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Leslie Stein, aka larrybear, spends most of her time drawing comics, listening to old time radio shows and playing records. Leslie started her first comic series, called simply Leslie, back in high school. It revolved around her wacky adventures with her magical bunny and bird that helped her out in gym class and other misadventures.

After discovering underground comic book artists like Dan Clowes and Peter Bagge when she was an angsty teenager, Leslie decided comic books would be the perfect medium for her to tell her stories. Both of her comics — Eye of the Majestic Creature and her more experimental construction paper comics — are hand drawn and printed at a small printing press. Unlike mainstream super hero comics, her stories are autobiographical and don’t have a typical plot. As Leslie says, “If you’re looking for thrills and drama, this might not be for you, but if you’re interested in seeing the world the way I see it, pick one up.”
Leslie decided long ago that rather than work professionally as an illustrator, that she would hold a regular job and save her creative energy for her own work. She dedicates all of her free time to her creative pursuits and she finds inspiration everywhere. From walking down the street in Brooklyn to looking at an empty field, humanity and curiosity light the way to new adventures and new tales to tell.

Leslie won a Xeric Grant to print her work “Yeah, It Is!” and was nominated for Best New Talent in 2004 by the Harvey Awards. Keep you eye on this one!
Watch more Handmade Video Portraits on Etsy’s blog!
Books and Zines Category | Book Worms and Writers Gift Guide
35 comments
Sign in to add your ownPearsonMaron says:
Leslie is so talented. I love the comic book made out of construction paper. So good!
3 years ago
Leannegraeff says:
Really great interview! Thank you !
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
really interesting!
3 years ago
dogties says:
Amazing!! Great Etsy Items too.
3 years ago
RADCOW says:
I love you.
3 years ago
JustFeltHungry says:
It's so great to see comics on Etsy!!!! I love the little inanimate / animated creatures...
3 years ago
kinsellaart says:
this is great-great answers from Leslie stien and great work! thanks etsy
3 years ago
Lundberg says:
Ok this is awesome.
3 years ago
TashaHussey says:
Very interesting and creative.
3 years ago
crankbunny says:
woo! i have a bunch of her comics - no idea she was on etsy! yay!
3 years ago
mermaidclaire says:
SO inspiring!
3 years ago
katiearms says:
She's the tops!
3 years ago
Slowshirts says:
I hope someone gives her good neck massages.
3 years ago
jascamille says:
I *instantly* knew that was Bushwick as soon as I saw the picture of the building!!!! I just had to watch to make sure.
3 years ago
weirdwolf says:
Leslie Stein's autobiographical underground comic books are funny, insightful, vulnerable and brave! Leslie says you have to be fearless to make the best art you can. A wise woman indeed.
3 years ago
aisle3studio says:
I love it!
3 years ago
dearbirthday says:
super awesome!
3 years ago
lucie39 says:
I adore Leslie's work!I read 'Yeah,It Is' and thought it was wonderful:)
3 years ago
LaCometaLab says:
God, I have just discovered this etsy (handmade) stories and love them! I am subscribing to them. They remind me a little of the "Magnum in Motion" at Magnum Photos.com, where photographers talk themselves about their work. Oh, and in the future I will but one of Leslie's comics, I just checked her shop and she doesn't have any available at the moment.
3 years ago
gaily says:
You're very talented, Leslie. Nice video, too. ;)
3 years ago
faeryrach says:
What an inspiring artist, comics rule!!!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
topsyturvydesign says:
I love this portrait Tara! Leslie is such a talent & it was so wonderful to see her at work. I too was obsessed with Daniel Clowes/Eightball as a brooding teen & this portrait took me back.
3 years ago
mostlyhuman says:
That was wonderful and inspiring.
3 years ago
moddyboy80 says:
Love it.Great to see comics and zine related stuff getting their day on Etsy. More please!
3 years ago
oliveandbee says:
Great article. Thank you ! God bless !
3 years ago
alustgarten says:
Weirdwolf, you're camerawork looks awesome!! Especially like the comic book/bakery shots. And a great interview too.
3 years ago
larrybear says:
Thanks so much to Tara (weirdwolf) who made this video, she's so talented!
3 years ago
iheartuforeal says:
nice to know there are other loners :) awesome stuff!
3 years ago
vivikas says:
I really love to check This Handmade Life, it gives me such a inspiration, and I believe that we sellers can all related with everyones history. Congrats Etsy for the good work!
3 years ago
CRSisters says:
Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us!
3 years ago
meluseena says:
oooh such an amazing talent.. Can't believe you cut out all those comic book pages that's INSANE!! ♥
3 years ago
711laurakay says:
love it
2 years ago
UniqueCatVintage says:
I loved the video...I'm amazed about the construction paper one...so intensive!
1 year ago