Sensei Wu - Tan Conical Hat, White Robe, Sand Blue and Dark Tan Pattern
njo026 · Ninjago
Rise of the Snakes · 2011-2012; First debuted in set 2507 Fire Temple (2011) and later in 9446 Destiny's Bounty (2012).
Figure ID
njo026
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2011-2012; First debuted in set 2507 Fire Temple (2011) and later in 9446 Destiny's Bounty (2012).
Rarity
Uncommon; While Ninjago was mass-produced, this specific version of Wu appeared in higher-priced sets, making it less common than his 'Kimono' or 'Sons of Garmadon' variants.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone. Features a large, white molded beard piece and the 'Old Man' face with black eyes, white bushy eyebrows, and a thin white mustache printed underneath the beard attachment.
Torso
White torso with Ninjago-style robe printing. Includes sand blue and grey trim, dark tan waist tie, and black loop-button (frogging) details. Yellow hands and white arms.
Legs
Tan/Sand Greenish tan legs with printing continuing the robe pattern. Includes sand blue and dark tan bottom border trim and wooden sandal (geta) printing on the feet.
Accessories
Includes a Sand Blue and Dark Tan cloth skirt (waist cape), a Tan conical Asian-style hat (Jin-gasa), and usually comes with a brown bo staff (though the staff is missing in the provided photo).
Color Scheme
A neutral palette of White, Tan, and Sand Blue, accented with metallic gold-like tan and black ink for detail.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of the early Ninjago era. Note the 'wrap' effect of the printing from the torso onto the legs and the inclusion of the then-innovative fabric waist component.
Variants
The original 2011 version (njo012) lacked the cloth skirt. This specific variant (njo026) is identified by the addition of the fabric element. Other versions include Kimono Wu, Battle Wu, and Movie Wu.
Condition Notes
The white torso is prone to yellowing if exposed to UV. The cloth apron (skirt) often frays at the edges or becomes creased. Check for 'arm cracks' in the white torso and stress marks on the tan hat.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $10.00 – $15.00 USD. New/Mint: $20.00 – $25.00 USD. Values fluctuate based on the condition of the cloth piece.
Price (New)
This figure appeared in the Destiny's Bounty (Set 9446) which retailed for $79.99 in 2012, and the Fire Temple (Set 2507) for $119.99.
Compatible Sets
2507 Fire Temple, 9446 Destiny's Bounty, 2255 Sensei Wu (Spinner set).
Character Background
Sensei Wu is the Master of Creation and the mentor to the original six Ninja. He is the son of the First Spinjitzu Master and brother to the antagonist Garmadon. This 'Master' design is his most iconic look.
Design Notes
The beard piece was a revolutionary mold for the time, allowing for a more 'ancient' look than previous LEGO beard pieces. The use of a cloth piece at the waist helped simulate the flowing robes seen in the animated series.
Similar Minifigures
Sensei Wu (njo012), Sensei Wu (njo0057), and the Master Wu variant from the Ninjago Movie (njo315). Also comparable to Master Shifu or various LEGO Castle monks.
Collectibility
High. As the central mentor of LEGO's most successful long-running homegrown theme, early versions of Wu are staples for any Ninjago collection.
History
Wu has appeared in nearly every wave of Ninjago since 2011. This specific 'Rise of the Snakes' era version represents the peak of the theme's initial popularity during its first television season.
Interesting Facts
Despite his age, Wu's minifigures often use standard-sized legs rather than short legs. The cloth piece on this figure is unique to this character and a very few others in the 2012 wave.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on the deck of a LEGO Destiny's Bounty or in a meditation vignette. Use a UV-protected case to prevent the white plastic from aging/yellowing.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Elder' MOCs. The head and beard are frequently used by customizers to create characters like Gandalf or Dumbledore with a more 'animated' aesthetic.
Overall Assessment
An essential Ninjago figure. Rated 8/10 for design and 7/10 for character importance. The presence of the cloth skirt makes this version superior to the basic 2011 release.