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The Stuff of Legend #2
The Stuff of Legend, Book 2: The Jungle
Unsuccessful in their quest thus far, the band of heroic toys travel farther behind enemy lines in search of their human master. There they uncover the true history of the mysterious closet realm known as the Dark in the bombed out husk of a ruined Zoo. Battle weary and vastly outnumbered by the armies of the cunning Boogeyman, Maxwell the teddy bear and Percy the piggy bank lead their troops into the savage wilds of the Jungle in search of sanctuary. Loyalties will be tested and horrible secrets exposed in The Stuff of Legend Book 2: The Jungle.
Book Details: Format: Paperback Publication Date: 5/17/2011 Pages: 144
Book Details: Format: Paperback Publication Date: 5/17/2011 Pages: 144
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 13, 2022
The adventure continues with the second installment of The Stuff of Legend and I'll say right away... this is even better than the first.
With book two you get even more of the same beautiful otherworldly sepia tone pencil work from Charles Paul Wilson III, but what really sets this book above its initial offering is the story here. I mentioned in my review for the first book that it appeared a bit linear due to it presenting more like an introduction to the series, but that isn't the case with book two. The story now gets layers of subplot added, the character development is taken in a wonderful direction, and there are intriguing twists!
The world building here is clever and creative and The Jungle setting really does help with showcasing the different aspects of Boogeyman's dark world.
Overall, after reading book two this series has gone from an intriguing little gem, to a must read for me. I desperately want to finish this series now and I'm really surprised we've not seen this on the big or small screens yet!
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My score: 8/10
Goodreads: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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With book two you get even more of the same beautiful otherworldly sepia tone pencil work from Charles Paul Wilson III, but what really sets this book above its initial offering is the story here. I mentioned in my review for the first book that it appeared a bit linear due to it presenting more like an introduction to the series, but that isn't the case with book two. The story now gets layers of subplot added, the character development is taken in a wonderful direction, and there are intriguing twists!
The world building here is clever and creative and The Jungle setting really does help with showcasing the different aspects of Boogeyman's dark world.
Overall, after reading book two this series has gone from an intriguing little gem, to a must read for me. I desperately want to finish this series now and I'm really surprised we've not seen this on the big or small screens yet!
____________
My score: 8/10
Goodreads: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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August 12, 2026
The Jungle, the second volume of The Stuff of Legend, does exactly what a good sequel should do: it takes the world established in the first book and expands it considerably, making it stranger, richer and more dangerous.
The search for the boy continues, but the toys are now deep behind enemy lines, exhausted and vastly outnumbered. What begins as a rescue mission becomes something much larger as Maxwell, Percy and the others discover the history of the mysterious realm of the Dark—and, with it, secrets that change our understanding of the world they are fighting through.
The ruined zoo is a particularly inspired setting. There is something wonderfully disturbing about taking a place that should represent life, curiosity and childhood wonder and transforming it into a gateway to something savage and nightmarish. From there, the journey into the Jungle feels like a descent into an increasingly hostile world where the distinction between friend and enemy becomes ever harder to maintain.
And once again, the imagination behind this saga is extraordinary. Raicht and Smith keep finding new ways to make the premise feel fresh, while Charles Paul Wilson III's artwork is the perfect visual counterpart to their ideas. His creatures, environments and characters possess an almost tangible physicality, and the sheer amount of detail makes the Dark feel like a fully realized world rather than merely the backdrop for an adventure.
But perhaps the most interesting development is that the story is becoming less about simply finding the boy and more about understanding the world in which he has disappeared. Loyalties are tested, old wounds are reopened, and horrible truths emerge. The toys are beginning to discover that the Dark isn't simply a place inhabited by monsters: it has a history, and that history matters.
The result is a second volume that preserves everything that worked in The Dark while broadening the mythology and raising the stakes considerably.
The first book opened the door.
This one takes us much farther inside.
The search for the boy continues, but the toys are now deep behind enemy lines, exhausted and vastly outnumbered. What begins as a rescue mission becomes something much larger as Maxwell, Percy and the others discover the history of the mysterious realm of the Dark—and, with it, secrets that change our understanding of the world they are fighting through.
The ruined zoo is a particularly inspired setting. There is something wonderfully disturbing about taking a place that should represent life, curiosity and childhood wonder and transforming it into a gateway to something savage and nightmarish. From there, the journey into the Jungle feels like a descent into an increasingly hostile world where the distinction between friend and enemy becomes ever harder to maintain.
And once again, the imagination behind this saga is extraordinary. Raicht and Smith keep finding new ways to make the premise feel fresh, while Charles Paul Wilson III's artwork is the perfect visual counterpart to their ideas. His creatures, environments and characters possess an almost tangible physicality, and the sheer amount of detail makes the Dark feel like a fully realized world rather than merely the backdrop for an adventure.
But perhaps the most interesting development is that the story is becoming less about simply finding the boy and more about understanding the world in which he has disappeared. Loyalties are tested, old wounds are reopened, and horrible truths emerge. The toys are beginning to discover that the Dark isn't simply a place inhabited by monsters: it has a history, and that history matters.
The result is a second volume that preserves everything that worked in The Dark while broadening the mythology and raising the stakes considerably.
The first book opened the door.
This one takes us much farther inside.
August 27, 2019
The story of our intrepid “heroes” marches apace. We get to see more what is actually happening to the boy. He encounters another child and they try their best to help one another although both are bewilderingly lost in this strange new world.
The Boogeyman’s determination to separate and destroy the toys continues. He can move wherever there is shadow and can be charming or deadly depending on his mood. His hold over Percy the treacherous pig strengthens with each encounter. But the story takes unexpected twists and turns and never more so than when the toys find themselves at the mercy of other animal toys that have made it into the Dark.
You feel for the intrepid toys. They run into treachery and attack at almost every turn. They are outnumbered and facing hostile forces, if not from the Boogeyman’s army then from the other denizens of the Dark, who have no fondness for human children. Percy’s bitter resentment towards the boy is given a deeper resonance when they meet other playthings that have suffered at the hands of children who have abandoned them.
It’s one thrilling story and not entirely for children. I imagine adults may like this, especially those who grew up with the Toy Story franchise.
The Boogeyman’s determination to separate and destroy the toys continues. He can move wherever there is shadow and can be charming or deadly depending on his mood. His hold over Percy the treacherous pig strengthens with each encounter. But the story takes unexpected twists and turns and never more so than when the toys find themselves at the mercy of other animal toys that have made it into the Dark.
You feel for the intrepid toys. They run into treachery and attack at almost every turn. They are outnumbered and facing hostile forces, if not from the Boogeyman’s army then from the other denizens of the Dark, who have no fondness for human children. Percy’s bitter resentment towards the boy is given a deeper resonance when they meet other playthings that have suffered at the hands of children who have abandoned them.
It’s one thrilling story and not entirely for children. I imagine adults may like this, especially those who grew up with the Toy Story franchise.
January 30, 2022
Strong 8/10.
Score Indicates: Great! Minimal and minute flaws. The quality of the book elevates it above a 7/10.
"Strong" indicates that within the rank of "8/10", it's a cut above the rest.
Pros:
- Continues on from the previous book wonderfully.
- Characters are further fleshed out and some of the characters who weren't too focused on in the last book get a bit more substance here as well.
- The world of "The Dark" is further expanded, giving us more to sink our teeth into.
- The drama just gets more intense as things are revealed about certain characters that tests the bonds of the group.
- A bit more action this time around is very much welcomed.
- Art, again, beautiful.
- We get a side story with the boy which was a nice new perspective to the story.
Cons:
- None of note.
Verdict:
If you liked book 1, book 2 only gets better. The only reason this isn't higher than 8/10 is because anything above an 8 for me would need to really blow my socks off. Nonetheless, this series so far is brilliant and I implore everyone who loves comics or wants to get into them to try The Stuff of Legend. This is quality.
Score Indicates: Great! Minimal and minute flaws. The quality of the book elevates it above a 7/10.
"Strong" indicates that within the rank of "8/10", it's a cut above the rest.
Pros:
- Continues on from the previous book wonderfully.
- Characters are further fleshed out and some of the characters who weren't too focused on in the last book get a bit more substance here as well.
- The world of "The Dark" is further expanded, giving us more to sink our teeth into.
- The drama just gets more intense as things are revealed about certain characters that tests the bonds of the group.
- A bit more action this time around is very much welcomed.
- Art, again, beautiful.
- We get a side story with the boy which was a nice new perspective to the story.
Cons:
- None of note.
Verdict:
If you liked book 1, book 2 only gets better. The only reason this isn't higher than 8/10 is because anything above an 8 for me would need to really blow my socks off. Nonetheless, this series so far is brilliant and I implore everyone who loves comics or wants to get into them to try The Stuff of Legend. This is quality.
July 23, 2017
I thought this might be too "cutesy" for me, but it ended up being pretty dark, so I liked it a lot. I wish the art would have been in color throughout, I really love the cover art. I read a collection that had book 1 and book 2 it and it seemed to stay just as entertaining all the way through. Now I just have to find book 3.
January 2, 2020
Our band of toys continues their trip through the Dark to save the Boy.
The artwork in these books is beautiful - soft blacks and whites that can still convey pain and fear. The toys make their way to the Ruined Zoo, one of their member is injured, and one is revealed as a traitor.
I definitely want to continue this series.
The artwork in these books is beautiful - soft blacks and whites that can still convey pain and fear. The toys make their way to the Ruined Zoo, one of their member is injured, and one is revealed as a traitor.
I definitely want to continue this series.
January 21, 2021
1/21/21
Continuing my re read of this childhood favorite and I'm loving it just the same.
Continuing my re read of this childhood favorite and I'm loving it just the same.
January 19, 2026
After the first book I had to see what next......it has my attention.
Backdrop of WW2 and the battles with toys have so many layers.
Backdrop of WW2 and the battles with toys have so many layers.
May 28, 2026
Incredibly strong installment (maybe better than the first) with super strong (and sad) character development. (Poor Max!) Looking forward to continuing and seeing where this goes!
July 13, 2026
It held a lot of excitement and unexpected changes in allegiances. The ending was pretty sour, though.
April 8, 2018
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
This is a great continuation of the series. I liked this one a little bit more than the first book because I feel like it covers more ground and you learn more about the characters. I enjoyed the first book, but it kind of dragged at points with the whole Hopscotch pit stop. This one felt more continuous. There were still stops along the way, but they felt more relevant to the overall story. Great story. Can't wait to keep reading.
This is a great continuation of the series. I liked this one a little bit more than the first book because I feel like it covers more ground and you learn more about the characters. I enjoyed the first book, but it kind of dragged at points with the whole Hopscotch pit stop. This one felt more continuous. There were still stops along the way, but they felt more relevant to the overall story. Great story. Can't wait to keep reading.
January 2, 2012
I got a copy of this book as a gift for Christmas. I absolutely love this graphic novel series. The drawings are beautiful and the story wonderful.
The faithful toys continue their journey deeper into the Dark, into the Bogeyman's territory, in search of their human master. Battle weary they enter the Jungle only to find that members of their troop are not welcome. Horrible truths are revealed and loyalties are tested.
I am in love with this graphic novel series. The sepia tone drawings are wonderful and totally match the atmosphere of the Dark. The toys have such strong personalities and as they develop more complicated relationships with each other the story becomes more and more interesting.
The plot becomes a lot more complicated. There are spies, there are unloved toys, loved toys, and toys that have joined the dark side. The truth behind the boy's kidnapping is revealed and the faithful toys are sorely tested.
This series falls somewhere between Disney's Toy Story and Bram's The Plucker. It is a lot darker than Toy Story but not as dark as Bram's Plucker. I would recommend for middle grade and older readers; the plot is fairly complex and the battle scenes pretty intense.
Overall one of my absolute favorite graphic novel series right now. Beautiful drawings, an epic story, wonderful characters, and I love the tie in with the basic childhood fear of the Bogeyman and the Dark. If you love fantasy graphic novels you have to read this series. I can't wait for the third in this series, The Jester's Tale, to release in February!
The faithful toys continue their journey deeper into the Dark, into the Bogeyman's territory, in search of their human master. Battle weary they enter the Jungle only to find that members of their troop are not welcome. Horrible truths are revealed and loyalties are tested.
I am in love with this graphic novel series. The sepia tone drawings are wonderful and totally match the atmosphere of the Dark. The toys have such strong personalities and as they develop more complicated relationships with each other the story becomes more and more interesting.
The plot becomes a lot more complicated. There are spies, there are unloved toys, loved toys, and toys that have joined the dark side. The truth behind the boy's kidnapping is revealed and the faithful toys are sorely tested.
This series falls somewhere between Disney's Toy Story and Bram's The Plucker. It is a lot darker than Toy Story but not as dark as Bram's Plucker. I would recommend for middle grade and older readers; the plot is fairly complex and the battle scenes pretty intense.
Overall one of my absolute favorite graphic novel series right now. Beautiful drawings, an epic story, wonderful characters, and I love the tie in with the basic childhood fear of the Bogeyman and the Dark. If you love fantasy graphic novels you have to read this series. I can't wait for the third in this series, The Jester's Tale, to release in February!
November 24, 2012
Raicht, Smith, and Wilson continue their story of Max, Percy, Quackers, Jester, and co. More backstory is revealed, including that of the knight serving as the general for the Bogeyman, and Maxwell's. The boy finds a companion who seems more bent on "accidentally" getting them both caught then helping with an escape. And by the end of the volume
March 4, 2013
I reviewed the first book of the Stuff of Legend graphic novel series ages ago, always intending to return to this stellar series. That was over a year ago. Whoops? Nevertheless, I have returned to this strange dark world of war and toys, and I find myself loving it even more now than before. If you thought Max and the other toys were in trouble before, you haven't seen anything yet.
You can read my full review of book 2 of THE STUFF OF LEGEND at my review blog, Nagareboshi Reviews: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/
You can read my full review of book 2 of THE STUFF OF LEGEND at my review blog, Nagareboshi Reviews: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/
January 18, 2017
The story was good overall, I just had a few problems with my copy. Apparently it was printed backwards, as in the last page was first and the varient covers that are normal at the the end of the graphic novel, were randomly thrown in the middle of the book in between two pages of a story. I think it was just a misprint in my copy. I however, didn't figure this out until about 10 or so pages in. The story was fine, but since the book was messed up, it was difficult to follow sometimes because I had to try and figure out which box came next. Oh, well. Still ready to read the next one.
September 6, 2011
The Jungle continues the story of our valiant toys in their attempt to rescue the boy. The characters deepen, and we learn more back story. I also liked the parallel action moving to show us what happened to the boy once he was kidnapped by the Boogeyman. Graphic elements continue strongly with the same style of illustration and same color scheme throughout. No extras like in book one. The story does continue into book three.
October 20, 2012
The art of this book is absolutely superb!
And the story is even better!
A fairy tale for the child in every grown up that remembers what it was to be a child. For every grown-up that still lives a part of their life as a child.
The boggeyman is coming to get you... you'd better be on good terms with your toys if you want them to come and rescue you... cause if you're not, chances are, those toys are on the bogeyman's side!
And the story is even better!
A fairy tale for the child in every grown up that remembers what it was to be a child. For every grown-up that still lives a part of their life as a child.
The boggeyman is coming to get you... you'd better be on good terms with your toys if you want them to come and rescue you... cause if you're not, chances are, those toys are on the bogeyman's side!
December 14, 2012
This series has everything you could possibly want. I don't want to say too much, or drop any spoilers -- suffice it to say that the story only gets better in the second volume, the art continues at the same level of awesome, and The Jester is one bad mother... Why are you still reading this review?! Go get the book!
October 14, 2012
I just do not possess the vocabulary to praise this series efficiently!
Beautifully told, exquisitely rendered and tightly woven.
Great basic story and plausible encounters/adventures.
Highly recommended!!!
Beautifully told, exquisitely rendered and tightly woven.
Great basic story and plausible encounters/adventures.
Highly recommended!!!
January 22, 2014
The story gets even darker...
I enjoyed the back stories, the author has given the characters more depth and motivation. The sepia toned art gives the series an older feel.
I am suspicious of the boy's companion...
I enjoyed the back stories, the author has given the characters more depth and motivation. The sepia toned art gives the series an older feel.
I am suspicious of the boy's companion...
November 28, 2015
Continuing the original story of toys travelling into the dark in search of their boy who was stolen by the Boogeyman. The artwork is still gorgeous and the toys encounter more adventures. A good story for all.
June 1, 2011
I really enjoyed the first volume of this, but the second? Kinda meh... I'm really tired of how much complaining the toys do. I don't know that I even care what happens to the boy.
May 29, 2011
Single issues and collections, I just can't get enough Stuff of Legend, keep up the superb work gentlemen!
August 19, 2011
Did not let me down! Love the illustrations!
July 18, 2011
These are so wonderful. I cannot wait for the next one.
November 8, 2012
Poor Max. Stupid Percy.
August 1, 2011
Touching, whimsical, heroic, and haunting. One of my favorite graphic novel series, beautiful artwork and epic feel.
March 21, 2012
Innovative nostalgia, beautifully drawn.
July 15, 2012
Continúan las peripecias de los fieles juguetes en el siniestro mundo del Boogieman. Más revelaciones y decisiones que llevan a madurar.
September 15, 2012
Great continuation of the story here. I again really enjoy the art style in this book, and the breadth of detail in The Dark here is just awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews