The Stuff of Legend – Volume I: The Dark
Written by Mike Raicht and Brian Smith
Art by Charles Paul Wilson III
Published by Th3rd World Studios
52 Pick-Up Week 24:
My thanks to PoP! regular Peg Leg Pete for turning me on to the topic of this week’s installment. Since his recommendation, I’ve had this book waiting for me, but I’ve put off reading it time and time again. I can’t honestly say why. Part of me regrets having put it off – or not found it sooner – as I could have read and re-read it multiple times by now. Part of me is glad I waited, however. Book one of the second volume – The Jungle – hits stands in July, so I’ll be able to jump right in in no time.
If you can’t tell, I loved this book. It’s what I feel Joe the Barbarian wanted to be. Imagine a carefully blended cocktail of Toy Story, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Indian in the Cupboard, but with Tim Burton directing. A heady mix, to be sure, but one executed to absolute perfection by the creative team. In reviewing a book, it’s my job to find a way to describe it. I’m not sure I have the words.
Visually, this book is beautiful. The emotive faces Wilson manages to conjure, the dynamic motion… all give the book a quality of immersion seldom found in 4-color printing. It’s impossible not to be drawn into the conflict of the tale – to fear for the protagonists in their most dire moments and cheer for their victories when they overcome the odds. The use of sepia tones and shading convey both the era and essence of the tale, creating an appropriately somber backdrop to the events as they unfold. And the story’s villain? Imagine the Void and the Shadow King had some sort of crazy psychic lovechild that only lives in the Dark. ::shudders::
While the art could easily stand on its own and carry the book through subpar writing, Raicht and Smith deliver anything but. Nothing is overwrought, nothing is underdeveloped. Every character is its own, gets its due, and adds to the story in its own particular way. The threat our heroes face feels very real, and I quite simply defy you not to care about each and every one of them. There’s really nothing else I can say.
There is nothing about this book I don’t intensely love after just one read. 5 out of 5 corrupt mayors of a boardgame just isn’t enough to convey the awe and excitement I felt as I read on. This simply may be my favorite book. Ever. Period.
I honestly cannot thank Pete enough for suggesting this book, nor the folks at Th3rd World Studios enough for having created it. The Stuff of Legend is a joy to read and a treasure to be savored. Now if someone can get me an action figure of the hatchet wielding Jester, complete with removable wooden mask, I would be ever so grateful.
I just learned that Charles P Wilson III has been nominated for the 2010 Russ Manning Award! He couldn’t possibly be more deserving, and I certainly hope he walks away with the win.
Well now I HAVE to read this.
I simply can’t express enough how intensely I enjoyed this book. It’s a feeling not unlike I had when I first read X-Men vol. 2, issue 1 – the book that got me into comics in the first place. It’s a feeling I don’t think I’ve had since, with the possible exception of Pride of Baghdad. The pairing of art and dialogue creates an emotional bond with the characters. I’ve just gone and purchased the trade paperback from Th3rd World’s website. It comes with a random sketch by C.P. Wilson. I was tempted, at first, to make a specific request (despite the order page specifying the sketch would be random). As I thought about it, however, there’s not a single character in this book I wouldn’t absolutely adore a sketch of. July 7th can’t come quickly enough for me. I need more Stuff of Legend, and I need it now.
If you enjoyed this, I’d also recommend Mr. Stuffins.
Why didn’t you tell me about this book, it looks awesome. You never tell me about the crap I would like, you always tell me about the crap I don’t care about.
@ Ska – I JUST read this and couldn’t WAIT to tell you about it tonight. You’ll love the stuffing out of it!
@ D3r3k – We may disagree on a lot of comics, but even while our tastes differ, I know you can appreciate outstanding writing and art. Which this is, without a doubt.
I think I actually have this comic lying around somewhere that I forgot to read.. I should probably find it
I really wanna get this book sometime, I love the premise and the artwork. The preview I read awhile back helped make my craving.
I think I have the first two issues (definitely the first, at least). How many issues were in the first volume? I’ll see if I can find the rest tomorrow when I pick up my comics
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Yep, turns out I did have both issues sitting in a pile of comics I forgot to read. I’ll check it out and report back..
This was not the first time I was told I just had to experience a book. This wasn’t the first time I actually followed through on the purchase, either (though that’s a fairly rare occasion , tbh). This was, however, the very first time I wished I had paid MORE for what I got.
This book made me so happy. The story is a delight and the characters are archetypal, not cliched. The art is so warm. The dialogue is simple and memorable. It’s rare to find something this high quality.
Thank you Micheal Raicht, Brian Smith, and Charles Paul Wilson III for a charming experience; I can’t wait to read more. And thanks to Kerouac for the recommendation.
PS – How do we find someone to make toys for The Stuff of Legend. wtb Maxwell the Bear pst.
Finally read this today (sadly it’s been sitting in a stack of comics for weeks)
Was it my favorite book ever? No. BUT, I did find it highly enjoyable. At first I thought, “Ok, so it’s Toy Story in comic book form.” Thankfully, when they entered the Dark I was completely wrong. I really loved how each toy took on a new form. It’s a simple concept, but it really made me smile in approval. And without trying to be too spoilerish, the first toy lost really made me realize this is NOT a kids book.
Some characters didn’t grab me yet, but I think the one’s that SHOULD have certainly did. With that said, I 100% support your recommendation for this book. It’s a nice break from the capes and a prime example that it’s ok to take risks on books you normally wouldn’t consider.
BTW, my comic shop guy gave me this book because he knew I enjoyed Mouse Guard. *Hint, Hint*
Okay… Mouse Guard is on tap…
The initial “Toy Story in comic form” thought process happened to me. I was SO glad to see the change. And yes, the book gets QUITE dark.
I’ll definitely be adding this to my pull list.
Jason…Thanks for letting me know about this. I read it a week ago and it is amazing!!
=D
Yeah… I love this SO much!!!