Cole - Sleeveless with Wrap, ZX Hair
njo051 · Ninjago
The Serpentines / Rise of the Snakes · 2012 (First appeared in the 9444 Cole's Tread Assault set)
Figure ID
njo051
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012 (First appeared in the 9444 Cole's Tread Assault set)
Rarity
Uncommon. This specific variant was exclusive to a single set and a spinner pack, making it less common than standard Kimono or ZX versions.
Head
Yellow head with double-sided printing: one side features a calm determine look with black eyebrows and a slight smirk; the other side features a determined, angry expression with gritted teeth. Black spiky ZX-style hair piece included.
Torso
White sleeveless gi (kimono) torso. The printing features a black sash/belt and a small golden Earth symbol on the left chest area. Light flesh-colored arms suggest the 'sleeveless' look, with white hands representing gloves.
Legs
White legs with black hip piece. Printing includes black and grey strap details and knee padding to match the ZX/Kendo era aesthetic.
Accessories
Standard figure in image is missing its original scythe. Most commonly paired with the Scythe of Quakes (gold) or a black katana. It may also come with a silver kendo armor piece (not pictured) depending on the specific set source.
Color Scheme
Primary white and black with light flesh accents for arms. This represents Cole's 'training' or 'unmasked' look from the early seasons of the show.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of the 2012 era. Features detailed muscle lining on the torso and realistic creasing in the gi fabric. Includes printing on both the front and back of the torso.
Variants
Cole has many variants including Kendo (njo032), ZX (njo039), and Kimono (njo073). This sleeveless version represents his appearance during the 'Rise of the Snakes' training sequences.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the neck post (cracking) and the graphics on the chest which can rub off during play. The black hair piece is prone to tooth marks or scratches due to its spiky nature.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; New/Mint: $12.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is stable but lower than the highly-sought-after DX or Rebooted versions.
Price (New)
Retail context: Primarily found in set 9444 Cole's Tread Assault ($39.99) and 9572 Cole FX Spinner ($9.99).
Compatible Sets
9444 Cole's Tread Assault (2012), 9572 Cole FX Spinner (2012).
Character Background
Cole is the Master of Earth and the original leader of the Ninja team. This version depicts him in his transitional training gear between the Pilot episodes and the full ZX evolution.
Design Notes
The use of 'light flesh' arms on a yellow-headed figure was a specific design choice in early Ninjago to indicate skin exposure while keeping the iconic yellow face of the brand.
Similar Minifigures
njo034 (Zane Sleeveless), njo033 (Kai Sleeveless), njo035 (Jay Sleeveless) from the same training wave.
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a 'must-have' for completionists of the early Ninjago years, though general collectors often prefer his armored versions.
History
Part of the second wave of Ninjago figures that introduced the 'ZX' (Zenith Extreme) sub-line, which significantly boosted the theme's popularity worldwide.
Interesting Facts
Despite being the Master of Earth (usually associated with Black/Grey), this training outfit is predominantly White, which sometimes leads new collectors to mistake him for Zane.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside the other three original Ninja in their sleeveless training gi on a stone-themed MOC or training temple baseplate.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; the sleeveless torso is frequently used by MOC builders to create martial arts characters or custom superheroes.
Overall Assessment
A solid, nostalgic figure from the Golden Age of Ninjago. While not the most expensive figure in the theme, its unique torso and classic hair remain staples of early Ninjago design.