Now this is something that I hadn’t planned on picking up, but it was recommended to me by one of the guys in my local shop. I am easily swayed, to say the least, especially when it comes to stories described to me as “a grown-up Toy Story.” Indeed it is more of a mature story of toys coming to life, but it still holds true to what it is, a story about toys coming to life. The plot goes a little something like this: A young boy is taken by the boogeyman and his faithful and loving toys venture into the darkness (the closet) to save him. When the toys pass through the darkness they are transformed into more realistic versions of themselves, like when Pinocchio becomes a real boy, Max the teddy bear, becomes a giant rip-your-guts-out brown bear.

This is a very endearing comic. The story is fantastic in that it is a children's tale dealing with teddy bears and toy soldiers and the boogeyman, but with themes that are more complex such as love, separation, loyalties, betrayal, war, and death. With World War II as the backdrop for the tale there’s no denying that this comic is more then just a bedtime story. Plus the tin fairy, Harmony, is packing dual six shooters so has that going for it too.

The sepia tone art work is lovely, adding that old fable look to the story. Looking at the art and they way the characters are drawn you get the feeling that this is an older story, something that has been passed from parents to children for a few generations. Certainly the themes are universal, and the story is something that could be placed in anytime, but with the accompanying art it just feels right that this story would take place fifty years ago. It also cements our childhood love for our toys. Never stop loving them, because they love you just as much, and they’ll brave the darkness to save you.

Tremendous--my favorite reviewing word, which I think I’ve only handing out two or three times. Well, now it’s four. The Stuff of Legend is a tremendous, and engaging comic. It is a very rare thing to find a comic that is sweet and moving, well written, beautifully illustrated, and emotionally charged. The Stuff of Legend is one of those rare comics that pop up from time to time under the radar because they aren’t published by a big name. Honestly, I wouldn’t have picked it up if it weren’t psychically put into my hand at the shop, but I’m glad it was. Go, find this comic. The only problem is that the next one won’t be out until September. That’s an awfully long time to find out what happens next.

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