MLP Legends of Magic is a comic book series published by IDW Publishing based on the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic television show. The series focuses on the legends and myths of Equestria's past. It is set in a time before the events of the television show and explores the origins of some of the most beloved characters in the My Little Pony universe. The series introduces a new group of characters known as the Pillars of Old Equestria. These legendary ponies played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Equestria and are revered by ponies throughout the land. The Pillars include powerful beings such as Star Swirl the Bearded, Rockhoof, Mage Meadowbrook, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, and Somnambula.
But once you get past the human leg bone, the creepy Santa and the mummified bat displayed in a small metal box that looks like a miniature coffin, the magic really begins.
News Geography Communities Elmhurst Controlling Tags Members Get More Life Entertainment Entertainment Controlling Tags Article Types Video Featured Video Business Business Industries Small Business --. Many of the items in the eclectic collection are for sale, including the mummified remains of a cat discovered in a Victorian-era barn, a variety of antique rosaries, and a collection of unusual and somewhat creepy art.
The Pillars include powerful beings such as Star Swirl the Bearded, Rockhoof, Mage Meadowbrook, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, and Somnambula. Each of these characters has their own unique abilities and backstory. Throughout the series, the Pillars embark on various adventures and face off against ancient evils in order to protect the magical land of Equestria.
Elmhurst curiosities shop traffics in the strange and magical
Perhaps the biggest curiosity about Bob James' Magic Shop & Curiosities in downtown Elmhurst is the shop itself.
You can spend a lot of time in a lot of suburban downtowns without coming across a store where you can buy bones from an assortment of animals, straitjackets, gothic religious iconography and, of course, magic tricks to amaze and amuse your friends.
Step inside the business at the corner of York and First streets and it's a little like walking into something out of "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!"
Many of the items in the eclectic collection are for sale, including the mummified remains of a cat discovered in a Victorian-era barn, a variety of antique rosaries, and a collection of unusual and somewhat creepy art.
Other pieces are not for sale, such as the skull of a two-faced calf that was born in 1955 and died shortly thereafter.
The man behind the counter is magician and proprietor Bob James, 50, who opened the shop in 1992 as a way to give himself more exposure as a magician.
Having a brick-and-mortar location, he says, gives his act more validity than if he just booked appearances out of his house. Having a place to meet potential customers face to face "makes me a little different from my competition," James said.
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by signing up you agree to our terms of serviceBob James, magician and proprietor of Bob James' Magic Shop & Curiosities in downtown Elmhurst, shows off a fortuneteller machine from the old Riverview Park in Chicago. - Bev Horne | Staff Photographer
When the store first opened, many of its shelves were filled with book after book about how to perform and perfect tricks for aspiring magicians of all ages.
Now many of those books have been replaced with a smaller collection of instructional DVDs. "It became, 'How do I fill up this space?' because the magic industry was taking a hit and it was slowing down," James said.
One benefit of the switch was that it freed space for his collection of oddities -- some of which seem straight out of a nightmare.
But once you get past the human leg bone, the creepy Santa and the mummified bat displayed in a small metal box that looks like a miniature coffin, the magic really begins.
s because James also uses the venue to host magic-themed birthday parties for children. He performs a show to start the party and then leads the kids in a workshop where they learn age-appropriate magic tricks.
He also provides partygoers with pizza and cake.
"He is very talented," longtime customer and friend Daniel Smulson said. "His magic shows always get the kids laughing, even the moms."
The skull of a two-headed calf is one of the many bizarre things on display at Bob James' Magic Shop & Curiosities in Elmhurst. - Bev Horne | Staff Photographer
Just getting to the party room is a kind of trick. The staircase leading down to the party room is hidden by an ordinary-looking wall of merchandise that James can magically open.
Smulson, who works across the street, said he befriended James soon after first walking into the shop.
He says the secret of James' success -- besides his ability to do amazing things with playing cards and foam balls -- is his basic kindness.
"Bob is one of the most generous people I have ever met," Smulson said. "He would give the shirt off his back to anybody."
James is also something of a local magic historian. He has collected information and documents about Elmhurst's own Harlan Tarbel, a nationally known stage magician and illustrator active throughout the early 20th century.
James also has a 1926 photograph of Elmhurst firefighters posing in front of what is now his shop when it was still People's Bank.
His interest in history aside, James knows the future is a murky one for magicians and the art of illusion. Public interest is declining and there's always the threat that one day the last remaining magician will truly disappear.
Indeed, James performed his own vanishing act back in 2010 when he closed the shop for 30 months because roadwork made it difficult for patrons to find their way in.
But he says he received calls from parents whose children had attended birthday parties or taken magic lessons at the shop and wanted him to reopen. And so, like any good magician, he pulled a rabbit out of his hat and made his store reappear.
"I didn't think we were going to come back as a retail store in this town," he said, "but people kept asking about our programs for children."
Just getting to the party room is a kind of trick. The staircase leading down to the party room is hidden by an ordinary-looking wall of merchandise that James can magically open.
The stories explore themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of magic. The comic book format allows for elaborate and visually stunning illustrations that bring the adventures of the Pillars to life. MLP Legends of Magic provides fans with a deeper understanding of the history and lore of Equestria. It sheds light on the origins of characters like Star Swirl the Bearded, who is known for his vast knowledge of magic. The series also introduces new characters and expands the world of My Little Pony beyond what is shown in the television series. Overall, MLP Legends of Magic is a must-read for fans of My Little Pony who are interested in delving deeper into the rich history of Equestria. The series offers engaging stories, beautiful artwork, and a sense of nostalgia for those who have grown up with the franchise. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the world of My Little Pony, this comic book series is sure to capture your imagination and leave you wanting more..
Reviews for "Meet the MLP Legends: A guide to each character's unique abilities and personalities."
1. Katie - 2/5 - "While I loved the previous My Little Pony series, Legends of Magic fell flat for me. The storyline felt disjointed and rushed, with characters introduced and forgotten within a single episode. The animation also seemed lackluster compared to the previous series, with some of the characters looking odd and out of place. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and hoping for a return to the magic of the earlier seasons."
2. Mark - 1/5 - "I couldn't make it through the first episode of MLP Legends of Magic. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, and the voice acting felt forced and unnatural. The plot seemed unoriginal, recycling cliched storylines from previous seasons. I was hoping for something fresh and engaging, but unfortunately, this series failed to deliver. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this one if you're a fan of the older MLP series."
3. Emily - 2/5 - "I had high hopes for MLP Legends of Magic, but ultimately found it to be lackluster. The character development was shallow, with the main characters feeling one-dimensional and uninteresting. The writing lacked depth and failed to captivate me throughout the episodes. While the animation was decent, it couldn't compensate for the uninspiring storyline and underdeveloped characters. I won't be continuing with this series."
4. Alex - 3/5 - "I was a fan of the previous My Little Pony series, but MLP Legends of Magic didn't quite meet my expectations. The plot was convoluted and difficult to follow at times, with random twists that seemed unnecessary. Some episodes felt overly rushed, while others dragged on without much happening. While the animation was on par with the previous series, the inconsistent storytelling left a lot to be desired. It had its moments, but overall, it fell short."