Reviews

The Stuff of Legend: Omnibus One by Brian Smith, Mike Raicht

crloken's review against another edition

4.0

A group of toys venture into the dark to save their boy. Somewhat feels like a much darker Toy Story. The art is beautiful and the writing is equally great. The story is dark, beautiful, and heartbreaking. And the characters are interesting, tragic, and well written. One of the best graphic novels I've read in awhile.

eatenbysharks's review against another edition

5.0

I happened upon this book when I met the artist at Denver Comic Con last June and was amazed by the art. Now that I have finished it, I feel very lucky to have stumbled upon it. The art is wonderful and dark. The creative spin on the idea of the lives toys lead when we are not looking is refreshing and has a spin to it that is similar to the stories of Neil Gaiman. There are a number of plot twists that keep the events engaging and you wanting more. I look forward to the second omnibus.

pwbalto's review

4.0

[For 6-9 group] Marvelous art, an adventure with moral overtones, right up there with LOTR for depiction of the hardships that accompany conflict.

bribriny's review against another edition

5.0

Beautiful artistry, great story, you'll care about these toys. Just amazing. The art draws you in, the story keeps you there!!!

lukeisthename34's review against another edition

5.0

Taking a subject matter that could be done so poorly and making it shine. Just wonderful.

kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition

4.0

The artwork is really beautiful. The story is touching.

adelaidemetzger_robotprophet's review against another edition

4.0

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).

restlessunicorn's review against another edition

5.0

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!