Char - Aspheera's General
njo533 · Ninjago
Ninjago: Season 11 (Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitzu) · 2019. This figure debuted as part of the Summer wave that coincided with the Season 11 anime release, marking a shift to a 11-minute episode format.
Figure ID
njo533
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2019. This figure debuted as part of the Summer wave that coincided with the Season 11 anime release, marking a shift to a 11-minute episode format.
Rarity
Uncommon. While widely available in mid-priced sets, it was part of a specific wave that has since been retired. It is more uncommon than generic 'Pyro' warriors but less rare than Aspheera herself.
Head
Unique molded Serpentine head (Cobra style) in reddish brown with trans-orange details appearing 'molten'. It depicts a snakelike face with a hood, mimicking a cobra.
Torso
Tan torso with mummy-style bandage printing and flame/'lava' effects showing through the gaps. Features reddish-brown hands and tan arms. Back printing includes continuation of the bandages and flame.
Legs
Tan legs with hip printing. Design features continuation of the mummy bandages and 'lava' orange-yellow flame details on both the hips and front of the legs.
Accessories
Usually equipped with a Serpentine staff or fire dagger (missing in image). The figure also typically wears a translucent orange and reddish-brown shoulder armor piece with snake fangs, which is currently missing from the figure in the photo.
Color Scheme
A mix of Tan (sand yellow), Reddish Brown, and Trans-Orange. The palette is designed to look like an ancient desert mummy infused with volcanic fire.
Printing Details
High detail pad printing with excellent alignment. The 'flame' effect under the bandages is vibrant, and the bandage lines are crisp and fine-lined to suggest texture.
Variants
This is the 'Char' variant (njo533). There are several similar 'Pyro Whipper' or 'Pyro Slayer' variants, but Char is distinguished by his specific head mold and lack of lower tail piece compared to some higher-ranking fire snakes.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the back of the legs from sitting and torso cracks. Head pieces can lose 'clutch' with age. The trans-orange plastic can occasionally show stress marks if handled roughly.
Estimated Value
$4.00 - $7.00 USD (Used/Complete). In the current state (missing armor and accessories), the value is likely $2.00 - $3.00 USD.
Price (New)
N/A (Cofigures were not sold individually). Appeared in sets ranging from $20 to $100 original retail prices.
Compatible Sets
70675 Katana 4x4, 70677 Land Bounty.
Character Background
Char is the right-hand general to Aspheera, leader of the Pyro Vipers. An ancient Serpentine who was imprisoned in a tomb for centuries before being resurrected by the scroll of Forbidden Spinjitzu.
Design Notes
First introduction of the 'mummy snake' aesthetic. The dual-molded effects on the head piece were a major step up in Ninjago villain design at the time.
Similar Minifigures
Aspheera (njo541), Pyro Whipper (njo532), Pyro Slayer (njo517), and older Serpentine figures like Pythor.
Collectibility
Moderate. Popular among completionist Ninjago collectors. While not a high-ticket investment piece, it remains a staple of the 'Sons of Garmadon/Forbidden Spinjitzu' era displays.
History
Follows the lineage of the 2012 Serpentine tribes, but reimagined with supernatural fire elements. It represents the 'Fire' chapter of the 2019 product line.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Char' is a pun on carbon/charcoal, fitting the burnt, fire-based nature of the character. This sub-theme introduced the largest number of new molded snake heads in a single year.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the 'Land Bounty' set on a desert/sand-colored baseplate. Pairs well with orange LED lighting to highlight the translucent parts of the head.
Modification Potential
The bandage-printed tan legs are highly sought after by 'MOC' builders for creating custom mummies in Castle or Indiana Jones themes.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-designed antagonist figure with a unique headpiece. The specimen in the photo is missing its signature 'Fire Snake' armor piece and weapons, reducing its collector value, but the torso and head appear in good condition.