Garmadon (Lord) - 4 Arms, Armor, Blue Belt
njo042 · Ninjago
Spinjitzu Masters / Rise of the Snakes · 2012 (First debut in 9444 Cole's Tread Assault)
Figure ID
njo042
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012 (First debut in 9444 Cole's Tread Assault)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While available in multiple sets, this specific version with the four-arm torso piece was exclusive to the 2012-2013 waves during the height of the theme's initial popularity.
Head
Black head with red eyes, white fangs, and a sinister grin. Features exclusive printing of a wrinkled, aged face with blueish-white highlights. The head is topped with a black Samurai helmet (Kabuto) with a crescent moon-style crest.
Torso
Unique double-torso assembly. The lower torso is a standard black piece with a blue belt print; the upper torso is a specialized black 4-arm skeletal/armored piece with silver samurai plate printing and blue dragon/accent details on the chest.
Legs
Standard solid black legs without printing, providing a stable base for the top-heavy four-armed torso piece.
Accessories
The base figure includes the black Samurai helmet and the specialized 4-arm torso extension. Usually paired with four katanas or a Staff of Quakes in set contexts (not pictured in the image).
Color Scheme
Dominantly Pitch Black with Dark Blue accents (belt and crest details) and Silver/White printing for the armor plating and facial features.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the face and the specialized torso piece. The silver 'lamellar' armor plating on the chest is finely detailed, and the blue belt is sharply aligned at the waistline.
Variants
Variants include 'Sensei Garmadon' (human form), 'Lord Garmadon with Cape' (2 arms), and later 'Resurrected' versions (Sons of Garmadon). This njo042 version is distinct for its specific blue belt and lack of leg printing.
Condition Notes
The primary concern is the 'clutch power' of the 4-arm torso connection. The clips and arm sockets can loosen over time. The silver printing on the chest is also prone to scratching if played with heavily.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $12.00 - $18.00 USD. New/Mint: $25.00+ USD. The price fluctuates based on the inclusion of the specific helmet and weaponry.
Price (New)
Retail sets ranged from $30.00 (9444) to $70.00 (9450). As a central antagonist, he was a primary driver for set sales during 2012.
Compatible Sets
9444 Cole's Tread Assault, 9450 Epic Dragon Battle, and 70505 Temple of Light.
Character Background
Lord Garmadon is the brother of Wu and the father of Lloyd. Corrupted by the Great Devourer's venom, he became the Dark Lord. This version represents his form after he regained four arms to wield the four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu simultaneously.
Design Notes
A landmark design in LEGO history, utilizing the first-ever custom 'stacked' torso piece to allow for a four-armed minifigure without losing the stackable height of a standard figure.
Similar Minifigures
General Kozu (njo075), Samukai (njo009), and later versions of Garmadon (e.g., njo395).
Collectibility
High. Garmadon is the most iconic villain in Ninjago history. This 'four-armed' look is his most recognizable form, making it a staple for any Ninjago collector.
History
Launched in the second wave of Ninjago, this design solved the engineering problem of how to give a minifigure extra limbs while remaining 'LEGO-compatible' in height and scale.
Interesting Facts
The 4-arm torso piece was so successful it was later adapted for other characters like General Kozu and even used for characters in the Star Wars theme like Rio Durant and Admiral Ackbar variants.
Display Suggestions
Display on a clear elevated stand to showcase the four arms. Looks best when flanked by 'Stone Army' soldiers or facing off against the 2012 Green Ninja (Lloyd).
Modification Potential
The 4-arm torso is highly sought after by MOC builders for creating custom aliens, monsters, or mythological figures like Shiva or Goro.
Overall Assessment
An essential piece of Ninjago history. The printing is crisp and the silhouette is menacing. It remains a high-quality figure that holds its value well due to the character's legacy.