Ashado (Dragon Hunter)
njo469 · Ninjago
Hunted · 2018 (Season 9 tie-in)
Figure ID
njo469
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2018 (Season 9 tie-in)
Rarity
Uncommon. He appeared in only two sets from the 2018 Hunted wave. While not extremely rare, he is a specific named character from a popular villain faction.
Head
Solid red head with a thin mustache, soul patch, and black eyebrows. It features a unique metallic silver and black 'mask' or crown-like visor printing on the upper half. This head is unique to this character.
Torso
Pearl Dark Gray torso with copper and silver armor printing. Center features a Lime Green 'swirl' or dragon eye symbol inside a metallic bracket. Back features continuation of the armor plating and leather straps. Arms are pearl dark gray with dark red hands.
Legs
Black legs with dark red and dark gray diamond pattern printing on the hips and upper legs. This pattern represents the scavenged, scrapbound aesthetic of the Dragon Hunter faction.
Accessories
Includes a tattered, frayed black fabric cape (unique 'shredded' style). Missing from this specific image are his original weapons: a jagged dark gray sword and a bone-handled dagger.
Color Scheme
Pearl Dark Gray, Black, and Dark Red with Copper, Silver, and Lime Green accents. The scheme is designed to look post-apocalyptic and industrial.
Printing Details
Highly detailed pad printing. The torso includes copper-colored metallic ink that catches the light. The pattern on the legs is intricate, though it does not wrap around to the sides or back.
Variants
There are no official variants of Ashado, though he shares armor design aesthetic with other Dragon Hunters like Daddy No Legs or Iron Baron.
Condition Notes
The tattered cape is prone to further fraying if handled roughly. The metallic printing on the torso can scratch over time. The red hands are prone to standard 'hairline cracks' in the wrist sockets.
Estimated Value
Used (Complete): $5.00 - $8.00 USD. Used (Incomplete/No Weapons): $3.00 - $5.00 USD. New/Mint: Usually found by purchasing the sealed sets for $100+.
Price (New)
He debuted in Set 70652 (Stormbringer) which retailed for $39.99 USD, and Set 70653 (Firstbourne) for $69.99 USD.
Compatible Sets
70652 Stormbringer; 70653 Firstbourne.
Character Background
Ashado is a member of the Dragon Hunters, a faction led by the Iron Baron in the Realm of Oni and Dragons. They hunt dragons to harvest their elemental power.
Design Notes
The use of 'burnt red' for the skin tone was a bold choice for this wave to indicate the harsh environment of the Realm of Oni and Dragons. It utilizes the then-new 'tattered cape' mold.
Similar Minifigures
Iron Baron (njo465), Heavy Metal (njo452), Daddy No Legs (njo451), and Chew Toy (njo453).
Collectibility
Moderate. He is essential for fans wanting to complete the Season 9 'Hunted' villain roster, though he is ranked lower in desirability than the main villain, Iron Baron.
History
2018 marked a major shift for Ninjago toward a 'Mad Max' inspired urban-scrap aesthetic. Ashado was part of the first wave to use this specific dark, metallic color palette.
Interesting Facts
The 'swirl' on his chest is the symbol of the Dragon Hunters, intended to mimic the look of a dragon's eye or a captive elemental soul.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside other Dragon Hunters and a brick-built dragon (like Firstbourne) to recreate the hunt scenes. Use a sandy or dark tan baseplate for a desert vibe.
Modification Potential
Excellent for post-apocalyptic 'MOCs'. The torso and legs are very popular for creating custom wasteland survivors or steampunk characters.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-detailed figure that captures the gritty aesthetic of Ninjago's mid-series soft reboot. While not a high-value investment, he is a high-quality play figure with great parts.