Cole - Hands of Time
njo293 · Ninjago
Hands of Time · 2017 - Debuted in January wave alongside the TV series Season 7
Figure ID
njo293
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2017 - Debuted in January wave alongside the TV series Season 7
Rarity
Uncommon. This version was exclusive to two specific sets in the Hands of Time wave and is no longer in production.
Head
Yellow head with dual-sided print: one side featuring a determined expression with thick black eyebrows and a scar, and the second featuring an angry expression. Includes a Black Ninja Shrouded Face Wrap/Scarf and Black Hair (Minifigure Hair Swept Back with Sideburns).
Torso
Black torso with front and back printing: features silver and gold armor detailing, a tan/gold dragon emblem on the right chest, and a grey rope belt. Arms are Pearl Dark Grey with Black hands.
Legs
Black hips and legs with printing on the front. Design includes silver knee armor patterns and grey belt trailing consistent with the torso design.
Accessories
Typically paired with a large hammer or heavy bladed weapon in sets. The figure in the image is wearing a Black Scarf (Part 15619) and the standard Cole hairpiece.
Color Scheme
A dark aesthetic primarily utilizing Black, Pearl Dark Grey, and Silver, with Tan/Gold accents on the chest emblem. This reflects Cole's element of Earth.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with metallic silver highlights on the legs and torso. The dragon emblem shows fine-line detailing characteristic of the 2017 era Ninjago design language.
Variants
This is the 'Hands of Time' variant. Other versions of Cole from this era include his 'Ghost' form (njo201) and his later 'Sons of Garmadon' redesign (njo393).
Condition Notes
The pearl dark grey arms are prone to tiny stress fractures at the wrist. The black scarf piece can sometimes cause slight bending of the neck stud if pushed down too hard. Surface scratches are highly visible on the black torso plastic.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; New/Mint: $10.00 - $14.00 USD. Prices are stable but rising slowly as Hands of Time sets become more vintage for younger collectors.
Price (New)
Included in sets ranging from the Dragon's Forge ($79.99) and Destiny's Shadow ($29.99) at the time of release.
Compatible Sets
70627 Dragon's Forge and 70623 Destiny's Shadow.
Character Background
Cole is the Elemental Master of Earth and the muscle of the Ninja team. In the Hands of Time arc, the ninja battle the Time Twins, Acronix and Krux, to prevent them from altering history using the Time Blades.
Design Notes
This version marks a transition period just before the character redesigns introduced for the LEGO Ninjago Movie. It retains the classic 'squircle' eyes and original face mold.
Similar Minifigures
Hands of Time variants of Kai (njo298), Jay (njo284), and Lloyd (njo297).
Collectibility
Moderate. Collectors seeking to complete 'The Team' from every season require this specific outfit. It has consistent demand due to the popularity of the Hands of Time season.
History
First introduced in 2011 as a simple black ninja, Cole's design evolved through DX, Kimono, Techno, and Tournament suits before reaching this detailed armored look in 2017.
Interesting Facts
The 'Hands of Time' sub-theme is unique for introducing the specific 'scarf' neck elements which provided a more tactical, 3D look to the ninja outfits compared to previous flat printing.
Display Suggestions
Display on a grey or rocky baseplate to match the Earth element, alongside the Hands of Time 'Vermillion' antagonists and his fellow ninja in their corresponding S7 suits.
Modification Potential
The pearl dark grey arms and the black scarf are highly desirable for 'tactical' or 'mercenary' MOCs. The torso works well for custom medieval executioners or dark knights.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-detailed figure that captures a specific era of Ninjago history. It is a 'buy' for completionists of the series, though not a high-value 'grail' figure. Quality rating: 8/10.