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The Stuff of Legend #1-2
The Stuff of Legend, Omnibus One
This hardcover collection brings together the first two volumes of the New York Times bestselling graphic novel THE STUFF OF LEGEND, The Dark and The Jungle, in one beautiful 272 page edition.
As Allied forces fight the enemy on Europe's war-torn beaches, another battle begins in a child's bedroom in Brooklyn when the nightmarish Boogeyman snatches a boy and takes him to the realm of The Dark. The child's playthings, led by the toy soldier known as the Colonel, band together to stage a daring rescue. On their perilous mission they will confront the boy's bitter and forgotten toys, as well as betrayal in their own ranks.
The Stuff of Legend is a haunting and ultimately redemptive tale of loyalty, camaraderie, and perseverance.
As Allied forces fight the enemy on Europe's war-torn beaches, another battle begins in a child's bedroom in Brooklyn when the nightmarish Boogeyman snatches a boy and takes him to the realm of The Dark. The child's playthings, led by the toy soldier known as the Colonel, band together to stage a daring rescue. On their perilous mission they will confront the boy's bitter and forgotten toys, as well as betrayal in their own ranks.
The Stuff of Legend is a haunting and ultimately redemptive tale of loyalty, camaraderie, and perseverance.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 9, 2023
Captivating, original, dark and haunting — The Stuff of Legend is where Toy Story meets Freddy Krueger. It’s a period piece from a World War II childhood, an epic bedtime story for grown ups ripped from grandpa’s childhood imaginations and nightmares.
When the Boogeyman escaped the closet, kidnapping the boy and dragging him into the Dark, the boy’s most faithful toys and his pup Scout venture after them to attempt a rescue. But the Boogeyman rules the Dark, served by an army of lost and forgotten toys, making their quest all but impossible. The would be rescuers face perils and dangers galore, traitors in their own ranks, and even death.
The Stuff of Legend Omnibus contains Books 1 & 2, The Dark, and The Jungle, of an eventual 6 books. The story is suspenseful and compelling — an adult take on the wild imaginings of childhood. The artwork is sepia toned, reinforcing the period feel, while creating a brilliant Oz/Toyland/ Through the Looking Glass world.
When the Boogeyman escaped the closet, kidnapping the boy and dragging him into the Dark, the boy’s most faithful toys and his pup Scout venture after them to attempt a rescue. But the Boogeyman rules the Dark, served by an army of lost and forgotten toys, making their quest all but impossible. The would be rescuers face perils and dangers galore, traitors in their own ranks, and even death.
The Stuff of Legend Omnibus contains Books 1 & 2, The Dark, and The Jungle, of an eventual 6 books. The story is suspenseful and compelling — an adult take on the wild imaginings of childhood. The artwork is sepia toned, reinforcing the period feel, while creating a brilliant Oz/Toyland/ Through the Looking Glass world.
January 22, 2014
We've all learned from the Toy Story movies that our childhood toys come to life when we aren't looking. We also know from our childhood that monsters live in our closets (maybe that's why houses in England don't have closets?) or under our beds, i.e. in the dark places. The Stuff of Legend combines these two ideas in World War II-era Brooklyn. At least that's where the story starts.
A boy is in his room with his dog and plenty of toys strewn about. Suddenly the closet door creaks open and black tentacles come out. The dog tries to stop them but the boy is pulled into the closet, into the Dark, a realm for lost and no-longer-played-with toys ruled over by the Boogeyman. As the now-animate toys in his room discuss, the boy needs to be rescued. Some of the toys volunteer to go into the Dark and save him. Once they are in there, they become "real" versions of their toy-selves, e.g. the teddy bear turns into a grizzly bear and the piggy bank turns into a swine. They have to fight against the forces of the Boogeyman which are made up of all the old toys the boy never plays with anymore. They also have to contend with the fantastical realm they are now in.
The story is very imaginative and the characters are interesting. The plot is fairly basic but some interesting twists are introduced and the mystery of what the Boogeyman wants with the boy remains unresolved. The production value of the book is very high--it's a hardback with good, sturdy paper and a fine collection of concept art in the back. I am definitely interested in reading more of the story.
See some scans of the art at my blog post here.
A boy is in his room with his dog and plenty of toys strewn about. Suddenly the closet door creaks open and black tentacles come out. The dog tries to stop them but the boy is pulled into the closet, into the Dark, a realm for lost and no-longer-played-with toys ruled over by the Boogeyman. As the now-animate toys in his room discuss, the boy needs to be rescued. Some of the toys volunteer to go into the Dark and save him. Once they are in there, they become "real" versions of their toy-selves, e.g. the teddy bear turns into a grizzly bear and the piggy bank turns into a swine. They have to fight against the forces of the Boogeyman which are made up of all the old toys the boy never plays with anymore. They also have to contend with the fantastical realm they are now in.
The story is very imaginative and the characters are interesting. The plot is fairly basic but some interesting twists are introduced and the mystery of what the Boogeyman wants with the boy remains unresolved. The production value of the book is very high--it's a hardback with good, sturdy paper and a fine collection of concept art in the back. I am definitely interested in reading more of the story.
See some scans of the art at my blog post here.
November 8, 2013
I give it 4 out of 5 stars for its entirety. This is an original and captivating masterpiece. I've never heard of a comic like this before, and I feel like I'm underrating it by calling it a "comic." I thinks it's because it has the atmosphere similar to British literature and animated features in the 80's and 90's such as Richard Adams books--but,in truth, this isn't about talking animals, this is about talking toys that risk their lives in the "dark" of the closet to save the boy they love. The closest thing I can think of that I can compare this to is Brom's The Plucker but this isn't a horror because there's a lot of heart behind these toys' intentions and there's a slight glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
I only gave it four stars because I felt distant from a few of the characters, but maybe further volumes will concentrate more one the other toys' perspectives. Other than that, this is a TRUE piece of originality and creative drama full of care, treachery, and epicness. This needs some kind of award if it hasn't gotten one already (I just now discovered it, so it's new to me).
I only gave it four stars because I felt distant from a few of the characters, but maybe further volumes will concentrate more one the other toys' perspectives. Other than that, this is a TRUE piece of originality and creative drama full of care, treachery, and epicness. This needs some kind of award if it hasn't gotten one already (I just now discovered it, so it's new to me).
November 18, 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!
June 12, 2014
Another book that I let languish on the bookshelf for far too long. The artwork is gorgeous, the story is compelling and I can't wait to continue reading the series.
August 16, 2014
Aside from the premise that toy's are alive, this story is original, noble, and magical with compelling twists and turns. Characters come more and more alive as the Dark is explored.
May 19, 2015
Sotaisan kannen takia hieman ennakkoluuloisesti tähän tarttuneena, olen todella vaikuttunut. Sarjakuvataide oli todella hienoa, koko albumi/sarjakuvaromaani oli teal-värityksensä kanssa todella erilainen lukukokemus. Ja kuinka lelut oli piirretty hienosti henkiin!
Boogeyman vaanii komerossa ja tilaisuuden tullen napsii unohdettuja leluja mukaansa. Mutta se ei riitä, vaan eräänä iltana Boogeyman vie jostain syystä myös pojan. Pojan lelut päättävät lähteä pelastamaan poikaa, mutta matka ei ole aivan vaaraton, eikä uhreilta vältytä. Boogeymanin sotajoukot muodostuvat katkerista leluista, jotka ovat lasten unohtamia ja hylkäämiä. Ja kutsumattomat vieraat, uskolliset lelut, halutaan karkoittaa Boogeymanin valtakunnasta, jossa muutenkin on käynnissä jatkuva sotatila lelujen kesken. Boogeymanin valtakunnassa lelut heräävät henkiin ja muuttuvat eläviksi eläimiksi ja ihmisiksi.
Samalla, kun Boogeymanin sotajoukot jahtaavat uskollisten lelujen joukkoa, niin lelut joutuvat mm. loputtomaan lautapeliin, piiritetyksi ja muovailuvahahirviöiden armoille sekä viidakkoon villieläinten jahdattavaksi. Ja kaiken tämän takana häärää Boogeyman punoen juoniaan. Pakko lukea heti perään se toinen omnibus, että saan tietää, kuinka tässä käy!
Boogeyman vaanii komerossa ja tilaisuuden tullen napsii unohdettuja leluja mukaansa. Mutta se ei riitä, vaan eräänä iltana Boogeyman vie jostain syystä myös pojan. Pojan lelut päättävät lähteä pelastamaan poikaa, mutta matka ei ole aivan vaaraton, eikä uhreilta vältytä. Boogeymanin sotajoukot muodostuvat katkerista leluista, jotka ovat lasten unohtamia ja hylkäämiä. Ja kutsumattomat vieraat, uskolliset lelut, halutaan karkoittaa Boogeymanin valtakunnasta, jossa muutenkin on käynnissä jatkuva sotatila lelujen kesken. Boogeymanin valtakunnassa lelut heräävät henkiin ja muuttuvat eläviksi eläimiksi ja ihmisiksi.
Samalla, kun Boogeymanin sotajoukot jahtaavat uskollisten lelujen joukkoa, niin lelut joutuvat mm. loputtomaan lautapeliin, piiritetyksi ja muovailuvahahirviöiden armoille sekä viidakkoon villieläinten jahdattavaksi. Ja kaiken tämän takana häärää Boogeyman punoen juoniaan. Pakko lukea heti perään se toinen omnibus, että saan tietää, kuinka tässä käy!
May 19, 2017
I read this entire omnibus in one evening. I simply could not put it down. And I've been trying to think what to compare this to...think the feels/concept of Toy Story meets the adventure of Narnia.
Set in 1944 Brooklyn, a young boy is dragged into his closet in the middle of the night by the Boogeyman himself and his toys (and puppy, Scout) head into "the Dark" to save him. Upon arrival, they discover they are no longer toys, for example, Maxwell, teddy bear, is now a massive grizzly. On this quest, we also have brave army man Colonel, the chivalrous Jester (Jack in the box), fierce Native American warrior Princess, Quackers a tag-along duck, Percy the clever piggy bank, and Harmony the tin spinning ballerina/top.
I really don't want to give anything more away because you really must experience this story for yourself. The sepia-toned art is beautiful and the story is full of twists and turns that will leave you scrambling to turn the page.
Set in 1944 Brooklyn, a young boy is dragged into his closet in the middle of the night by the Boogeyman himself and his toys (and puppy, Scout) head into "the Dark" to save him. Upon arrival, they discover they are no longer toys, for example, Maxwell, teddy bear, is now a massive grizzly. On this quest, we also have brave army man Colonel, the chivalrous Jester (Jack in the box), fierce Native American warrior Princess, Quackers a tag-along duck, Percy the clever piggy bank, and Harmony the tin spinning ballerina/top.
I really don't want to give anything more away because you really must experience this story for yourself. The sepia-toned art is beautiful and the story is full of twists and turns that will leave you scrambling to turn the page.
November 13, 2013
This was a lovely read - like a darker Toy Story, shaded with the echo of real-world war but grounded firmly in the worlds of dreams, fantasy and a child's imagination.
When The Boy gets taken into The Dark by The Boogeyman, several of his toys head in after him. they find in there a world of hardship and fear as they face groups of forgotten toys on their way to find The Boy.
The art was beautiful, clear and moody. The cast of characters is diverse and interesting, with a variety of motivations all brought on by the careless and fickle love of a child who doesn't know any better. I find myself at least understanding every character, though I certainly don't cheer for them all or sympathize with the decisions they make.
If you like comics, this is definitely worth at least giving a try. I found it to be a fascinating read and am, looking forward to the second omnibus.
When The Boy gets taken into The Dark by The Boogeyman, several of his toys head in after him. they find in there a world of hardship and fear as they face groups of forgotten toys on their way to find The Boy.
The art was beautiful, clear and moody. The cast of characters is diverse and interesting, with a variety of motivations all brought on by the careless and fickle love of a child who doesn't know any better. I find myself at least understanding every character, though I certainly don't cheer for them all or sympathize with the decisions they make.
If you like comics, this is definitely worth at least giving a try. I found it to be a fascinating read and am, looking forward to the second omnibus.
February 12, 2016
Imagine a blend of Blacksad, Narnia, and Pixar's Toy Story and you have Stuff of Legend. One night a dark force snatches the boy from his bedroom and into the dark. His toys band together and set off into a magical world to rescue him. But who really is the force behind taking the boy? And which of his toys are really faithful and who might be won over to the other toys in the magical land? Will any of the toys in the land help or hinder the rescue effort?
It took just a bit to get into but once I did this was a really fun tale with well done artwork. It is a bit dark, perhaps not for young kids.
It took just a bit to get into but once I did this was a really fun tale with well done artwork. It is a bit dark, perhaps not for young kids.
February 25, 2014
I had seen individual comics of this at the comic book store, so when I saw the omnibus at the library I grabbed it. A darker "Toy Story" is an apt description. Set during World War Two the whole thing is in sepia tones, but the characterizations are vivid and the themes of loss, compromise and forgiveness are evergreen. Everyone in the house has read it and I've already reserved the next two installments.
May 11, 2016
Picture it....
1944, September. You're in your room with your dog and it starts to bark.... Shh.... Then the boogeyman pops out and wraps his talons around you and you're gone.....
The toys must come together and defeat the Boogeyman Army.
Are you afraid of the dark? Well, you should be.....
1944, September. You're in your room with your dog and it starts to bark.... Shh.... Then the boogeyman pops out and wraps his talons around you and you're gone.....
The toys must come together and defeat the Boogeyman Army.
Are you afraid of the dark? Well, you should be.....
May 22, 2013
Wonderful book. Slightly darker than Toy Story but all the heart. Hardcover packaging is exquisite. Art is gorgeous!
May 10, 2014
Taking a subject matter that could be done so poorly and making it shine. Just wonderful.
September 8, 2014
Slow starting but towards the end I couldn't put it down! Toy Story watch out
April 28, 2015
I loved the art and the story was great. It was like a dark and mystical Toy Story. The twist at the end caught me off guard. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
December 25, 2017
This compendium is akin to a dark version of Toy Story set in 1944. A boy is pulled into the darkness (of his closet) by the Bogeyman, who is illustrated as a cross between Voldemort and Emperor Palpatine. The boy's heroic toys make their way into the Dark Realm to save him and battle cast-off playthings along the way. (Think of a murderous version of the Island of Misfit Toys ) There is violence, betrayal, heroics, and redemption along the way. But what really bumped this omnibus up to a 5-star rating were the beautiful illustrations. Everything is done in shades of brown - giving a distinct sepia tone feel to match the WWII storyline. The characters are drawn in great detail and the animals are amazingly lifelike (with just the right amount of anthropomorphism to pull you further into the tale).
One minor quibble: the collection ends abruptly so you'd better have the second omnibus on hand or you'll be left hanging!
One minor quibble: the collection ends abruptly so you'd better have the second omnibus on hand or you'll be left hanging!
September 2, 2018
It's high time to pick up this series again and read it all over. I bought the first volume a couple of years ago and I was swept away by the art. So I bought the two omnibuses composing the series. Nope, the story doesn't end with the second omnibus: there's a cliffhanger as big as Canada at the end. And the authors are busy creating a board game for that... SIGH!
So, the art is what drew me to this series. But also the story is quite interesting: a boy gets kidnapped by the Boogeyman and his toys decide to embark on a rescue mission.
I appreciate the fact that the two female character - a ballerina and an Indian princess - are tough and ready to kick some ass. Especially the ballerina, who takes up Colonel's role after .
I hope the authors get back to the drawing table and finish this beautiful series as soon as possible.
So, the art is what drew me to this series. But also the story is quite interesting: a boy gets kidnapped by the Boogeyman and his toys decide to embark on a rescue mission.
I appreciate the fact that the two female character - a ballerina and an Indian princess - are tough and ready to kick some ass. Especially the ballerina, who takes up Colonel's role after .
I hope the authors get back to the drawing table and finish this beautiful series as soon as possible.
January 10, 2022
The best graphic novel I have read in quite some time. Such a fun twist on kids toys and the boogeyman. I couldn't put these down and look forward to the newest book. This is not just for young readers, it takes you back and pulls you into the twisted story of forgotten toys, friendship, and the power darkness can have. So stinking good.
June 6, 2017
This is most likely the best book ever, maybe apart from Clive Barker's Weaveworld, but this one has pictures.
It is compelling, dark and full of heart and every other superlative you can think of.
In short: a must read for everyone, young at heart or not.
It is compelling, dark and full of heart and every other superlative you can think of.
In short: a must read for everyone, young at heart or not.
June 2, 2017
Cute, all visual comic about animated toys.
March 25, 2018
My son recommended this to me as a "dark Toy Story." It was but I enjoyed it very much. A good tale.
October 24, 2019
Top notch story, and characters. The art is also fantastic.
June 8, 2020
The alternate to Toy Story I have always wanted. Jester costume design is bloody fantastic.
June 1, 2026
Great book. Hopefully they finish it soon!
July 21, 2018
This graphic novel is stunning. Incredibly illustrated and with an absolutely captivating storyline. It animates childhood terrors and loves in a way that is both familiar and exotic. There are a wide range of personalities in the characters, and each one has a unique voice to them that, I feel, is difficult to capture when a book has so many twists and plots in it.
March 7, 2017
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. the illustration is gorgeous and the story had surprises and twists that kept me engaged even though the characters are a young boy's toys!
June 9, 2013
My hubby gave me this graphic novel to read, and when I asked him what was so special about it, he said, "Think of TOY STORY, but darker." And really, there's not a better way to describe this, because describes this book to a tee. The art is absolutely gorgeous, and the hardcover itself is very, very nice, and the story? Pretty compelling, especially as it takes familiar ideas (what happens to toys when the kids that love them forget about them?) and twists it into new directions. Definitely super-easy to recommend: it's a fast read in and of itself, and again, the art is absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait for Omnibus #2 to arrive!
January 3, 2013
I can't even begin to explain how brilliant this graphic novel truly is. The storyline is just incredible. While the story is nothing new (toys going on an adventure to rescue their beloved master), I love how Raicht spends much of the time filling "in the blanks" by creating very compelling characters and a terrific back story for the current action. You know the writer has you in his/her grip when you find yourself even cheering for the minor "villians" because you can't help yourself. Seriously, just read the book and be prepared to be swept away by the story.
November 27, 2012
A young boy's bedroom, his beloved toys scattered around, his playful mutt sleeps beside him... All similarities to Toy Story are thrown out once you see the frame of this band of heroes entering 'The Dark'. Engaging story that appeals to all ages, but with amazing artwork that can be considered fairly graphic in nature. The art is what drew me in, but it's guaranteed you'll stick around for the engrossing story and clever writing. Can't wait to pick up 'A Jester's Tale' next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews