Chen
njo116 · Ninjago
Masters of Spinjitzu - Tournament of Elements · 2015 - Debuted during the 4th season of Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu, appearing primarily in the high-piece-count set Enter the Serpent.
Figure ID
njo116
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2015 - Debuted during the 4th season of Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu, appearing primarily in the high-piece-count set Enter the Serpent.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While not a limited-edition promomotional, he was restricted to just two sets during a single wave, making him the most desirable villain of the Season 4 lineup.
Head
Yellow minifigure head with a dual-sided print. One side features a menacing grin with red pupils and a stylized goatee; the reverse side shows an angry, shouting expression. He wears a unique tan bone-skull headpiece over a purple cape-like cowl.
Torso
Dark Red torso with intricate printing of a kimono-style robe. Features a lavender sash, dark purple trimmings, and a silver medallion. The printing continues to the back, showcasing the robe's closure and fabric folds. Arms are dark red with black hands.
Legs
Black legs with dark red and silver printing that continues the robe design down to the shins, including metallic silver accents representing armor or decorative trim.
Accessories
Includes the large, molded Anacondrai-style skull headgear with purple side-flaps. In official sets, he often carries a silver snake-headed staff (Staff of Elements).
Color Scheme
A regal but sinister palette of Dark Red, Dark Purple, Lavender, and Black, accented with Tan for the bone elements and Metallic Silver for armor highlights.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with excellent alignment. The silver metallic ink used on the torso and legs is particularly vibrant. This figure features torso (front/back), leg (front), and dual-head printing.
Variants
There are no major physical variants of this specific ID; however, the character's headpiece is occasionally found without the cape-extension in custom kit-bashes, which is incorrect for njo116.
Condition Notes
The primary concern is the bone headpiece (part 18231), which has soft plastic 'teeth' that can get bent. The silver printing on the toes is also prone to chipping with heavy play.
Estimated Value
Used: $12.00 - $18.00 USD; New/Mint: $22.00 - $30.00 USD. Prices fluctuate based on the secondary market demand for Season 4 Ninjago nostalgia.
Price (New)
Originally available in 70749 Enter the Serpent ($59.99) and 70746 Condrai Copter Attack ($29.99).
Compatible Sets
70749 Enter the Serpent; 70746 Condrai Copter Attack.
Character Background
Master Chen is the main antagonist of the Tournament of Elements. He is the leader of the Anacondrai Cult and owner of 'Master Chen's Chair' noodle empire. He is a treacherous manipulator who stole the powers of the Elemental Masters.
Design Notes
Chen's headpiece is a standout piece of engineering, combining a hard-plastic tan skull with a more flexible purple cape element. The printing accurately captures his 'fake' Anacondrai aesthetic.
Similar Minifigures
Skylor (njo117), Eyezor (njo118), and Garmadon (Tournament version - njo115).
Collectibility
High. As the primary villain of a beloved Ninjago season, he is a 'must-have' for completionists tracking the show's main antagonists.
History
His release marked a shift in Ninjago towards more human-looking antagonists following seasons dominated by snakes and stone warriors. This design remained the definitive Chen until his appearance as a ghost in later seasons.
Interesting Facts
The 'Master Chen’s Noodle House' logo seen on his restaurant sets is actually a stylized version of his own face and headpiece.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside his 'daughter' Skylor or inside the 70749 temple set. Use a rotating base to showcase his dual-sided head-print and back-torso detailing.
Modification Potential
The headpiece is highly valued for custom 'Dungeons & Dragons' or 'Warhammer' style fantasy MOCs seeking cultist or shaman aesthetics.
Overall Assessment
9/10. An excellent minifigure with a unique mold, striking color palette, and high character accuracy. It remains one of the more iconic villain designs in the Ninjago 10-year history.