Viper (Ninjago: Prime Empire)
njo573 · Ninjago
Prime Empire · 2020 - Part of the first wave of the Season 12: Prime Empire sub-theme, representing the digital game world aesthetic.
Figure ID
njo573
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2020 - Part of the first wave of the Season 12: Prime Empire sub-theme, representing the digital game world aesthetic.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While widely available in three different sets during its release year, the figure is now retired and specific to a single season wave.
Head
The head is hidden by a black wrap-around mask/helmet piece (Part 65435). Underneath, there is a trans-red head with binary/digital printing representing the NPC AI nature of the character.
Torso
Black torso with a pink and blue digital graffiti/lightning pattern. It features yellow arms and black hands. The print includes a buckled vest design with electronic circuitry aesthetics.
Legs
Dark bluish gray legs with extensive printing. Details include black kneepads, a belt with a center buckle, and a chain hanging from the hip on the right side.
Accessories
Equipped with a black neck armor piece with shoulder pauldrons (Part 23971). The figure in the image is shown wearing a black helmet with binocular visors/goggles (Part 41539/30162).
Color Scheme
A striking neon palette of Black, Yellow, Pink (Bright Pink), and Blue (Medium Azure) on a Dark Bluish Gray base, evoking a 1980s cyberpunk or synthwave style.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of the 2020 era. Features multi-color applications on the torso and precise detail on the legs including 'glitch' effects and hardware layers.
Variants
Viper is a generic 'henchman' character. Variants include 'Richie' (njo566) who uses similar parts but with a different rat-like head mold.
Condition Notes
The yellow arms are prone to stress marks at the elbows. The black visor printing on the goggles can occasionally rub off with heavy play. The neck armor can cause minor scuffing on the torso print if rotated frequently.
Estimated Value
Used: $3.00 - $5.00 USD. New/Mint: $6.00 - $8.00 USD. Value is stable as a common army-builder figure.
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure). Originally available in sets ranging from $14.99 to $79.99 retail.
Compatible Sets
71709 Jay and Lloyd's Velocity Racers, 71711 Jay's Cyber Dragon, and 71712 Empire Temple of Madness.
Character Background
Viper is a member of Unagami's army of Red Visors within the Prime Empire video game. They serve as digitized henchmen tasked with stopping the Ninja and collecting Key-Tanas.
Design Notes
A departure from traditional Ninjago fantasy, this design focuses on 'Gamer' culture and cyberpunk tropes, utilizing the shoulder armor originally introduced in the Nexo Knights theme.
Similar Minifigures
Red Visor (njo572), Richie (njo566), Hausner (njo567), and Unagami (njo579).
Collectibility
Moderate. Popular among Ninjago completionists and builders who enjoy 'Cyberpunk' or 'Sci-Fi' MOCs even outside the Ninjago fandom.
History
Represents LEGO’s first major foray into a fully digital/video-game-themed season for Ninjago, marking a significant aesthetic shift in the franchise's evolution.
Interesting Facts
The printing on the torso includes stylized Ninjago script that mirrors the 'glitch' aesthetic of the Prime Empire world. Despite being named 'Viper', there is nothing serpentine about the character's design.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a translucent blue 'digitized' baseplate or within a neon-lit arcade MOC alongside the Ninjago Arcade Pods.
Modification Potential
Excellent. The torso and legs are highly sought after for 80s themed custom figures, sci-fi rebels, or futuristic street gangs.
Overall Assessment
A solid, visually vibrant minifigure that perfectly captures the Prime Empire aesthetic. While not highly valuable, it is a standout examples of LEGO's graphic design capabilities in the 2020s.