Cole - ZX (with Armor, World of Ninjago Guide)
njo056 · Ninjago
Masters of Spinjitzu - Rise of the Snakes · 2012; included with the 'World of Ninjago Official Guide' by Scholastic.
Figure ID
njo056
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012; included with the 'World of Ninjago Official Guide' by Scholastic.
Rarity
Uncommon; while widely available through book retailers at the time, it is retired and specific to the second wave of Ninjago design.
Head
Yellow minifigure head with standard black eyes, black eyebrows, and a 'cocky' smirk; features a black ZX cowl/ninja wrap with gold printing on the forehead.
Torso
Black torso with traditional ninja robes design front and back, dark bluish gray and gold accents; includes a silver/gray shoulder armor piece (neck bracket) with two sword holders on the back.
Legs
Black legs with dark bluish gray and gold knee plate printing and fabric fold lines.
Accessories
Two gold katanas and a silver shoulder armor piece (scabbard) used to hold the swords.
Color Scheme
Dominantly black (signifying the Earth element) with accents of dark bluish gray, gold, and silver.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso (front/back) and legs (front); the ZX cowl features a specific gold ninja character/symbol for the Earth element.
Variants
Standard njo056 (with armor) vs njo039 (Cole ZX without armor). Later Legacy versions (2019+) feature high-definition reprints of this classic look.
Condition Notes
The silver armor piece is prone to 'stress marks' at the clip points. The book-embedded version is often found with flattened capes if one were included (though Cole lacks one). Check for torso cracks under the arms.
Estimated Value
New (In book): $25-$35; Used Complete: $10-$15. Price varies based on the condition of the book and the tightness of the figure joints.
Price (New)
Original book retail price: approximately $12.99 to $14.99 USD.
Compatible Sets
Included in 'World of Ninjago Official Guide' (2012). Similar versions appeared in 9444 Cole's Tread Assault and 9449 Ultra Sonic Raider.
Character Background
Cole is the Elemental Master of Earth and the original leader of the ninja team. This ZX (Zenith Xtreme) version represents his upgraded suit during the battle against the Serpentine.
Design Notes
The ZX suits were the first major redesign of the Ninjago team, introducing the bulky shoulder armor and dual-scabbard system that became a series staple.
Similar Minifigures
Kai ZX (njo032), Jay ZX (njo034), Zane ZX (njo031), and Lloyd ZX (njo065).
Collectibility
High for Ninjago completionists. The 2011-2012 era figures are considered the 'Golden Age' of the theme and hold value well due to nostalgia.
History
Followed the 2011 'Pilot' suits; the ZX line marked Ninjago's transition from a limited one-set wave to a multi-year powerhouse theme.
Interesting Facts
The symbol on the forehead of the cowl is the Ninjargon character for 'Earth'. The minifigure shown in the book window is actually the standard retail version placed in a promotional slot.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the other 4 original ninja in their ZX suits on a tiered stand. Keep the book as part of the backdrop for provenance.
Modification Potential
Excellent for MOCs requiring armored black-clad warriors; the silver shoulder armor is highly compatible with Castle or Galaxy Squad themes.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential Ninjago figure. While not the most expensive, it is a staple of early 2010s LEGO design and a must-have for fans of the Rise of the Snakes storyline.