Nya - Samurai X
njo053 · Ninjago
Masters of Spinjitzu · 2012. Debuted in Set 9448 (Samurai Mech), released during the Rise of the Snakes wave when LEGO's in-house story themes began dominating the market.
Figure ID
njo053
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012. Debuted in Set 9448 (Samurai Mech), released during the Rise of the Snakes wave when LEGO's in-house story themes began dominating the market.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited promotional figure, it only appeared in two sets during a brief 2012 production window, making it specific to that era of Ninjago.
Head
Yellow head with dual-sided printing. One side features a smirk with eyelashes and beauty mark; the other a determined angry/gritted teeth expression. Usually paired with a black short swept hair piece or the Samurai X helmet.
Torso
Dark Red torso featuring Samurai armor plating print. High-detail lacquered armor design with black and dark red lining. Arms are dark red with yellow hands.
Legs
Dark Blueish Gray legs with a dark red printed 'fauld' (skirt armor) consistent with the torso's plated armor design. Hip piece is dark red.
Accessories
Typically equipped with two silver or flat silver katanas. This specific image shows black katanas (likely from newer sets or 2100 variant). Includes a dark red armor shoulder piece with back-clips.
Color Scheme
Dominant Dark Red with Dark Blueish Gray accents and Yellow highlights. The color scheme represents Nya's hidden identity as Samurai X, diverging from the Ninja's elemental colors.
Printing Details
High quality for 2012, featuring intricate line work on the torso and legs to simulate layered metal armor. Face printing is sharp and characteristic of the earlier Ninjago art style.
Variants
Variants include njo050 (with helmet and shoulder armor) and later 'Legacy' or 'Possession' versions of Samurai X. This specific figure (njo053) is the version without the large helmet/mask included as standard.
Condition Notes
Prone to hairline cracks on the sides of the dark red torso and loose hip joints. The metallic printed ink on the armor can rub off with heavy play.
Estimated Value
Current market value for a used complete figure is approximately $8.00 - $12.00 USD. New/Mint condition versions can reaching $15.00+.
Price (New)
Originally available in Set 9448 ($39.99 USD) and Set 9566 (character spinner at $9.99).
Compatible Sets
Set 9448 (Samurai Mech) and Set 9566 (Samurai X - Spinners).
Character Background
Nya is the sister of Kai and the Elemental Master of Water. Tired of being left behind by the boys, she created the 'Samurai X' persona to fight independently before eventually joining the team as a Ninja.
Design Notes
Notable for being one of the first female characters in LEGO to have a 'warrior-first' design, featuring heavy armor printing rather than stylized feminine clothing.
Similar Minifigures
PIXAL (Samurai X), Kai (Kimono), and the later 2015 version of Samurai X (njo132).
Collectibility
High for Ninjago completionists. This specific version is a nostalgic piece of the show's early lore and the 'Golden Age' of Ninjago sets.
History
Nya's first major transformation in the series. This figure marked LEGO's shift toward creating evolving identities for their main cast members over several years.
Interesting Facts
The 'Samurai X' identity was later passed on to the android P.I.X.A.L., but this specific armor is exclusively Nya's original 2012 design.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed inside the 9448 Samurai Mech or alongside the original four 2012 Ninja on an acrylic tiered stand.
Modification Potential
The dark red armor prints are very popular for MOC (My Own Creation) medieval samurai warriors or Shogun-era dioramas.
Overall Assessment
A standout figure from the 2012 Ninjago lineup. It combines great storytelling with a high level of detail, though it lacks the leg-side printing found in modern 2020+ standards.