Kai - Core (The Island / Legacy)
njo710 · Ninjago
Ninjago Core / Crystalized · 2022. Released during a transition period where LEGO focused on 'Core' sets intended for younger builders while bridging into the Crystalized TV season storylines.
Figure ID
njo710
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2022. Released during a transition period where LEGO focused on 'Core' sets intended for younger builders while bridging into the Crystalized TV season storylines.
Rarity
Common. This figure appeared in multiple budget-friendly sets, making it widely accessible to collectors and children alike.
Head
Yellow head with dual-sided printing: one side features a determined, furrowed-brow expression with a signature scar through the left eyebrow; the other is a confident smirk. Includes a red wrap-around ninja cowl and a black hairpiece with a separate red bandana.
Torso
Black torso with red arms and black hands. Printing includes a red kimono-style collar, gold dragon crest on the right chest, three gold 'frog' fasteners on the left, and a red sash belt with gold buckles. Back features a vertical red stripe and gold dragon scale patterns.
Legs
Black legs with black hips. Features red knee printing with small black knot/tassle patterns and a continuation of the red sash belt printed on the hip piece.
Accessories
Commonly paired with two gold katanas or a large fire sword depending on the set, though the base figure is often sold in polybags without major accessories.
Color Scheme
Primary: Black; Accents: Red and Bright Light Gold. This reversed scheme (black primary vs. traditional red primary) signifies his ninja training or 'Core' appearance.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and legs (front only). The gold printing is slightly metallic. Alignment is typically very precise for this era of manufacturing.
Variants
Several 'Core' variants exist; some versions include the 'Legacy' hair-and-mask combo while others use the full ninja wrap. This specific combination is seen in several 2022/2023 Wave sets.
Condition Notes
The black plastic shows scratches and 'scuffing' much more easily than lighter colors. Check the gold printing on the chest for fading. Stress marks can occur in the clips of the hands if they've held weapons for long periods.
Estimated Value
Used: $2.00 - $4.00; New: $5.00 - $7.00. The value is relatively low due to high production volume.
Price (New)
Included in sets ranging from $9.99 (71760 Jay’s Thunder Dragon EVO) to $39.99 (71762 Kai’s Fire Dragon EVO). Also appeared in various magazines and polybags for approx. $4.99.
Compatible Sets
71760 Jay's Thunder Dragon EVO, 71761 Zane's Power Up Mech EVO, 71762 Kai's Fire Dragon EVO, 71765 Ninja Ultra Combo Mech, 30592 Mini Thunder Raider.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and one of the original four ninja. Known for his hotheadedness and loyalty to his sister Nya, his character has seen significant growth from a blacksmith's apprentice to a seasoned warrior.
Design Notes
This design utilizes the 'Core' aesthetic which simplified ninja suits for a more classic look. The use of a black base for the fire ninja is a stylistic departure from previous red-heavy designs.
Similar Minifigures
njo629 Kai (Legacy - Pearl Gold Armor), njo492 Kai (Legacy), and other Core ninja like Lloyd (njo712) or Zane (njo713).
Collectibility
Medium-Low. It is a 'grunt' figure for building an army or playing, but lacks the investment potential of limited-edition anniversary or Golden Ninja figures.
History
Ninjago debuted in 2011. Since then, Kai has had over 50 unique minifigure variations. This 2022 version represents the modern 'evergreen' design intended to appeal to both new and old fans.
Interesting Facts
The dragon emblem on his chest is a updated version of the original 2011 DX series dragon, serving as a 'Legacy' easter egg for long-term fans of the series.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a gray or black baseplate alongside the other 5 'Core' ninja (Lloyd, Jay, Zane, Cole, Nya) to show the unified team aesthetic.
Modification Potential
Excellent. Being a black/red color scheme, the parts are highly sought after for customizing other ninja characters or creating 'Dark' versions of characters.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-detailed representation of a fan-favorite character. While not rare, the printing quality and color balance make it one of the better 'budget' versions of Kai produced in the last decade.