Skales
njo032 · Ninjago
Rise of the Snakes · 2012; debuted in the first full wave of Ninjago following the 2011 pilot season, marking the introduction of the Serpentine tribes.
Figure ID
njo032
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012; debuted in the first full wave of Ninjago following the 2011 pilot season, marking the introduction of the Serpentine tribes.
Rarity
Uncommon; while he appeared in a mid-priced set, he is a primary antagonist and highly sought after by collectors of early Ninjago waves.
Head
Unique molded Serpentine head with sand green hood/cowl; dark blue face with red eyes, fangs, and scale printing; non-traditional shape.
Torso
Sand green with dark blue chest and yellow/gold scale printing; hypnotic swirl patterns on the abdomen and back; black hands.
Legs
Sand green with dark blue and yellow/gold scale printing; continuation of the hypnotic swirl patterns from the torso.
Accessories
Hypnobrai Staff (Gold) which includes a unique hypnotic swirl translucent tile. Historically, he often carries this staff to control others' minds.
Color Scheme
Sand green, dark blue, and yellow/gold accents, reflecting the Hypnobrai tribe's signature palette.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing across the head, torso, and legs; features intricate 'hypnotic' swirl motifs and scale alignment between pieces.
Variants
Standard version (njo032) and a version with a tail piece instead of legs (njo069) released in 2012 for the character's later appearances.
Condition Notes
Prone to wear on the neck joint where the head mold sits; gold printing on the scales can rub off over time with heavy play.
Estimated Value
Used: $15-$25 USD; New: $35-$50 USD depending on the market and completeness (specifically the staff accessory).
Price (New)
Included in set 9444 Cole's Tread Assault, which carried an original retail price of $39.99 USD.
Compatible Sets
9444 Cole's Tread Assault (2012) and 9446 Destiny's Bounty (2012).
Character Background
The General (and later King) of the Hypnobrai tribe; Skales is known for his ambition, cunning, and ability to hypnotize enemies.
Design Notes
One of the first uses of the elongated Serpentine head molds; captures the animated show's aesthetic accurately through a mix of molding and print.
Similar Minifigures
Skalidor (njo067), Slithraa (njo031), Rattla (njo033), and Mezmo (njo034).
Collectibility
High; as a named General and key villain from the early 'Golden Era' of Ninjago, he is a staple for theme completionists.
History
Skales represents the second evolution of Ninjago villains after the Skeletons; he remains a recurring character in later seasons of the show.
Interesting Facts
The Hypnobrai staff contains a 'Hypno-tile' that was part of a physical spinner game mechanic used in early Ninjago product lines.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside other Serpentine Generals or inside a snake-themed MOC; use a clear stand to highlight the unique head mold profile.
Modification Potential
The head piece is popular for custom fantasy/alien builds; the hypnotic swirl pattern is useful for 'enchanted' or 'mind-controlled' characters.
Overall Assessment
A classic Ninjago villain with excellent colors and a unique mold. Rated 8/10 for design and importance to Ninjago lore.