Samukai
njo011 · Ninjago
Pilot Episodes / Underworld · 2011
Figure ID
njo011
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2011
Rarity
Rare. This figure was exclusive to the two largest sets of the first Ninjago wave and features several unique molds that are no longer in production, making it highly sought after.
Head
Unique oversized skull mold in white with red eyes and black facial markings. It features an abnormally large, non-articulated jaw and a distinct ridge on top.
Torso
Specialized white skeleton torso with a red skull insignia printed on the chest. It features a unique mechanical neck bracket that allows for the attachment of two additional white skeleton arms, totaling four arms.
Legs
Standard white skeleton legs with black boots. It features a gray and black loincloth/belt printed on the hip/leg joint area.
Accessories
Usually comes with four golden daggers or various golden weapons (not pictured). The figure in the image is missing its signature weapons.
Color Scheme
Primarily White and Black with Red accents in the eyes and chest insignia.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head (eyes/cracks) and torso (emblem). The loincloth printing on the legs is a notable detail for a 2011 skeleton figure.
Variants
There are no official variants of Samukai himself, though his torso and arm structure were used as inspiration for later multi-armed characters like Lord Garmadon.
Condition Notes
The vertical arm clips on the torso are major stress points and often crack. The joint between the unique head and torso can become loose. Check for yellowing on the white plastic.
Estimated Value
Used: $30 - $50 USD. New/Mint: $60 - $85 USD. Prices vary significantly based on the presence of the original golden weapons.
Price (New)
Came in sets ranging from $69.99 (Garmadon's Dark Fortress) to $119.99 (Fire Temple) in 2011.
Compatible Sets
2505 Garmadon's Dark Fortress, 2507 Fire Temple.
Character Background
Samukai was the King of the Underworld and leader of the Skulkin Army. He served as the primary antagonist of the Ninjago Pilot Episodes before being betrayed by Lord Garmadon.
Design Notes
First minifigure to introduce the 'four-arm' vertical stacking mechanic in Ninjago. The head is one of the largest single-piece heads in LEGO history relative to body size.
Similar Minifigures
Lord Garmadon (4-arm versions), Kruncha (njo008), Wyplash (njo009), and General Kozu (njo073).
Collectibility
High. As a main villain from the very beginning of LEGO's most successful original IP, Samukai is a cornerstone for Ninjago collectors.
History
Debuted January 2011. He represented the peak of skeleton design before the theme shifted toward more traditional humanoid molds for villains in later seasons.
Interesting Facts
In the show, Samukai is vaporized by the power of the four Golden Weapons because no one can hold them all at once; this makes his 'four arms' particularly ironic.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu. UV protection is vital as the white and black plastics are prone to discoloration and brittle-snap over time.
Modification Potential
The four-arm torso is frequently used by MOC builders to create custom Goro (Mortal Kombat) or other multi-armed monstrous characters.
Overall Assessment
An iconic, high-quality figure with massive presence. Despite being over a decade old, its unique molds still stand out as some of the most creative work in the Ninjago line.