Cole - ZX (with Armor)
njo048 · Ninjago
Rise of the Snakes · 2012 (First appeared in the Ninjago Booster Pack 9551 and set 9444)
Figure ID
njo048
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012 (First appeared in the Ninjago Booster Pack 9551 and set 9444)
Rarity
Uncommon. This version was widely produced during the 2012 wave of Ninjago, but remains a fan-favorite 'classic' design that is increasingly sought after in good condition.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone with thick black eyebrows and a serious expression. It features a Slate Gray ZX ninja wrap with a silver 'Earth' symbol on the forehead.
Torso
Dark Slate Gray arms with black hands. Torso printing includes a gray gi design with the Earth symbol (the stylized lion/earth beast) in a gold circle, straps, and throwing stars (shuriken) tucked into the belt.
Legs
Light Slate Gray legs with black and dark gray armor plating prints. The hip piece color is black, matching the belt printing on the torso.
Accessories
Weapon rack armor (shoulder pads) in pearl dark gray with clips to hold two silver katanas on the back. This specific photo also shows a pair of silver blades attached to the armor or held behind.
Color Scheme
A monochromatic palette of Dark Slate Gray, Light Blue-Gray, and Black, highlighted by a single pop of gold/yellow in the chest emblem.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of the 2012 era. Includes front and back torso printing. The emblem is crisp with strong color opacity even on the dark background.
Variants
Cole ZX also appeared without the shoulder armor in some smaller sets/polybags. A version with a different face print (Kendo Cole) exists from the same era.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the silver printing on the forehead of the mask rubbing off and silver katanas becoming bent. The shoulder armor clips can show stress marks if weapons are inserted/removed frequently.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $9; New (pulled from set): $12 - $18. Value remains stable due to high nostalgia for the 'Rise of the Snakes' era of Ninjago.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from the $4.99 Booster Pack to the $34.99 Cole's Tread Assault.
Compatible Sets
9444 Cole's Tread Assault, 9551 Cole ZX Booster Pack, 30087 Cole's Car (Polybag variant), 9450 Epic Dragon Battle.
Character Background
Cole is the Master of Earth and the original leader of the Ninja team. This 'ZX' evolution represents his upgraded gear used during the battle against the Serpentine tribes.
Design Notes
The ZX wave introduced the double-katana shoulder armor, which became a staple for the theme. It was an evolution from the simpler 2011 'Pilot' designs, adding more mechanical and armored details.
Similar Minifigures
Kai ZX (njo032), Jay ZX (njo034), Zane ZX (njo031), and Lloyd ZX (njo065).
Collectibility
High for Ninjago completionists. The 2011-2012 era of Ninjago is considered the 'Golden Age' for many collectors who grew up with the show.
History
Followed the 2011 'DX' (Dragon Xtreme) suits. The ZX suits were the primary attire for the ninja throughout the most popular season of the animated series.
Interesting Facts
Despite being the Ninja of Earth, Cole's primary color transitioned from pure Black in 2011 to various shades of Dark Gray in the ZX line to allow for better printing visibility.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the other four ZX Ninja on a custom stone-themed baseplate. Best viewed from a 45-degree angle to show the katanas crossed on the back.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Apocalypse' or 'Post-Apocalyptic' MOCs due to the heavy armored look and neutral gray tones. The shoulder armor is highly compatible with other themes.
Overall Assessment
An iconic Ninjago figure from the theme's peak popularity. It is a robust, well-printed figure that represents the aesthetic core of the franchise.