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The Stuff of Legend #1

Reviewed by Liam Bradley

Title: The Stuff of Legend #1 of 2
Publisher Name: Th3rd World Studios
Writer: Mike Raicht and Brian Smith
Pencils: Charles Paul Wilson III

Colors/Design: Mike DeVito and Jon Conkling
$4.99, 52 (no ads) pages, Color

Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP - Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publishers Blurb:

The year is 1944. An allied force advances along a war-torn beach in a strange land, outnumbered and far from home. Together, they fight the greatest evil they have ever known. Never ending waves of exotic enemies come crashing down on them, but they will not rest. Thousands of miles away, the world is on the brink of destruction. But here in a child's bedroom in Brooklyn, our heroes, a small group of toys loyal to their human master, fight an unseen war to save him from every child's worst nightmare.

Led by the toy soldier known as the Colonel and the boy's faithful teddy-bear named Max, the toys enter the realm known as The Dark. There they will face off against the Boogeyman and his army-- a legion of the boy's forgotten, bitter toys. Fighting to survive insurmountable odds, the toys will discover this is a battle not only for the soul of a child.

Reviewer Comments:

I tell you what; this book truly is the stuff of legend. It's one of the best reads I've had in ages. I'm having a hard time not putting this in my top 5 favourite comics, so I'm going to go ahead and sneak it in there.

This is just outstanding work from the entire team. Awesome concept and writing by Raicht and Smith, exciting yet classical colors and design by DeVito and Conkling and last but not least, the mind blowing artwork by new comer Charles Paul Wilson III (watch out for that name, this guy's going places) I've tried and tried to think of one thing wrong with it, but I genuinely can't. It's a masterpiece...so far.

First of all when I'm took to the first page of this book, I'm genuinely quite overwhelmed with the artwork, seriously, are you kidding me with this? Share some talent with the rest of the world, it's really not fair. This artwork is just amazing! (For the lack of a better word).

The story starts when the boogeyman snatches a young boy from the comfort of his bed and drags him into the dark abyss that is his cupboard. However the story truly begins when a team of the young boy's toys (Yes, that's right, I said toys) set out on a rescue mission to save him. The team consists of a cowardly piggy bank named Percy, Quackers the duck, an Indian Princess, Max the stuffed bear, Jack the Jack in the box (who quite frankly doesn't like the "in a box" part of his existence) and last but not least, a toy soldier who goes by the name "Colonel". Colonel is naturally the leader of the mission.

As the group of toys embark on their mission and the next chapter begins, the toys find themselves engaged in battle against the boogeyman's soldiers. The artwork remains in the same style; however the characters are portrayed entirely different from before, as they are now drawn in their real life forms. Max who was once a stuffed bear is now a Vicious real life grizzly bear tearing apart the the boogeyman's soldiers, Jack in the box is now an axe wielding jester with legs, the Indian Princess is now a beautiful brought to life woman, and the same goes for the rest of the toys who are all so awesome to watch in battle.

As the story progresses we meet the manipulative boogeyman, I don't want to give away too much, but let's just say he has plans for the boy and will stop at nothing to follow through with those plans.

After reading this first issue...I have to say I was a little upset...upset because it came to an end, however I had a great feeling of satisfaction. This book is just unbelievably perfect in every way so far. Raicht and Smith's writing is just superb. He gives each toy their own personality, bringing them to life and giving them substance. The story is very fluent and the dialogue locks you in. I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next. These guys are good.

Buy this book, you'll be a better person having read it

Reviewer Bio

Liam Bradley / Creator and Writer

My name's Liam Bradley and I live in Glasgow, Scotland. I've been a major comic fan since I was six years old and since then I've always wanted to create my own comics. I've recently been converted from a Marvel Zombie to an Indy Snob. I still love Marvel and DC stuff but most recently I've been picking up a lot of Indy titles. I'm currently scripting two projects right now, and toying with some ideas for a third and fourth project. I also do Indy reviews over at projectfanboy.

Liambradley22@googlemail.com
www.projectfanboy.com
www.scarletvulture.deviantart.com
www.liambradley.wordpress.com