Cole in Honor Robes (Day of the Departed)

Cole in his Honor Robes from the Day of the Departed special is a fantastic piece for any dedicated Ninjago collector. What makes this version particularly special is its unique design reflecting Cole's struggles and transformation during that eerie television special, complete with a striking golden emblem on the torso and specialized scabbard armor to hold his katanas. The dual-sided head featuring his characteristic bushy eyebrows and lightning bolt accent adds great character expression.

When hunting for this variant, collectors should pay close attention to the condition of the printed elements, especially the gold emblem on the torso and the intricate sash printing on the legs, which can wear down over time if played with heavily. Securing one with all its original gear, including the shoulder armor and katanas, is a must-have milestone for completionists trying to round out the ninja team in their specific seasonal attire.

This particular minifigure has a high degree of scarcity among vintage ninja variants because it was restricted to a single, retired flagship set, the Ultra Stealth Raider. Unlike the standard gi variants that often appear across multiple wave sets or magazines, this specialized outfit was tied to a specific narrative release, making it much harder to stumble upon in loose bulk lots.

As time marches on, finding complete examples with the correct shoulder pad and dual scabbard configuration becomes increasingly difficult on the secondary market. Regional availability wasn't severely limited, but the sheer age of the set means fewer pristine copies are circulating among active traders today.