Kai - Core (Legacy Hair)
njo706 · Ninjago
Core / Legacy · 2022 (First appearance in sets following the Core wave)
Figure ID
njo706
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2022 (First appearance in sets following the Core wave)
Rarity
Common. This figure was mass-produced across several low-cost sets and polybags to serve as a basic gateway version of the character.
Head
Yellow head with Kai's signature smirk, brown eyebrows, and a distinct band-aid/scar over his left eye. This specific head printing (part 3626cpb2241) is the modernized 'Movie' style head for the character.
Torso
Red torso with dark red wrap/kimono printing, a gold fire emblem (the Phoenix/Lion hybrid logo), and black/dark red sash detailing. Plain red arms with one yellow hand and one black hand (note: the black hand in the image is likely a replacement part, as standard is two yellow hands).
Legs
Plain red legs with red hip piece. Simple printing on the hips depicts the continuation of the sash belt.
Accessories
The figure in the image is shown with Kai's signature spiky brown hair (molded in reddish-brown). Usually sold with a red katana or a fire element piece, which are missing here.
Color Scheme
Primary Red with dark red accents and yellow skin tones. The reddish-brown hair is the character's standard signature color.
Printing Details
Pad printing on the head (dual-sided usually, though reverse is not visible) and front/back of the torso. Alignment is standard for modern mass-market LEGO. No arm or side-leg printing, consistent with 'Core' line accessibility.
Variants
Standard 'Core' Kai usually has two yellow hands. This specimen has a dark grey/black left hand, which is either a factory error (highly unlikely) or a user-swapped part. Other variants of this torso exist in 'Legacy' and 'Evo' sets with slight metallic variations.
Condition Notes
Moderate play wear visible. Note the mismatched left hand. Dust buildup in the crevices of the hair piece. The neck and hip joints appear sturdy, though red plastic from this era can occasionally show stress marks around the torso base.
Estimated Value
Used: $2.00 - $4.00 USD. New: $5.00 USD. The value is low due to extreme high volume of availability in the secondary market.
Price (New)
N/A (Figure usually came in sets ranging from $9.99 to $40.00, or in $4.99 polybags like 30592).
Compatible Sets
71760 Jay's Thunder Dragon EVO (alternate), 71761 Zane's Power Up Mech EVO, 30592 Mini Thunder Raider, and various LEGO Ninjago Magazines.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and a core member of the secret ninja team trained by Master Wu. Historically the 'hot-head' of the group, he is the older brother of Nya.
Design Notes
The 'Core' line was designed to provide a timeless, non-show-specific look for characters. This design blends the 2011 classic aesthetic with modern printing techniques and the hair mold introduced for 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie'.
Similar Minifigures
njo119 (Classic Kai), njo317 (Movie Kai), njo491 (Legacy Kai).
Collectibility
Low for serious investors, high for children and casual fans. It is a 'foundational' figure that every Ninjago fan likely owns multiple copies of.
History
Launched in 2022, the Core wave (also known as EVO) was intended to 'reset' the Ninjago aesthetic for a younger generation, moving away from specific TV season tie-ins to a more evergreen brand identity.
Interesting Facts
The 'band-aid' on Kai's face has become a permanent fixture of his design since 2017, despite various timelines and resets in the lore. This specific hair mold is one of the most recognizable 'spiky' pieces in the LEGO inventory.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed as part of a 'Wall of Heroes' Ninjago collection or inside a Fire Mech MOC. Pair with a gold katana for a more authentic look.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs. The red torso and legs are generic enough for medieval villagers or martial arts MOCs. The replacement black hand on this specific unit actually mimics a robotic/prosthetic look often seen in fan-made sci-fi ninja builds.
Overall Assessment
A standard, dependable LEGO Ninjago figure. While it lacks the 'wow factor' of rare plated armor or dual-molded legs, it is the quintessential modern representation of the character Kai.