collectors.
Head
Yellow head with determined/angry expression, thick black eyebrows, and red 'scars'. Topped with the Red Ninja Wrap (Legacy version) with a smooth top and wrap texture.
Torso
Red torso with dark red wrap/rope printing and a gold fire lion emblem on the chest. The printing is updated from the 2011 version with higher fidelity and more creases in the fabric design.
Legs
Solid red legs with printed dark red belt and sash detail hanging from the waist; no side leg printing.
Accessories
Typically comes with two silver katanas or a golden sword; the figure in the image is shown without hand-held accessories but retains the wrap headgear.
Color Scheme
Primary Red with Dark Red accents for the ninja gi folds; Yellow for the skin/eyes and Flat Silver or Pearl Gold for the emblem and accessories.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the front and back of the torso. The Legacy series improved the line weight and color depth compared to the original 2011 release (njo007).
Variants
The original 2011 version (njo007) has simpler printing and a different emblem; the 2021 Gold Anniversary version (njo635) is entirely pearl gold.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'neck cracks' (stress marks on the torso) and loose arm joints. The red plastic is durable but the gold chest print can rub off with heavy play.
Estimated Value
Used: $2.00 - $4.00 USD; New/Mint: $5.00 - $7.00 USD. Prices are stable due to high supply.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $9.99 (Spinners) to $159.99 (Legacy sets); also appeared in a $4.99 polybag (30535).
Compatible Sets
70667 Kai's Blade Cycle & Zane's Snowmobile, 70670 Monastery of Spinjitzu, 30535 Fire Flight (Polybag).
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and a core member of the Ninja team. He was the main protagonist of the original pilot season, tasked with rescuing his sister Nya from Lord Garmadon.
Design Notes
The Legacy design takes the aesthetic of the 2011 'Pilot' suits but updates them to match the modern 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie' art style for the character faces.
Similar Minifigures
njo007 Kai (Pilot), njo310 Kai (The LEGO Ninjago Movie), njo495 Jay (Legacy).
Collectibility
High for completionists wanting the Legacy lineup, though low investment potential as it was widely available in many low-cost sets.
History
Represents the first major 'reboot' of the character designs in 2019, bridging the gap between old-school Ninjago fans and newer fans of the movie/later seasons.
Interesting Facts
The fire lion symbol on the chest is a refined version of the logo used on the very first 2011 merchandise and spinners.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the other four original ninja in their Legacy suits, or placed on a 2019-style Spinner base.
Modification Potential
Excellent for MOCs (My Own Creations) requiring red ninja/soldier parts; the red wrap is a versatile piece for custom fantasy characters.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-detailed representation of Ninjago's most popular character. It is an essential 'staple' figure for any Ninjago collection, though not a high-value rarity.