Reading: PRINCESS NINJAS - Dave Franchini (writer), Eduardo Garcia, Robby Bevard, and Maxflan Araujo (illustrators/artists)

Princess Ninjas is the first of a projected series of graphic novels, this one containing three loosely-linked stories all set in the kingdom of Chiyome, which is currently enjoying years of peace and prosperity after the king long ago vanquished an ancient evil from the land. Sadly, before said evil was banished, other nearby kingdoms fell and the Chiyome king and queen had suddenly found themselves raising three baby girls as their own - the first-born princesses of the fallen kingdoms, as well as the last of their people of survive. Flash forward to the three foster siblings in their tween/teen years, the princesses laughing and playing and squabbling like any other set of sisters, not knowing of their true powers or destiny as the Prince Ninjas ... until pushed into service when its learned the ancient evil formerly driven from their land is growing stronger and about to make a comeback - the Princess Ninjas, along with their sidekick Turtle-Bear, in his sights. Princess Ninjas was a cute, fun read with strong messages about acceptance and family love and sibling loyalty (especially when your siblings aren't siblings by blood, though family nonetheless), but overall the three individual stories weren't exceptionally original, at times the dialogue so long and intrusive it felt the words were smothering out the images fighting for space in the same panel. Am wondering if perhaps my disappointment came from expecting, maybe, a slightly darker or more sarcastic vibe from something entitled Princess Ninjas; if so my bad because this is strictly for younger kids, who should definitely enjoy it. Princess Ninjas isn't bad, by any means; you just get the impression, reading it, that it could have been so much more.  3/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.