Kai - Legacy, Red Robe with Armor
njo491 · Ninjago
Legacy · 2019 - Debuted in the first wave of Ninjago Legacy, reimagining iconic designs from the early seasons of the show.
Figure ID
njo491
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2019 - Debuted in the first wave of Ninjago Legacy, reimagining iconic designs from the early seasons of the show.
Rarity
Common - This figure appeared in multiple sets and a polybag, making it widely accessible for collectors.
Head
Yellow head with dual-sided printing: one side features a determined smirking expression, the other a battle-ready angry expression with a scar over the left eye. Topped with a red ninja wrap/mask (molded in two parts comprising the hood and neck scarf).
Torso
Red torso with dark red and black robe detailing. Features the golden Kai circular emblem on the left chest and a dark red sash. Back printing includes a continuation of the robe and belt ties.
Legs
Red legs with dark red printing indicating fabric folds and black belt straps around the shins. No side printing.
Accessories
Includes a Pearl Gold katana and a red neck armor piece with a single scabbard on the back to hold the sword.
Color Scheme
Dominant Red with Dark Red, Black, and Pearl Gold accents. This is the signature color palette of the Elemental Master of Fire.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head, torso (front and back), and legs (front). The alignment is consistent with 2019-era mass production standards.
Variants
This is the 'Legacy' version. It differs from the 2011 original (njo007) by having more detailed torso/leg printing and a different hood mold. Other variants of Kai include 'Deepstone', 'Tournament', and 'Sons of Garmadon'.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the 'gold' finish on the katana rubbing off and potential torso cracks at the arm joints. The neck armor can sometimes cause slight paint scratching on the torso over time.
Estimated Value
Loose: $3 - $5 USD; New/Mint: $6 - $8 USD. Parts are generally worth less than $1 each due to high supply.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from the $3.99 Kai's Mini Dragon polybag to larger sets like the $30 Kai's Blade Cycle.
Compatible Sets
70667 Kai's Blade Cycle & Zane's Snowmobile, 30535 Kai's Mini Dragon (Polybag), 40342 Ninjago 2019 Minifigure Set, 70670 Monastery of Spinjitzu.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and one of the original four ninja. He is known for his impulsive nature and fierce loyalty to his sister, Nya, and his teammates.
Design Notes
The Legacy line introduced a new, more streamlined hood piece that allows the mask and shoulder armor to be separate or combined, offering more customization than the original 2011 one-piece wraps.
Similar Minifigures
Legacy versions of Jay (njo493), Cole (njo490), and Zane (njo492) utilize the same robe design language in their respective colors.
Collectibility
Moderate. While a staple for any Ninjago collector, its high circulation prevents it from being a high-value investment piece.
History
Legacy was launched to celebrate the history of Ninjago by updating older character designs with modern printing techniques and molds, essentially serving as a 'Greatest Hits' line.
Interesting Facts
The symbol on Kai's chest is the Ninjago script for 'Fire'. This specific minifigure was one of the most widely distributed versions of Kai ever produced.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside the other four core Legacy Ninja or placed on the 2019 Legacy stands provided in the Monastery of Spinjitzu set.
Modification Potential
The red neck armor is highly sought after for MOCs (My Own Creations) involving custom guards or medieval knights. The head is also popular for custom superhero figures.
Overall Assessment
A solid, high-quality representation of an iconic character. It is the definitive 'modern-classic' Kai for any fan of the series.