Samukai
njo011 · Ninjago
Masters of Spinjitzu / Pilot Episodes · Released in 2011. This figure debuted in the very first wave of Ninjago sets (Garmadon's Dark Fortress) alongside the launch of the TV pilot specials.
Figure ID
njo011
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
Released in 2011. This figure debuted in the very first wave of Ninjago sets (Garmadon's Dark Fortress) alongside the launch of the TV pilot specials.
Rarity
Rare. It was exclusive to the largest set of the initial wave (2116) and a spinner pack (2506), and has never been remade with the same specialized four-armed mold.
Head
Features an oversized, specialized white skull head mold with large red eyes, a prominent jawline, and detailed black skeletal facial printing. Unlike standard minifigures, the head and armor are integrated.
Torso
A specialized white skeletal torso piece with four distinct arm sockets. It features a black chest plate with a dark red circular skull emblem in the center. The four arms are standard skeletal arms.
Legs
Standard skeletal legs in white with a black hip piece and black printing detailing on the shins, representing basic armor plating.
Accessories
Commonly paired with four golden daggers or the Shurikens of Ice, though the figure itself depends on the four-revolvable-arm gimmick. In the image, no external weapons are held.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are White and Black, with blood-red accents in the eyes and dark red on the chest emblem.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the face and chest. The alignment of the red 'Skull' emblem on the torso is a key identifier of authenticity.
Variants
None of the four-armed version. A standard-sized 'micro' version appeared in an accessory pack, but this large-scale version is unique to 2011.
Condition Notes
Critical wear points include the four arm clips, which are prone to stress marks or snapping if arms are frequently swapped. The black chest print can scratch easily.
Estimated Value
Used complete: $25–$45 USD; New/Mint: $60+ USD. The price is driven by nostalgia for the original Ninjago wave.
Price (New)
Included in set 2505 (Garmadon's Dark Fortress) for $69.99 and set 2506 (Skull Truck) for $59.99 in 2011.
Compatible Sets
2505 Garmadon's Dark Fortress, 2506 Skull Truck, and 2259 Skull Motorbike (as a spinner pack variant).
Character Background
Samukai was the King of the Underworld and leader of the Skeleton Army. He famously served Lord Garmadon until he was consumed by the power of the four Golden Weapons.
Design Notes
Revolutionary at the time for being the first 'four-armed' minifigure design, utilizing a double-torso mold that would later pave the way for characters like Lord Garmadon and General Kozu.
Similar Minifigures
Lord Garmadon (four-armed versions), General Kozu, and Kruncha/Wyplash (standard skeletons from the same wave).
Collectibility
High. As the first major antagonist of Ninjago, he is a cornerstone for collectors of the theme's origins.
History
Ninjago's 2011 launch relied heavily on these skeletal designs. While regular skeletons used standard bodies, Samukai's unique mold marked a milestone in character-specific sculpting for LEGO.
Interesting Facts
Samukai is one of the few characters to actually 'die' twice in Ninjago lore. His four-armed mold is actually two torso segments fused together in production.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed standing atop a stone-themed baseplate or within a shadow box alongside the four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu.
Modification Potential
The four-armed torso is highly sought after for MOC (My Own Creation) builders making custom fantasy monsters or multi-armed aliens.
Overall Assessment
An iconic 9/10 figure for Ninjago fans. Its unique silhouette and historical status as the first 'Big Bad' make it a standout piece in any collection.