Ronin
njo727 · Ninjago
Legacy / Core · 2022. It debuted in set 71767 Ninja Dojo Temple. This design is part of the 'Core' wave, which simplified the Ninjago aesthetic for younger audiences while paying homage to classic character designs.
Figure ID
njo727
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2022. It debuted in set 71767 Ninja Dojo Temple. This design is part of the 'Core' wave, which simplified the Ninjago aesthetic for younger audiences while paying homage to classic character designs.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited edition, he only appears in one specific set from the 2022 wave, making him harder to obtain than the common ninja variants distributed across multiple sets.
Head
Features a dual-sided print with a smirk and a serious expression. Characteristic eye patch with a red mechanical lens and dark orange stubble/eyebrows. It uses a dark orange hairpiece originally designed for the 'Cole' character but repurposed here for Ronin.
Torso
Sand green base with intricate tactical armor printing. Includes a printed brown bandolier, dark red belt, and a high-detail mechanical orange left arm representing his robotic replacement. The right arm is sand green with brown hands.
Legs
Sand green leg assembly with complex printing that continues the tactical theme from the torso. Features dark red straps, knee pads, and pouches to represent his mercenary/scavenger aesthetic.
Accessories
Commonly paired with two silver katanas and his dark green neck scarf (included on this figure). In the set, he also utilizes various ninja tools provided in the Dojo equipment racks.
Color Scheme
A distinctive palette of Sand Green, Dark Orange, and Dark Red, with a pops of Bright Orange on the robotic arm and Dark Green for the fabric scarf.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the front/back torso and front of the legs. The mechanical arm printing is particularly sharp, using a metallic sheen to differentiate the robotic parts from the fabric-like sand green of the right side.
Variants
This is the third major version of Ronin. Previous versions include 'The Posession' Ronin (njo158) with a rice hat and the 'Legacy' version (njo517) from the Bounty Hunter Pursuit set. This njo727 version is the most vibrant and modern.
Condition Notes
The sand green plastic is generally durable, but the dark orange hairpiece can develop stress marks if removed frequently. Watch for print wear on the torso's sharp corners and ensure the stiff dark green scarf hasn't warped the neck post.
Estimated Value
Generally valued between $8.00 and $12.00 USD in used condition, and up to $15.00+ for a brand new figure pulled directly from the box. Its value is tied to being exclusive to a higher-priced set ($99.99 MSRP).
Price (New)
Included in set 71767 Ninja Dojo Temple, which retailed for $99.99. He is one of 8 minifigures in that set, giving him an approximate retail floor value of $5.00 at launch.
Compatible Sets
71767 Ninja Dojo Temple (2022), 71786 Zane's Ice Dragon Creature (Alternate build availability in some regions), and seen in various Ninja Training polybags as a background character.
Character Background
Ronin is a master thief, mercenary, and occasional ally/foil to the Ninja. Known for his ship 'The R.E.X.', he made his first major appearance in the 'Shadow of Ronin' video game and has since become a staple recurring character in the TV series.
Design Notes
This design utilizes the 'Core' philosophy of recognizable characters without the specific seasonal flair (like Island or Crystalized motifs). The orange mechanical arm is a nod to his tech-oriented mercenary background and helps him stand out against the ninja.
Similar Minifigures
njo158 (Original Ronin), njo517 (Legacy Ronin), njo681 (Cece), and various Skybound-era pirates which share the mismatched mechanical/scavenger aesthetic.
Collectibility
Medium-High. Ronin is a fan-favorite 'gray-area' character. Collectors of the complete Ninjago roster prioritize this version because it is the cleanest and most 'TV-accurate' representation of his modern look.
History
Ronin was first introduced in 2015. Over 7 years, he evolved from a classic 'ronin' trope with a conical hat to this contemporary sci-fi mercenary look, reflecting Ninjago's shift toward a mix of fantasy and technology.
Interesting Facts
Despite being a major character, Ronin has only appeared in minifigure form three times over a decade, making every version of him significantly more valuable than the core ninja team members.
Display Suggestions
Looks best displayed next to his signature R.E.X. ship or placed within a city-build like the Ninjago City Gardens. His 'scoundrel' look makes him a great background character for a pub or market scene.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Apocalypseburg' or Mad Max style MOCs due to the robotic arm and sand green tactical gear. The head is also popular for custom Star Wars bounty hunter minifigures.
Overall Assessment
An excellent minifigure with a high level of detail. It successfully captures the rogue-ish charm of the character with a unique color palette. Highly recommended for Ninjago completists due to its set exclusivity. Quality: 9/10.