Shadow Knight (4-Plus Ninja)
4p007 · 4-Plus
Ninja · 2003
Figure ID
4p007
Theme
4-Plus
Year Released
2003
Rarity
Uncommon. This figure is specific to a short-lived, transitional theme called 4-Plus which used a stylized, larger minifigure mold to bridge the gap between Duplo and System.
Head
The head is an oversized, non-standard mold integrated with a ninja hood. It features a simplified face print with wide, wide-set eyes and a black mask covering the nose and mouth. The piece is larger than a standard minifigure head.
Torso
Oversized 4-plus torso mold with non-removable arms. Printing features a grey spiderweb-like lattice pattern, a yellow circular emblem with a black skull, and red sash/waistband detail. The hands are integrated yellow 4-plus style hands.
Legs
Oversized, rounded 4-plus legs in solid black with no printing. These legs are fixed and do not have standard studs on the bottom, though they can stand on LEGO bricks. The hips are part of the larger molded lower-body assembly.
Accessories
In its original set, this figure was included with a grey katana and a black shield featuring the yellow skull emblem, though neither are present in the provided image.
Color Scheme
Primary black with yellow accents (hands and emblem) and red highlights (waistband). High-contrast design typical of early 2000s action-oriented LEGO lines.
Printing Details
Pad-printed designs on the head and torso. The printing is relatively simple with thick lines, intended for younger children. Detail levels are lower than contemporary 2003 System minifigures but unique to this mold.
Variants
None of the specific Shadow Knight (4p007), though the 4-Plus Ninja line included various colored ninjas (Red, Blue, White) using the same mold family.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the neck joint (which can loosen) and paint rub on the nose of the mask. The large limb joints can also lose clutch power over time. The yellow hands are prone to discoloration.
Estimated Value
The figure is currently valued between $5.00 and $10.00 USD in used condition. There is very little demand for 'new/sealed' individually, as collectors typically buy the full 4-Plus sets for preservation.
Price (New)
The figure was included in set 7072 (Shadow Knight Boat) which originally retailed for approximately $8.00 USD in 2003.
Compatible Sets
7072 Shadow Knight Boat; 7075 Captain Redbeard's Pirate Ship (as a crew member/cameo).
Character Background
The Shadow Knight was a generic antagonist in the 4-Plus Ninja storyline, serving as a rival to the heroic ninjas. The character has no deeper lore in LEGO media like Ninjago.
Design Notes
The 4-Plus/Jack Stone style figures were a controversial design choice where the figure was taller, more 'action-figure' like, and had fewer points of articulation (no wrist or waist swivels).
Similar Minifigures
Jack Stone, LEGO Junior figures from the late 90s, and the other 4-Plus Ninjas (4p001 through 4p006).
Collectibility
Low to niche. This figure is primarily sought after by 'completionist' collectors or those with nostalgia for the early 2000s experimentations of the LEGO Group. It is not a high-growth investment piece.
History
Released during LEGO's 'Jack Stone era' (2001-2004) where they attempted to simplify builds and figures to compete with traditional action figures. The line was eventually discontinued in favor of returning to standard minifigures.
Interesting Facts
The 4-Plus figures are roughly 5.5cm tall, making them significantly taller than the standard 4cm minifigure. Despite their size, they are fully compatible with LEGO studs on their feet.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with other 4-Plus or Jack Stone figures to show the scale difference. Due to their odd shape, they often require a standard plate to stand securely in a display case.
Modification Potential
Very low. The parts are not compatible with standard minifigure components (heads, torsos, and legs cannot be swapped with System minifigures).
Overall Assessment
The Shadow Knight is a curious relic of LEGO's attempt to reinvent the minifigure for younger kids. While technically an 'official' LEGO figure, it is generally considered an outlier by the broader community due to its incompatible scale and simplified design.