Cole

Released in 2012 as part of the initial Ninjago theme wave, this iteration of the character Cole represents the Earth Ninja during the Rise of the Snakes storyline. The figure was produced to coincide with the expansion of the Lego Ninjago universe, moving the franchise into a more narrative-driven phase that blended traditional ninja motifs with high-concept fantasy technology. Its design features the iconic black ninja gi associated with the character, updated with the specific printing style consistent with early 2010s minifigure aesthetics.

The character design was crafted by the Lego design team to distinguish Cole as the group's grounded, physical powerhouse. By utilizing a black color palette with distinct dark grey accents and stylized facial expressions, the designers aimed to balance a sense of stoic strength with the brand's requirement for playability and appeal to younger audiences. Upon release, this version became a staple for collectors of the original Ninjago lineup, serving as the foundational reference point for the character's subsequent evolutions across the animated series and modular sets.