Lloyd Garmadon - The Golden Ninja
njo073 · Ninjago
Rebooted/Legacy (Epic Dragon Battle style) · 2013 (Original release in set 70505 Temple of Light)
Figure ID
njo073
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2013 (Original release in set 70505 Temple of Light)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While released in a mid-range set, this specific 'Kimono' version remains highly sought after by collectors as the definitive 'Golden Ninja' from the early era.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone with dual-sided printing: one face featuring a determined expression and the other featuring glowing green eyes with a green ninja mask printed around the forehead/cheeks.
Torso
Pearl Gold with intricate green and black Dragon print on the front and back. Features printed armor plates and a large green dragon emblem on the back. Gold arms and gold hands.
Legs
Pearl Gold legs with printed green and black sash, armor detailing extending from the torso, and knee plate patterns. Matching hip piece.
Accessories
Usually paired with the 'Elemental Blade' or a Golden Scimitar. In the provided image, he is seen holding a large golden staff/polearm topped with a translucent yellow lightning bolt piece.
Color Scheme
Primary Pearl Gold with vibrant Green and Black accents. The metallic sheen is meant to represent Lloyd at the peak of his 'Ultimate Spinjitzu Master' power.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with excellent registration. The dragon detailing on the torso is exceptionally fine, using three colors (green, metallic gold, and black) to create depth on the gold plastic.
Variants
Standard Lloyd (Green Ninja), ZX variations, Kimono Lloyd (this version), and later Legacy remakes (njo498) which have updated printing and mold techniques.
Condition Notes
Pearl Gold plastic is prone to visible scratches and 'swirl' marks from the molding process. Long-term play can lead to fading on the gold arm/torso joints and loosening of the gold hand clips.
Estimated Value
Current market value for a used complete njo073 ranges from $20 to $35 USD. Mint condition or new-in-sealed-bag versions can reach $50+ depending on the specific wave context.
Price (New)
Originally included in Set 70505 (Temple of Light), which retailed for approximately $69.99 USD in 2013.
Compatible Sets
Set 70505: Temple of Light (2013); also appears in some stylized packaging for the 10th anniversary Legacy collections in updated forms.
Character Background
Lloyd Garmadon, the son of Lord Garmadon, fulfills the prophecy of the Green Ninja and eventually unlocks his True Potential to become the Golden Ninja, the Ultimate Spinjitzu Master, to defeat the Overlord.
Design Notes
This figure marked a turning point in Ninjago design where LEGO fully embraced metallic plastic parts rather than just standard yellow or green, elevating the 'Super' form of the protagonist.
Similar Minifigures
Lloyd - Golden Ninja (Legacy) njo498, Lloyd FS (Forbidden Spinjitzu), and Golden Master Overlord njo106.
Collectibility
High. The Golden Ninja is a staple character for any Ninjago collection and represents a pivotal moment in the series' lore (Season 2 finale).
History
Launched during the 'Final Battle' wave of 2013. At the time, Ninjago was slated for cancellation, making this figure the intended 'end-game' character of the entire line before the show was renewed due to fan demand.
Interesting Facts
Despite being called 'Golden,' the plastic is technically 'Pearl Gold.' A truly chrome version would have been too expensive for mass production, though fans have since created chrome customs to match the show's aesthetic.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a translucent green or gold stand, ideally next to the other four Ninjas in their Kimono outfits or opposite a figure of the Overlord.
Modification Potential
Frequently swapped with a pearl gold 'Super Saiyan' style hair piece to represent Lloyd's powered-up state without his hood.
Overall Assessment
An iconic piece of Ninjago history. It captures the essence of the 'Ultimate Spinjitzu Master' with a striking color palette and remains one of the most recognizable figures from the theme's first decade.