Lego Ninjago, Masters of Spinjitsu # 4: Tomb of the Fangpyre

Beware the t-shirt ninja dragon!

Farshtey, Greg. Lego Ninjago, Masters of Spinjitsu #4: Tomb of the Fangpyre. New York : Papercutz, 2012.

Plot: At the request of their sensei, the four ninja masters of Spinjitsu seek the legendary Serpent Stones. As expected, they face multiple trials in recovering the relics. The worst danger, however, may come from the truth of the stones themselves.

Genre: Comics, Adventure, Toys

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Lego Ninjago Encyclopedia, Indiana Jones Omnibus

Personal Thoughts: While this is not the first toy-based media I reviewed, it is the first to commit a simple, avoidable fault. It tells instead of shows. Comics have the unique opportunity to show action and story aspects beyond most texts. Unfortunately, this particular item frequently describes events instead of utilizing graphics. In all fairness, though, the story itself utilizes over-the-top creativity and contains an impressive plot twist. Still, a focus on action instead of "he says" moments could result in more effective storytelling.