Kai - ZX
njo049 · Ninjago
Rise of the Snakes · 2012
Figure ID
njo049
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012
Rarity
Common
Head
Classic yellow skin, fierce expression with eyebrows furrowed in anger, scar over left eyebrow, and dark orange markings on the cheek.
Torso
Red torso with intricate dark red, black, and gold printing depicting traditional ninja garb, armor straps, and the Fire element symbol on the chest.
Legs
Red legs with detailed printing showing wrapped cloth and straps continuing the ninja uniform aesthetic.
Accessories
Includes a flat dark gold shoulder armor piece with dual katana holders, a red ninja hood wrap, and a katana sword.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are bright red and classic yellow, accented by dark gold, black, and dark red details.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on head, torso front and back, and legs with sharp line work and vibrant metallic gold highlights.
Variants
Appears in multiple versions with different gear and shoulder armor configurations depending on the 2012 sets.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include scratches on the metallic gold shoulder armor and fading of the torso print from heavy play.
Estimated Value
Estimated market value ranges from $3 to $6 USD for a complete used figure in good condition.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $10 to $100+ USD during the 2012 Ninjago wave.
Compatible Sets
9441 Kai's Blade Cycle, 9449 Ultra Sonic Raider, 9456 Spinner Car
Character Background
Kai is the Master of Fire and one of the founding ninja recruited by Master Wu to protect Ninjago from evil forces.
Design Notes
The ZX suit introduced the iconic shoulder armor piece which became a staple for early Ninjago minifigures.
Similar Minifigures
Kai - Rise of the Snakes (njo048), Jay - ZX (njo053), Cole - ZX (njo057)
Collectibility
Moderately collectible among Ninjago completionists and fans of the early waves of the theme.
History
Released in 2012 during the second major wave of the Ninjago theme, marking the introduction of the popular ZX gi suits.
Interesting Facts
The ZX designation stands for 'Zen-Xtreme', a naming convention used for the upgraded ninja suits in 2012.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a dark grey or black LEGO baseplate alongside the other original ninja in their ZX suits.
Modification Potential
Highly compatible with various standard Ninjago weapons and custom elemental power pieces.
Overall Assessment
A classic and essential minifigure for any Ninjago fan, representing a golden era of the theme's early design evolution.