By Larry Jorash — LEGO is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. It spans the obvious toy sector, and it has also given rise to several prominent feature films and television shows, along with scores of accompanying video games. Joining the growing number of LEGO-based stories set within this popular brick-verse today is cartoonist Tri Vuong’s new comic book mini-series, LEGO Ninjago - Garmadon #1.

I had the chance to talk with Vuong ahead of the release of this new comic and one thing of particular note that he mentioned was a love for LEGO prior to writing. “My dad got me a lot of the space themed LEGO sets,” he told me. “My memory is a little hazy about which specific one but it might have been 6980 Galaxy Commander. I wish I still had it.”

When leading an adaptation, having passion for the property and its lore is always appreciated by the fans. WIth LEGO Ninjago - Garmadon #1, Vuong’s own interest in this property is evident

The highlight of Vuong’s work on this comic is easily the art. It’s reminiscent of Stan Sakai with its patient storytelling, and it also features multiple references to Kurosawa. Simply put, this is a story that plays well visually. The vibrant color work of Annalisa Leoni was noticeably strong in the flashback dream sequence that opens the comic, moving to compliment Vuong’s linework and its segues to a samurai duel. The world of Ninjago may rely heavily on humor aimed at its younger audiences, but this book also offers readers stellar action choreography.

This comic book seems most rooted in the TV show, rather than the feature film. With that in mind, I did expect a bit more comedy from this one. That said, there’s just so much to like here, and I also expect it to appeal to a wide range of readers, from fans of samuri films to younger folks who just enjoy the property generally. Specifically, fans of the show will be excited that Vuong says he “...wrote Garmadon with Mark Oliver's (Garmadon's TV actor) voice in mind and…tried to stay really faithful to his portrayal of the character.” That all shows, and it’s great.

Overall: A fun journey into the whacky, wonderful world of Lego Ninjago. Brilliant color work and fun nods to classic filmography abound. 7.5/10

REVIEW: LEGO Ninjago - Garmadon #1

Lego Ninjago: Garmadon #1
Writer/Artist: Tri Vuong
Colorist: Annalisa Leoni
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Skybound / Image Comics
SERIES PREMIERE! The All-New LEGO NINJAGO Comic Book Series Starts HERE! Perfect for fans new and old alike, an official new chapter of the LEGO NINJAGO universe begins here!
Far away from Ninjago City, a village is terrorized by a mysterious new threat when they're saved by a stranger with incredible powers known as... Garmadon, Lord of Destruction?! Has Garmadon turned over a new leaf since his disappearance, or is this just the first step in his master plan of finally defeating Master Wu and the ninja forever?
The first collaboration between the LEGO Group and Skybound kicks off from rising star writer/artist TRI VUONG (EVERYDAY HERO MACHINE BOY)! LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and NINJAGO are trademarks and/or copyrights of the LEGO Group. ©2022 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.
Price: $3.99
Buy It Here: Digital

Read our interview with Tri Vuong!

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Larry Jorash (He/Him) resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)