Lloyd Garmadon - Evil / Trainee
njo040 · Ninjago
Rise of the Snakes · 2012. It debuted in set 9443 Rattlecopter and later appeared in 9450 Epic Dragon Battle. This was the first wave following the pilot season, establishing Ninjago as a permanent theme.
Figure ID
njo040
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012. It debuted in set 9443 Rattlecopter and later appeared in 9450 Epic Dragon Battle. This was the first wave following the pilot season, establishing Ninjago as a permanent theme.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While it appeared in two sets, one was a large flagship set (9450) and the other was a mid-range set (9443), making it harder to find in mint condition today compared to common Ninja figures.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone. Features a dual-sided print: one side with an angry, bared-teeth expression and red eyes (indicating his 'evil' lineage), and the other with a more neutral but determined expression. Topped with a dark brown tousled hair piece (part 92081).
Torso
Black torso representing a training gi. Printing features purple lapel lining, a white undershirt visible at the collar, and a purple belt. The left side (figure's left) has red Ninjago script characters. Rear printing continues the purple belt and gi fold details.
Legs
Black hips and legs. The printing features the purple belt knot and tails extending down from the torso onto the waist piece, with red Ninjago script characters on the left leg (matching the torso).
Accessories
Usually paired with a gold-hued dagger or a small snake. This specific version often included a 'snakes' theme item at the time, though the figure itself is shown here without held accessories.
Color Scheme
A striking contrast of Black, Purple, and Red. This was a departure from the primary colors of the four main ninja, symbolizing Lloyd's initial alignment with his father, Lord Garmadon.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of the early 2010s. The alignment of the purple belt from the torso to the hips is a key indicator of quality. Features printing on both sides of the torso and the front of the legs.
Variants
This is the 'young' or 'short-legged equivalent' torso/head, though it notably uses full-size legs to represent his growth. Later versions of Lloyd transitioned to the Green Ninja (njo064) or the 'Child' Lloyd with short legs (njo036).
Condition Notes
The dark brown hair piece is prone to minor scuffing. Black torsos and legs easily show white stress marks at the 'arm-pits' or hip joints. Check the purple belt printing for any chips or fading.
Estimated Value
Used: $15–$25 USD. New/Mint: $35–$50 USD. Prices for early Ninjago figures have risen steadily as the original fans reach adult collecting age.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure cost). It appeared in sets retailing for $29.99 (9443) and $119.99 (9450) respectively in 2012.
Compatible Sets
Set 9443 (Rattlecopter) and Set 9450 (Epic Dragon Battle).
Character Background
Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon is the son of Lord Garmadon. In this 'Rise of the Snakes' era, he was a bratty child trying to follow in his father's villainous footsteps before realizing his destiny was to become the Green Ninja.
Design Notes
The red eyes are a unique design choice specific to Lloyd's corrupted or 'evil' phase. This mold used the original Ninja gi template but substituted the elemental colors for Garmadon's signature purple.
Similar Minifigures
Lloyd - Garmadon's Son (njo036) which uses the same torso but short legs; also the first Green Ninja (njo064) and various versions of Lord Garmadon.
Collectibility
High. As the main protagonist of the entire Ninjago franchise, early versions of Lloyd are essential for completionists. His 'Evil' phase is particularly iconic due to the unique red-eye printing.
History
Introduced in 2012 as a secondary antagonist/comic relief character. This design bridge the gap between his 'Kid' version and his eventual reveal as the prophesied Green Ninja later that same year.
Interesting Facts
The red Ninjago script on his torso is often translated by fans to represent his name or specific 'dark' attributes, though LEGO's internal script was often aesthetic during this era.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the Series 1 Serpentine generals (like Pythor or Acidicus) or inside a case with all versions of the Green Ninja to show his character evolution.
Modification Potential
The black/purple gi is popular for creating custom 'Dark Ninja' or 'Shadow Ninja' figures using different heads and hoods.
Overall Assessment
A standout figure from the 'Golden Age' of Ninjago. It represents a pivotal moment in the series' lore and features a color palette (Purple/Black) that remains highly desirable among collectors. Rating: 8.5/10.