Kruncha
njo023 · Ninjago
Spinners / Pilot Episodes · 2011
Figure ID
njo023
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2011
Rarity
Uncommon. While available in multiple sets, his unique oversized head mold makes him a staple of the original wave.
Head
Unique oversized white skull mold with red eyes and black facial markings. It is an 'over-molded' style head that sits over the neck pin without a standard flat top.
Torso
Skeletal White with detailed printing showing ribs and a red armored medallion. Includes black shoulder armor pieces (epaulettes) and white skeletal arms.
Legs
Standard skeletal legs in white with a black hip piece. The feet are flat skeletal style.
Accessories
Includes a Golden Double Axe, a white long bone, a grey chain with a small weight (mace), and often a trans-green Ninjago spinner with skull decals.
Color Scheme
Primary white and black with red accents for the eyes and torso medallion; gold for the primary weapon.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso and head. The red eye detailing is particularly sharp for the era. No leg or arm printing.
Variants
Standard version (njo023) and a version appearing in the Character Encyclopedia with the same ID but slightly different accessory loadouts.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the shoulder epaulettes becoming loose and potential stress marks on the skeletal arm clips or horizontal bars of the legs.
Estimated Value
Used: $5-$10 USD. Complete with spinner and specific golden weapons: $15-$25 USD.
Price (New)
Originally released in Spinner packs retailing for approximately $9.99 USD.
Compatible Sets
2174 Kruncha (Spinner set), 2507 Fire Temple, 2116 Krazi (as an opponent).
Character Background
A General of the Skeleton Army from the Underworld. Partnered with Wyplash and often paired with Knuckly as comic relief in the Pilot season.
Design Notes
Introduced a specialized large-scale skull mold that was larger than standard minifigure heads to give the skeleton generals a distinct, more intimidating silhouette.
Similar Minifigures
Wyplash (njo024), Krazi (njo008), Frakjaw (njo005), and Chopov (njo004).
Collectibility
High for 'Nostalgiago' collectors. He is essential for completing the original 2011 Skeleton General collection.
History
Debuted in the very first wave of Ninjago in 2011, defining the 'villain' aesthetic before the Serpentine were introduced.
Interesting Facts
The headpiece is actually a single solid mold that covers the entire upper neck area, making it one of the few Ninjago heads that isn't compatible with standard hair or hats.
Display Suggestions
Display on his trans-green spinner alongside other Skeleton Generals from the 2011 wave for a complete underworld scene.
Modification Potential
The head mold is popular for custom fantasy 'undead' MOCs, though it is difficult to fit under standard helmets.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2011 Ninjago figure. Excellent quality and unique molding makes him a standout from the early years of the theme.