Karate Boy
col020 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 2 · 2010 (September)
Figure ID
col020
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
2010 (September)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. Being an early entry in the Collectible Minifigure line, it was only available in single-blind bags for a limited production run.
Head
Yellow skin, classic dot eyes with a wide open-mouth smile featuring white teeth. It includes a unique forehead print of a white headband with a black diamond logo in the center. Black mid-length hair piece with a center part.
Torso
White Karate Gi (traditional uniform) with black trim detailing. It features a printed black belt and a small grey 'four-dot' logo on the left chest. Plain white arms and yellow hands.
Legs
Plain white legs and hips with no printing, continuing the aesthetic of the traditional karate gi.
Accessories
A silver-grey nunchaku (a singular element with two black handles and a metallic grey chain linkage) and a black 3x4 display stand.
Color Scheme
Primary white and yellow with black and metallic grey accents, reflecting a traditional martial arts palette.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head and the front of the torso. No back printing was included, which was typical for early CMF series figures. The headband print is specifically aligned to match the hairpiece hairline.
Variants
There are no official production variants for the Series 2 Karate Boy. However, subsequent 'Karate' themed figures like the Series 20 Tournament Knight or Series 16 Kickboxer serve as spiritual successors.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'arm cracks' on the white torso and loose hips. Because the figure is white, it is highly susceptible to yellowing if exposed to sunlight. Dust easily shows in the hairpiece mold.
Estimated Value
Used: $8 - $12; New (Sealed in bag): $18 - $25; Replacement Nunchaku: $1 - $2.
Price (New)
$1.99 USD (original retail price per blind bag in 2010).
Compatible Sets
Set 8684 - LEGO Minifigures Series 2.
Character Background
The Karate Boy represents a young student of martial arts. He is often paired with the Series 1 Ninja or the Series 11 'Evil Mech' and 'Dojo' style MOCs. He has no specific name in LEGO lore, representing the every-man student archetype.
Design Notes
This figure is notable for its simplicity. It was released during a transition phase where LEGO began experimenting with highly specific character accessories like the singular molded nunchaku, which was a significant upgrade from brick-built versions.
Similar Minifigures
Series 1 Ninja (col004), Series 16 Kickboxer (col255), Series 20 Tournament Fighter (col364), and the Ninjago 'Kimono' Lloyd variants.
Collectibility
High for completionists of the CMF line. While not the most expensive figure in Series 2 (Spartan and Pharoh hold that title), he is a core piece of early LEGO CMF history and remains popular for martial arts dioramas.
History
Released in the second-ever wave of Collectible Minifigures, this figure helped establish the 'hobbyist' category in the CMF line, moving beyond just fantasy or sci-fi characters into real-world sports and activities.
Interesting Facts
The logo on his chest and headband is a 'four-petal' or 'four-dot' diamond, which is a subtle nod to the LEGO brick studs or a simplified version of a traditional Dojo crest (Mon).
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on his included stand in a 'Sensei Wu' Dojo scene or inside a specialized UV-protected 16-figure CMF acrylic case to prevent the white plastic from yellowing.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs; the white gi can be used to create traditional doctors, chefs, or other martial artists. The head is frequently used for custom street-wear characters due to the stylish headband.
Overall Assessment
The Series 2 Karate Boy is a foundational CMF figure. While the lack of back or leg printing makes it look simple by modern standards, its clean design and iconic accessory make it a solid B+ tier collectible for fans of classic LEGO aesthetics.