Jay - Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitzu (FS)
njo523 · Ninjago
Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitzu (Fire Chapter/Ice Chapter) · 2019. This version debuted with the 11th season of the Ninjago TV show, marking a shift to a new animation style and a re-imagining of the ninja suits.
Figure ID
njo523
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2019. This version debuted with the 11th season of the Ninjago TV show, marking a shift to a new animation style and a re-imagining of the ninja suits.
Rarity
Common. This figure was widely distributed across three different sets and a polybag, making it one of the most accessible Jay variants from the 2019-2020 era.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone with dual-sided printing. One side shows a confident smirk/determined look with eyebrows and a notched scar, the other side shows a panicked or 'zapped' expression. It is topped with the FS-style ninja wrap (Part 41163) in Blue and a black mask lower (Part 15619).
Torso
Dark Blue torso with a wrap-around robe design featuring a lighter blue belt and sash. Printing includes a silver/grey utility strap with pouches and the 'Jay' symbol in the center. The arms are Dark Blue with black hands.
Legs
Black legs with printing on the front of the shins depicting blue and gold/tan straps/wrappings. The hip piece is black and unprinted.
Accessories
Includes two Medium Azure Katanas (Part 21459) and a Black Neck Bracket with two back studs to hold the swords. In some sets, he also includes a 'Forbidden Spinjitzu' hood or lightning effect pieces.
Color Scheme
A primary palette of Dark Blue and Black, accented by Medium Azure (swords/belt) and Gold/Tan (leg wraps). This darker palette was intended to give a more 'stealth' or 'tactical' feel compared to earlier bright blue versions.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head, torso (front and back), and the lower front of the legs. The alignment on this specific series is generally excellent, reflecting LEGO's modern precision manufacturing.
Variants
There are over 50 variants of Jay. Similar versions include the 'Legacy' variant and the 'Island' version. This specific FS variant is distinguished by the specific strap printing and the lack of printing on the knees/thighs found on 'Digi Jay'.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the 'clutch' on the hand grasp holding the swords, which can lead to cracks in the wrist. The katanas are made of a softer plastic and often show bite marks or bending. Printing on the torso is durable, but the leg wraps can rub off with heavy play.
Estimated Value
Current market value is approximately $3.00 - $5.00 USD for a used complete figure. New/Mint condition versions can fetch $6.00 - $8.00 USD. It is not a high-value investment piece due to high supply.
Price (New)
This figure appeared in sets ranging from the $3.99 Polybag (30534) to the $39.99 Jay's storm Fighter (70668).
Compatible Sets
70673 ShuriCopter, 70670 Monastery of Spinjitzu (alternate version), 30534 Ninja Training Polybag, and 70682 Spinjitzu Slam - Jay.
Character Background
Jay Walker (born Jay Gordon) is the Elemental Master of Lightning. Known for his humor, rapid-fire talking, and relationship with Nya, he is a core protagonist of the Ninjago series. This suit represents his gear during the quest against Aspheera and the Ice Emperor.
Design Notes
The FS (Forbidden Spinjitzu) line introduced the 'cowl' system where the mask and headgear are separate but interlocking pieces. This design allows for more expressive eyes compared to the older wrap-around single-piece molds.
Similar Minifigures
njo493 (Jay - Legacy), njo549 (Jay - Arcade Pod), njo634 (Jay - Hero), and njo687 (Jay - Island).
Collectibility
Moderate. While every Ninjago collector needs a Jay, the high production volume of this specific variant makes it a 'filler' figure for most collections rather than a 'grail'. It remains popular with children for play.
History
Jay has appeared in every wave of Ninjago since 2011. This 2019 version reflects the 'middle-era' of Ninjago design where printing became more complex and moved away from the more simple 2011-2012 aesthetics.
Interesting Facts
The Medium Azure katanas included with this figure were a new color for the blade at the time of release, previously most katanas were silver, gold, or black.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a light-colored baseplate to contrast with the dark blues and blacks. Pairs perfectly with the FS versions of Kai and Zane from the same 2019 wave.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Dark Ninja' MOCs. The torso and legs are generic enough to be used for custom stealth soldiers or other martial arts characters outside of the Ninjago universe.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-designed minifigure that accurately captures the character's aesthetic from the show. While not financially valuable, it is a high-quality representation of Jay that is essential for completing a 2019 season collection.