Jay - NRG
njo061 · Ninjago
Masters of Spinjitzu - Rise of the Snakes · 2012; debuted in set 9570 as part of the third wave of spinners.
Figure ID
njo061
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012; debuted in set 9570 as part of the third wave of spinners.
Rarity
Rare. This figure was exclusive to a single spinner set and belongs to the highly sought-after NRG sub-line of the original Ninjago run.
Head
Double-sided printing with a 'blue energy' look. One side features a concentrated lightning expression with white pupils and electricity detail, the other is similar with varying lightning arcs. Includes a medium blue Ninja wrap headpiece.
Torso
Black torso with medium blue arms and blue hands. Printing features a blue lightning energy pattern that crackles from the sides toward a silver Japanese 'Kanji' style symbol (representing lightning) in the center.
Legs
Black hips and legs with elaborate blue lightning print extending from the hips down the front of the legs, continuing the energy aura theme.
Accessories
Usually comes with a silver spear, gold flail, and two gold lightning elements. In the image, he is shown mounted on a black Spinner base (93060cz) with two transparent orange/gold claw elements attached.
Color Scheme
A striking contrast of solid Black and Medium Blue, highlighted by silver and light-blue energy arcing prints. It represents Jay's peak elemental lightning form.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and back, as well as the legs. The 'glow' effect is achieved through layering light blue over darker blue hues, which was advanced for 2012.
Variants
This is the true NRG Jay. Other versions of Jay from this era include DX (Dragon eXtreme), ZX (Zenith Xtreme), and the Kimono variant, but the NRG version is unique for its translucent-inspired printed energy look.
Condition Notes
Prone to silvering wear on the torso symbol. The blue head wrap can suffer från bite marks or stress fractures. Check for torso cracks on the sides where the arms connect, common in figures from this era.
Estimated Value
New/Sealed (Set): $120-$150; Used Complete: $60-$90; Loose Figure: $55-$75 depending on condition. Prices have spiked due to Ninjago nostalgia.
Price (New)
Originally sold as part of the 9570 Jay NRG Spinner pack for an MSRP of $9.99 USD in 2012.
Compatible Sets
Set 9570 (Jay NRG), though compatible with any Ninjago spinner or play set from the 2011-2012 era.
Character Background
Jay Walker is the Elemental Master of Lightning. The NRG form represents a state where the ninja has fully unlocked their 'True Potential,' becoming a being of pure elemental energy to combat the Serpentine.
Design Notes
The NRG figures are 2012 favorites because they used standard colors to simulate a glowing, ethereal state before LEGO regularly used transparent plastic for full bodies.
Similar Minifigures
NRG Cole (njo060), NRG Kai (njo059), NRG Zane (njo062), and the later 'FS' (Forbidden Spinjitzu) variants which used translucent plastic heads/hair.
Collectibility
Extremely high. NRG figures are considered the 'Holy Grail' of the early Ninjago spinner line and are essential for completionists of the original 2011-2012 sets.
History
Part of the iconic 2012 wave that solidified Ninjago's success after its pilot season. It marks the transition to more complex elemental designs away from the basic ninja gis.
Interesting Facts
The silver symbol on the chest is the kanji for 'inazuma' (lightning). This figure is one of the few instances where Jay lacks his trademark eyebrow notch (due to the energy face).
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on his original black spinner or a backlit stand to emphasize the 'glowing' energy prints. Looks best alongside the other four original NRG ninja.
Modification Potential
The head and torso are popular for MOCs involving 'possessed' or 'magical' characters. The parts are high-value, so modifications that damage the print are discouraged.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier collectible for any Ninjago fan. Excellent design that holds up well against modern figures. Rating: 9/10 for both design and investment potential.