Cole - Hands of Time
njo293 · Ninjago
Hands of Time · 2017 - Debuted in January wave alongside the Season 7 TV series premiere.
Figure ID
njo293
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2017 - Debuted in January wave alongside the Season 7 TV series premiere.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. It was available in two retail sets and a polybag, making it widely accessible during its production run.
Head
Double-sided yellow head: one side with a determined/angry expression and bushy black eyebrows, the other with a concentrated look. Features a black ninja wrap/balaclava with an orange headband piece (part 21876) featuring the Ninjago 'Earth' symbol.
Torso
Black torso with Hands of Time Gi design. Features tan dragon details, orange rope belt (obi), and grey mesh armor textures. Back printing includes the continued belt and dragon tail motif. Black arms and hands.
Legs
Black legs with printing continuation of the Gi robes, featuring dark brown straps/wraps and dark grey knee plating.
Accessories
In its original sets, this figure usually included a large hammer with a transparent neon-orange head or a silver katana. The accessory is missing in the provided image.
Color Scheme
Primary: Black. Accents: Orange (Cole's signature color), Tan, and Dark Grey. Metallic silver printed highlights on the armor.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso (front/back), legs (front), and head. Features intricate mesh patterns and character-specific calligraphy on the headband.
Variants
This is the 'Hands of Time' version. Other Cole variants include legacy, ZX, Kimono, DX, and Dragon Power versions, each with distinct color blocking and armor prints.
Condition Notes
Look for paint wear on the orange headband and torso edges. Common issues include friction marks on the black plastic and vertical cracks on the sides of the torso near the arm holes.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD. New: $8.00 - $12.00 USD. Parts only: Torso/Legs usually sell for $1.50 each.
Price (New)
Contained in sets ranging from $9.99 (70621) to $79.99 (70625). Price per minifigure in sets was approximately $3.33-$5.00 retail.
Compatible Sets
70621 The Vermillion Attack, 70625 Samurai VXL, and 30426 Stealthy Venomari Polybag.
Character Background
Cole is the Elemental Master of Earth. In the 'Hands of Time' season, he and the other ninja battle Krux and Acronix to prevent them from altering the past using the Time Blades.
Design Notes
The Hands of Time suit marks a transition toward more tactical, 'taped' armor textures. This specific Cole headpiece uses the newer 21876 mask mold that allows for interchangeable headband colors.
Similar Minifigures
Hands of Time versions of Kai (njo274), Jay (njo284), and Lloyd (njo299). Also compares to Cole RX (shades of grey/black).
Collectibility
High for Ninjago completists but moderate for general collectors. The 'Hands of Time' sub-theme is nostalgic for fans of the early-to-mid show era.
History
Launched during the peak of Ninjago's popularity prior to the 'Movie' redesign, this figure represents the classic character design before the 2017 character model resets.
Interesting Facts
This version of Cole was released during his 'ghost-to-human' transition period in the lore, appearing fully human here after the Day of the Departed special.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the Vermillion warriors or the Samurai VXL vehicle. Use a 2x4 black tile base with an orange transparent highlight.
Modification Potential
Excellent for custom Earth Ninjas. The black and orange Gi pieces are frequently reused in MOCs for tactical urban soldiers or dark assassins.
Overall Assessment
A solid, era-defining minifigure for Cole. High print detail and faithful to the TV series. Rated 7/10 for design and 5/10 for rarity/investment.