Samukai
njo011 · Ninjago
Masters of Spinjitzu / Pilot Episodes · 2011 (Released in January wave)
Figure ID
njo011
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2011 (Released in January wave)
Rarity
Rare. Exclusive to two 2011 sets, its rarity is bolstered by a unique, complex four-arm torso mold that has never been reissued in this specific form.
Head
Unique oversized white skull head mold with integrated helmet-style structure, red eyes, black toothy detailing, and a black crack/vein print on the upper head.
Torso
Specially molded white four-arm torso featuring two sets of arm sockets. Features a black breastplate with a red Skulkin emblem and silver mechanical detailing.
Legs
Standard white legs with black boots; silver and black printed waist detailing representing a belt and tattered loincloth/armor elements.
Accessories
Usually equipped with Pearl Gold weapons; the image shows a custom Golden Scythe (Scythe of Quakes variant) and a gold blade/dagger. The neck features a black chest-armor piece with high collar.
Color Scheme
Primary white and black with red accents; Pearl Gold weapons. The color scheme is iconic of the Skulkin Army's leadership.
Printing Details
High quality pad printing on the face, chest, and waist. Exceptional detail on the skull face for its era, including sunken eye sockets and menacing grin.
Variants
There are no official variants of this specific character mold; however, generic Skulkin soldiers share the leg prints, but Samukai’s head and torso are unique.
Condition Notes
Main concerns are the arm joints (clutch power loss over time), stress marks on the four arm sockets, and wearing of the red eye printing. Pearl Gold parts may show swirl marks.
Estimated Value
Used: $40.00 – $60.00; New (Individual): $85.00+; Market value for the set 2507 Garmadon's Dark Fortress is significantly higher.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual); Sets $39.99 (2505) and $69.99 (2507). Today, the figure represents roughly 50-70% of the value of the original Garmadon's Dark Fortress set used.
Compatible Sets
2505 Garmadon's Dark Fortress (2011), 2507 Fire Temple (2011).
Character Background
Samukai was the King of the Underworld and leader of the Skulkin Army. He served Lord Garmadon but eventually betrayed him in a failed attempt to wield all four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu.
Design Notes
A pioneering design for LEGO, Samukai utilized the first 'multi-arm' torso, which later influenced the design of Lord Garmadon, General Kozu, and characters like General Grievous (sw0515).
Similar Minifigures
Lord Garmadon (4-arm versions), Kruncha (njo010), Wyplash (njo013), and General Kozu (njo072).
Collectibility
High. As the primary antagonist of the pilot season and one of the most unique molds in the first decade of Ninjago, he is a 'holy grail' for early Ninjago collectors.
History
Debuted as the cornerstone of the first Ninjago wave. His release marked a significant jump in LEGO's willingness to create elaborate, character-specific body molds for non-licensed themes.
Interesting Facts
The character died in the lore because his body could not handle the power of all four Golden Weapons, which is mirrored in his design having four arms to hold one of each weapon.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu on a raised platform, or centered in front of a white/black backdrop to make the red eyes pop.
Modification Potential
The arm sockets are standard, allowing for different weapon combinations. His unique torso is often harvested by MOC builders to create custom monsters or deities.
Overall Assessment
Samukai is an essential piece of LEGO history. He represents the mechanical innovation of the early 2010s and remains one of the most visually striking villains ever produced in the Ninjago line.