Lord Garmadon (4 Arms, Armor, Katana Holder)
njo013 · Ninjago
Masters of Spinjitzu / Rise of the Snakes · 2012 - Debuted during the first full wave of the Ninjago theme following the pilot season.
Figure ID
njo013
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012 - Debuted during the first full wave of the Ninjago theme following the pilot season.
Rarity
Uncommon. While he appeared in multiple sets, this specific version with the dual-torso 4-arm construction was a milestone piece for the theme.
Head
Standard Garmadon face: black head with red eyes, sharp white teeth in a sinister grin, and white eyebrows. He wears the signature black Samurai-style helmet (Kabuto) with a specialized connector for his armor pieces.
Torso
Highly unique 4-arm configuration. It consists of a standard torso base with a specialized over-torso piece that fits over the neck peg to provide two additional arm sockets. Both torso pieces are black with silver chest plate printing representing segment armor.
Legs
Black legs with dark blue and silver printing on the hips and front of the legs, depicting a traditional Japanese-inspired sash/belt and lower armor plating.
Accessories
This figure originally came with a removable black armor piece on the chest and a back-mounted katana holder (though not always pictured, it was standard in sets). He was typically equipped with 4 katanas or a Staff of Shadows.
Color Scheme
Dominantly black with accents of silver, dark blue, and red (eyes). This monochromatic 'villain' palette is iconic to the character's corrupted form.
Printing Details
High quality for the era (2012). Silver metallic ink is used for the armor plates which has good reflectivity. Alignment is generally precise, even across the multi-piece torso structure.
Variants
There are many variants, including Sensei Garmadon (human form), Garmadon with a cape, Rebooted Garmadon, and the LEGO Ninjago Movie version. This specific njo013 is the classic villain build from the early TV series.
Condition Notes
The primary concern is 'clutch power' on the 4-arm torso piece; it can become loose over time. Silver printing on the chest is prone to scratching. Check for stress marks in the arm sockets and the helmet clip.
Estimated Value
Used: $12.00 - $18.00 USD | New: $25.00+ USD. Value is stable but heavily dependent on the condition of the chest printing and the tightness of the extra arm joints.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from the $19.99 (9446) to the $119.99 (9450). This was not a blind-bag figure and required a set purchase.
Compatible Sets
70505 Temple of Light, 9446 Destiny's Bounty, 9450 Epic Dragon Battle, and 2505 Garmadon's Dark Fortress.
Character Background
The main antagonist of the early Ninjago series, Garmadon is the brother of Wu and father of Lloyd. He was corrupted by the Great Devourer's venom, leading him to seek the four golden weapons to recreate Ninjago in his image.
Design Notes
A landmark design for LEGO because of the torso extension piece. This was one of the first times LEGO fundamentally changed the 'humanoid' silhouette of a minifigure to accommodate character-specific anatomy (4 arms).
Similar Minifigures
General Kozu, Samukai, and Nadakhan also utilize multi-arm or specialized skeletal body molds within the Ninjago theme.
Collectibility
High. As the primary antagonist of the original Ninjago line, he is a cornerstone for any fan of the 'Masters of Spinjitzu' era. Demand remains high due to nostalgia for the early show seasons.
History
Initially introduced in 2011 with two arms, the 2012 evolution to four arms reflected the character's power growth in the 'Rise of the Snakes' storyline, effectively defining his look for the next several years.
Interesting Facts
The '4-arm' torso piece is actually two separate plastic moldings that snap together. In some production runs, the shade of black between the two chest pieces varies slightly due to different plastic cooling rates.
Display Suggestions
Display him on a raised platform surrounded by his Serpentine or Stone Army minions. Use a back-lit case to make the silver armor printing pop.
Modification Potential
The double-torso piece is a favorite for MOC (My Own Creation) builders making custom fantasy creatures, monsters, or sci-fi aliens with multiple limbs.
Overall Assessment
An iconic LEGO villain. The 4-arm design is a masterclass in LEGO's ability to innovate within the constraints of the minifigure form. A 'Must-Buy' for Ninjago collectors.