Cole - Kendo
njo040 · Ninjago
Rise of the Snakes / Kendo · 2012 (First year of the Ninjago: Rise of the Snakes wave)
Figure ID
njo040
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2012 (First year of the Ninjago: Rise of the Snakes wave)
Rarity
Uncommon; while mass-produced in 2012, this specific armored version was tied to early collectible spinners and a specific gear accessory set.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone with Cole's signature thick black bushy eyebrows and a determined grin; single-sided printing; features a specialized Flat Silver Kendo Helmet with a cage faceplate.
Torso
Black Kimono/Ninja wrap style with dark bluish gray belt and scarf details, featuring subtle grey creases on front; no back printing; black arms and black hands.
Legs
Solid black legs and hips with printing on the hips of a tied belt; toes or leg fronts are unprinted (Classic NINJA style).
Accessories
Flat Silver Kendo Armor (chest piece) with attached shoulder guards; the figure in the image is missing his typical wooden kendo staff (Braid Ornament on a brown bar) or black katana.
Color Scheme
Predominantly Black and Flat Silver, representing the Master of Earth. Accent colors include Dark Bluish Gray and Yellow.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing characteristic of the early 2012 era. Focus is primarily on the torso kimono folds and the iconic facial features.
Variants
Standard Cole (njo006) lacks the armor; ZX Cole (njo048) features more complex silver armor and a shoulder-mounted scabbard.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the silver paint on the kendo helmet cage which can rub off, and stress marks on the side 'flaps' of the chest armor.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; New/Sealed: $12.00 - $15.00 USD; Incomplete (as pictured): $3.00 - $4.00 USD.
Price (New)
Originally included in the Cole Kendo Spinner (9551) for $4.99 or the Kendo Gear booster pack.
Compatible Sets
9551 Kendo Cole, 9444 Cole's Tread Assault (as an additional gear option), and various 2012 booster packs.
Character Background
Cole is the Elemental Master of Earth and the original leader of the Ninja team. This version represents his training phase during the second season of the show.
Design Notes
The Kendo armor was a unique mold introduced in the 2012 wave to add 'level-up' playability to the spinning combat game mechanics.
Similar Minifigures
Kendo Kai (njo038), Kendo Jay (njo043), Kendo Zane (njo041).
Collectibility
Moderate; essential for 'completionist' Ninjago collectors but widely available enough that prices remain affordable.
History
Part of the first major evolution of Ninjago minifigures where standard ninjas were upgraded with modular armor pieces for the Spinner game.
Interesting Facts
The faceprint used here is the 'original' Cole face, which was permanently changed after the LEGO Ninjago Movie (2017) to a new design with a scar.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a 2012-era Crown Spinner or in a training dojo MOC alongside the other three Kendo-armored Ninja.
Modification Potential
The Flat Silver armor is a highly sought-after 'purist' part for creating custom knights or futuristic gladiator minifigures.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic staple of the early Ninjago era. While simple in design, the unique armored silhouette makes it a standout for fans of the show's early years.