Kai - The Golden Weapons (Pilot Episodes / Core)
njo007 · Ninjago
Pilot Episodes / Way of the Ninja · 2011. This was the debut year of Ninjago, the theme that would eventually replace LEGO Ninja and become one of the company's most successful long-running 'big bang' themes.
Figure ID
njo007
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2011. This was the debut year of Ninjago, the theme that would eventually replace LEGO Ninja and become one of the company's most successful long-running 'big bang' themes.
Rarity
Uncommon. While he appeared in several sets in 2011, this specific original 'Pilot' version was eventually replaced by many redesigned versions (ZX, Kimono, etc.), making the original 2011 version a nostalgic collector's item.
Head
Yellow head with Kai's signature determined/angry expression, featuring scarred eyebrows. Topped with a red two-piece wrap headgear (ninja wrap and cowl).
Torso
Red torso with black ninja gi lapel printing and 'Ninjago' characters in gold (representing the fire symbol). Features black arms and yellow hands (representing gloves).
Legs
Plain red legs with no printing. This was standard for the initial wave before more detailed leg printing became common in Ninjago.
Accessories
The figure is shown holding a version of the Sword of Fire (one of the four Golden Weapons). Usually includes a standard black katana or the specialized gold dragon sword.
Color Scheme
Dominant Red (representing Elemental Fire) with Black accents and Gold character printing. Yellow flesh tone for the head.
Printing Details
Pad printing on the torso front and back. The alignment is usually crisp, though older 2011 prints sometimes show minor fading on the gold characters if heavily played with.
Variants
Multiple variants exist of this specific suit (njo005, njo007) depending on whether the back has a printed emblem or if it came from a spinner set vs a building set.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'neck cracks' in the torso and cracks on the side of the heels. The red ninja wrap can sometimes suffer from loose clutch power if removed frequently.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8 USD | New: $15 - $20 USD. Value is heavily dictated by the condition of the torso printing and the integrity of the plastic at the joints.
Price (New)
Originally available in various sets ranging from $10 (Spinners) to $70 (Fire Temple).
Compatible Sets
2254 Kai's Bike, 2505 Garmadon's Dark Fortress, 2507 Fire Temple, and several starter spinner packs.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and older brother to Nya. In the pilot episodes, he was a blacksmith's apprentice before being recruited by Sensei Wu to rescue his sister from the Skeleton Army.
Design Notes
This figure features the original two-piece headgear system (wrap + cowl) which was a revolution in ninja design at the time, allowing for more dynamic expressions than the 1998 system.
Similar Minifigures
Original Jay (njo004), Zane (njo001), and Cole (njo006) from the same 2011 wave.
Collectibility
High for 'Legacy' collectors. Many people who grew up with Ninjago consider this the definitive version of the character and an essential piece of Ninjago history.
History
This figure marks the start of the Ninjago era. It survived the transition from a 2-year planned theme to a permanent staple for LEGO.
Interesting Facts
The gold characters on his chest actually translate directly to 'Fire' in a stylized Ninjago script. This is the only version of Kai to feature this specific lapel design without shoulder armor.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a dark gray or red baseplate, ideally next to the original Sword of Fire or his 2011 spinner base.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' MOCs, as the torso is very versatile for creating generic Red Ninjas for Castle or modern themes.
Overall Assessment
An iconic piece of LEGO history. While simple by modern standards (no leg printing), it represents the birth of one of the world's most popular toy franchises. A solid buy for any Ninjago fan.