Kai - ZX
njo035 · Ninjago
Rise of the Snakes · 2012
Figure ID
njo035
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012
Rarity
Common
Head
Dual-sided yellow head with a smiling expression on one side and a determined, stern expression on the other. Features messy dark brown hair piece and a separate red ninja mask/wrap cloth piece covering the lower face.
Torso
Red torso with intricate golden and black traditional kimono-style printing, featuring the elemental symbol for fire on the chest and wrapped straps. Yellow arms and black hands.
Legs
Red legs with black and golden strap printing continuing the ninja uniform design, connected to a red hip piece.
Accessories
Flat silver katana sword with a detailed hilt.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are bright red and yellow, with accent colors in black, gold, and flat silver for the weapon.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and back, and on the front of the legs. Sharp metallic gold and black lines detailing the ninja gi.
Variants
Standard ZX variant with cloth face wrap. Other versions of Kai exist without the mask or with different armor pieces.
Condition Notes
Prone to wear on the metallic gold torso printing over time, especially around the chest area. Check for cracks on the yellow arms and torso side walls.
Estimated Value
3.00 to 5.00 USD for used complete condition, up to 8.00 USD new/sealed.
Price (New)
Came in sets ranging from 15.00 to 100.00 USD original retail price in 2012.
Compatible Sets
9441 Kai's Blade Cycle, 9449 Ultra Sonic Raider, 9456 Spinner Battle Arena
Character Background
Kai is the Master of Fire and one of the founding members of the Ninja team trained by Master Wu. In the Rise of the Snakes wave, the ninja achieve their true potential and don the ZX training uniforms.
Design Notes
The ZX wave introduced more detailed kimono-style wraps and shoulder armor compatibility, shifting away from the simpler 2011 pilot suits.
Similar Minifigures
Cole ZX, Jay ZX, Zane ZX, Lloyd ZX
Collectibility
Moderate collectibility among Ninjago completionists and fans of early Ninjago waves, though widely produced.
History
Released during the second major wave of Ninjago in 2012, cementing the theme's long-term commercial success for LEGO.
Interesting Facts
The writing on the ZX gis uses the fictional Ninjago written language, which translates to various thematic words like Fire, Ninja, or Spinjitzu.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside other original ninja in their ZX suits on a black LEGO baseplate with their respective elemental weapons.
Modification Potential
Highly compatible with custom Ninjago MOCs, shoulder armor pieces, and weapon swaps from later seasons.
Overall Assessment
A classic and iconic early-era Ninjago minifigure with great nostalgia value, highly representative of the theme's golden age.