Samukai
njo011 · Ninjago
Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu - Pilot Season / Skeleton Army · 2011 (Released in the debut wave of Ninjago)
Figure ID
njo011
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2011 (Released in the debut wave of Ninjago)
Rarity
Rare. Exclusive to only two sets from the original launch year and has never been remade in its original form.
Head
Large unique over-molded skull with red eyes, black stitched detailing on top, and an oversized moving lower jaw. The head piece fits over a standard neck post but is significantly larger than typical minifigure heads.
Torso
Wide white skeletal torso with four arms (two standard, two additional sockets on the shoulders). It features black and red armor printing on the front with a skull emblem. The four-arm design was revolutionary for 2011.
Legs
Standard skeletal legs in white with a red and black printed sash (loincloth) and black feet/boots, representing his rank as the King of the Underworld.
Accessories
Includes the Scythe of Quakes (Golden Weapon of Spinjitzu) and a golden chain with a hilt. In sets, he typically carried three or four golden weapons simultaneously.
Color Scheme
Dominantly white (bone) with black armor accents, red detailing/eyes, and pearl gold weapons.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the oversized head and torso. The red skull emblem on the chest is crisp. Alignment is generally excellent, typical of 2011 production standards.
Variants
None of the original njo011 figure. A smaller, non-four-armed version was released as a 'Legacy' version (njo496) in 2019, but it is a completely different design.
Condition Notes
The moving jaw is a primary wear point; it can become loose over time. The shoulder sockets for the extra arms are prone to hairline cracks if arms are removed and reinserted frequently.
Estimated Value
$45 - $75 USD for a used complete figure; $100+ USD for new/pristine condition. The Scythe of Quakes alone adds significant value.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $40 (2505) to $120 (2507). He was never sold as a standalone polybag or CMF.
Compatible Sets
2505 Garmadon's Dark Fortress (2011) and 2507 Fire Temple (2011).
Character Background
Samukai was the King of the Skulkin and the initial antagonist of the Ninjago Pilot episodes. He served Lord Garmadon and was eventually destroyed by the power of the four Golden Weapons.
Design Notes
Samukai used a unique 'body extender' mold to facilitate the four-arm gimmick. This was the first time LEGO attempted a character with multiple vertical arms of this scale.
Similar Minifigures
Lord Garmadon (four-armed versions), General Kozu, Kruncha, Wyplash, and the Legacy Samukai (2019).
Collectibility
Extremely high. He is a 'Grail' figure for original Ninjago collectors due to his unique mold and status as the first major villain.
History
Launched in January 2011, Samukai marked LEGO's shift toward highly specialized, character-specific molds for their homegrown action themes.
Interesting Facts
The jaw can actually 'hold' certain small elements. In the show, Samukai betrayed Garmadon, a plot point reflected in his ability to hold all four golden weapons in the sets.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the four original Ninja in their DX suits or with the 2507 Fire Temple. A transparent stand helps support the top-heavy nature of the four-arm mold.
Modification Potential
The four-arm torso is highly sought after for MOCs (My Own Creations) involving monsters or fantasy creatures like Goro-style fighters.
Overall Assessment
A masterpiece of 2011 LEGO engineering. Its unique silhouette and historical importance to the Ninjago theme make it a must-have for serious collectors.