Heavy Metal
njo498 · Ninjago
Hunted · Released in 2018. This figure appeared as part of the 'Hunted' wave (Season 9), which focused on the Dragon Hunters in the Realm of Oni and Dragons.
Figure ID
njo498
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
Released in 2018. This figure appeared as part of the 'Hunted' wave (Season 9), which focused on the Dragon Hunters in the Realm of Oni and Dragons.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not restricted to a single set, she appeared in the mid-to-high price tier sets of the wave, making her less common than generic grunt hunters.
Head
Features a dual-sided head with a Glow in the Dark (Trans-Neon Green) skeletal mask design on one side and a menacing expression on the other. Includes a black hood.
Torso
Black torso with detailed scrap-metal armor printing, featuring red belts and silver metallic plates. Includes black arms and bright yellowish-green hands. She is equipped with a Flat Silver neck-bracket armor piece.
Legs
Black legs with high-detail printing of metal plates, red straps, and toe caps. The printing is sharp and aligned with the torso's aesthetic of a post-apocalyptic scavenger.
Accessories
Equipped with a Vengestone Chain rifle built from a red bar, technical connectors, and a red plate. Note: The chain itself appears missing in the image provided.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are black and flat silver, with striking bright yellowish-green (lime) accents on the hands and head, and dark red belt details.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso (front/back), legs (front), and a specialized glow-in-the-dark head print. The detail mimics the 'scrap metal' look of the Hunted sub-theme.
Variants
This is the only version of 'Heavy Metal' produced; however, the character is revealed to be Faith in later episodes, who has a different minifigure (njo495).
Condition Notes
Common wear includes scratching on the flat silver chest plate and loss of the 'glow' effect if exposed to harsh chemicals. Check for cracks in the black torso under arms.
Estimated Value
Approximately $5.00 - $8.00 USD for a used complete figure. New condition can reach $12.00 USD. Value fluctuates based on the presence of the brick-built weapon.
Price (New)
Appeared in sets ranging from $49.99 to $69.99. Not sold individually.
Compatible Sets
70652 Stormbringer, 70655 Dragon Pit.
Character Background
Heavy Metal was the high-ranking leader of the Dragon Hunters under Iron Baron. She was later revealed to be Faith, an ally to the Ninja who sought to reform her people.
Design Notes
Notable for the use of Trans-Neon Green head printing to simulate a glow effect. The scrap-metal armor design is a hallmark of the 'Mad Max' inspired aesthetic of Season 9.
Similar Minifigures
Iron Baron (njo497), Faith (njo495), Daddy No Legs (njo500), and other Dragon Hunters from the Hunted wave.
Collectibility
Highly collectible for Ninjago completionists as a key antagonist/protagonist. Demand is stable due to the popularity of the Hunted season.
History
Represented a shift in Ninjago towards more mature, post-apocalyptic designs. This figure was part of the first wave to use the 2017 movie-style ninja designs in a TV show context.
Interesting Facts
The glow-in-the-dark face is a direct reference to Vengestone's properties in the show. Heavy Metal is one of the few female lead antagonists in the early Ninjago years.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed alongside the Stormbringer dragon or Iron Baron to recreate the hunt scenes. Use a black baseplate to make the lime accents pop.
Modification Potential
The silver armor and black hood are popular for custom post-apocalyptic or knight-themed MOCs. The lime hands are a useful part for custom radioactive figures.
Overall Assessment
An excellent, highly-detailed minifigure. It receives a 8/10 for design and accuracy to source material. Recommended for any Ninjago fan collecting the Hunted era villains.