Sensei Wu - Tan Robe with Red Sash
njo026 · Ninjago
Masters of Spinjitzu / Rise of the Snakes · 2011 - 2012 (First released in late 2011 for the 2012 wave)
Figure ID
njo026
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2011 - 2012 (First released in late 2011 for the 2012 wave)
Rarity
Uncommon; featured in mid-sized sets but is the iconic version of the mentor character from the early show.
Head
Yellow classic head with white bushy eyebrows and tan wrinkles. It is obscured in the image by a large white beard piece (part 93231) and topped with a Tan Conical Asian Hat (part 93059).
Torso
White torso with a wrap-around robe design, featuring grey undershirt printing and a thick red sash on the front and back. White arms and yellow hands.
Legs
Sand Blue legs with dark brown boots and detailed printing including black wrappings and a continuation of the red sash texture.
Accessories
Includes a tan fabric cape (starched), a long white beard, a tan conical hat, and a brown bo staff (technically a 6L bar with stopper).
Color Scheme
Primary white and sand blue with a focal red sash; accented by tan (hat/cape) and white (beard).
Printing Details
High quality pad printing on torso (front/back) and legs (front). Detailed facial markings are hidden behind the beard. Alignment on the red sash belt typically lines up well across the hip piece.
Variants
There are over 30 versions of Wu; this is the classic 'Tan Robe' version. Later versions included gold armor, black robes, or even a 'Baby Wu'.
Condition Notes
The tan cape is very prone to fraying and creasing. The white beard piece can become loose and swivel too easily over time. Check for 'neck cracks' on the white torso.
Estimated Value
$8.00 - $12.00 USD (Used/Complete); $20.00 - $30.00 USD (New condition).
Price (New)
Included in sets ranging from $19.99 to $49.99 (Retail pricing 2012).
Compatible Sets
9446 Destiny's Bounty (2012), 9450 Epic Dragon Battle (2012), 9555 Wu (Booster Pack).
Character Background
Sensei Wu is the Master of Creation and the mentor to the original six Ninja. He is the brother of Lord Garmadon and son of the First Spinjitzu Master.
Design Notes
This figure marked the transition of Wu from the Pilot season (all white) to a more detailed 'traveling' look using Sand Blue and a cloth cape.
Similar Minifigures
njo013 (White Robe Wu), njo064 (Kimono Wu), njo200 (Tea Cape Wu).
Collectibility
High for Ninjago completionists. While not the most expensive Wu, it is considered his most 'definitive' look from the early seasons of the TV series.
History
First introduced during the first full wave of Ninjago (Rise of the Snakes) as LEGO established the lore beyond the initial pilot mini-movies.
Interesting Facts
The hat piece used here was a brand new mold for Ninjago in 2011 and has since become the standard piece for almost all 'old master' characters in LEGO.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on the deck of the 9446 Destiny's Bounty or in a character lineup with the original 2012 ZX Ninja.
Modification Potential
The beard and hat are frequently used for 'MOC' (My Own Creation) figures of monks, wizards, or characters from Asian folklore.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential Ninjago minifigure. It is a well-designed, thematic representation of a key character with durable printing and unique cloth elements.