LEGO® from 2012
LEGO® 2012: NINJAGO and the Serpentine
The LEGO® NINJAGO models from 2012 pit the ninja against the Serpentine: various snake groups, each with their own appearance. This is reflected in the figures, vehicles, and playsets. Models such as Venomari Shrine 9440, Kai's Blade Cycle 9441, Rattlecopter 9443, and Destiny's Bounty 9446 give this period a very different look from the launch year.
Individual figures help complete an existing model. Fang-Suei njo0036 is recognizable, for example, by his red snake head and red-and-white design. If you're looking for a specific snake or ninja, it's a good idea to compare the figure code and printing.
More than just LEGO® NINJAGO from 2012
The year collection also brings together other themes. Think of City Garage 4207, Garbage Truck 4432, Technic 4 x 4 Crawler 9398 and products from Star Wars, Cars, or Super Heroes. A theme describes the play world; the year helps you find models from the same period together.
Note the difference between a complete set, an individual minifigure, and a NINJAGO game card. Especially with a broad selection of collectible products, you may encounter the same characters in multiple types of products. A card with a ninja is not a figure, and an individual figure does not automatically include the vehicle that came with the original model.
Finding older sets and adding to your collection selectively
For an old LEGO® set from 2012, the number provides more certainty than the name alone. Also check the version and condition offered. For a Technic model, information about moving or electrical parts and the stated completeness is useful; for minifigures, the printing, headgear, and accessories are what matter.
If you want to follow the development of a theme, you can go back to LEGO® from 2011 or look ahead to LEGO® from 2015. This collection is a selection from the store's inventory, not a guarantee that all 2012 releases are available.