Cole - ZX (Earth Dragon Armor)
njo040 · Ninjago
Rise of the Snakes · 2012
Figure ID
njo040
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012
Rarity
Common
Head
Yellow head with thick black eyebrows and a confident/smirking expression, dual-sided with an alternate angry/gritted teeth face, standard male minifigure style.
Torso
Dark orange and metallic gold armor printing over black, with chainmail texture and a brown strap, black arms, and dark orange or black hands.
Legs
Black legs with intricate gold and dark orange armor wrap printing, continuing the ZX motif from the hips down.
Accessories
Metallic gold ZX ninja hood, silver katana, and a neck bracket with a sheath holding a second silver katana.
Color Scheme
Black, dark orange, and metallic gold, representing the Earth element.
Printing Details
High-detail pad printing featuring metallic gold accents, chainmail textures, and elaborate armor paneling characteristic of the 2012 ZX wave.
Variants
Standard ZX variant with armor hood and neck sheath; also released in spinner booster packs and standard sets.
Condition Notes
Common wear includes scratching on the metallic gold torso printing, chipping on the back sword sheath, and minor scuffs on the ninja hood.
Estimated Value
Used complete estimated at $3 to $6 USD; new condition slightly higher depending on whether sealed in original packaging.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets priced between $20 and $50 USD in 2012.
Compatible Sets
9448 Samurai Mech, 9558 Training Set, 9572 Cole ZX
Character Background
Cole is the Master of Earth and one of the founding ninja team members trained by Sensei Wu in the fictional realm of Ninjago.
Design Notes
The ZX wave introduced specialized armor printing and the neck bracket accessory allowing dual katana storage behind the head.
Similar Minifigures
Cole - NRG (njo043), Cole - Deepstone (njo154), Kai - ZX (njo036)
Collectibility
Moderate collectibility; highly nostalgic for early Ninjago fans who collected the elemental ZX suits from the 2012 wave.
History
Released during the second major wave of Ninjago in 2012, cementing the theme's long-term commercial success.
Interesting Facts
The ZX suits are among the most iconic early designs in Ninjago history, representing the ninja achieving their true potential.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a black LEGO baseplate alongside the other elemental ninja ZX variants (Kai, Jay, Zane) in dynamic martial arts poses.
Modification Potential
Great for custom medieval or fantasy warriors due to the versatile chainmail and plate armor torso printing.
Overall Assessment
An excellent and nostalgic classic Ninjago minifigure representing the beloved ZX armor era, featuring great metallic printing and iconic accessories.