Thursday, March 7, 2013

Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths, Volume 1 - Paul's Review


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Title: Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths, Volume 1
Authors: Brian Froud, Brian Holguin, Alex Sheikman, and Lizzy John 
Year Published: 2012

Synopsis: Part one of a three-part graphic novel series delving into the origins of the Skeksis, Mystics, Gelflings, the world of Thra and the Dark Crystal itself. Spanning a time period from thousands of years ago to right up to the start of the original film, this graphic novel epic will tell the definitive origin of Dark Crystal, under the supervision of The Jim Henson Company and The Dark Crystal concept designer Brian Froud.

Review: One of my favorite movies as a child was The Dark Crystal. I loved the fantasy of it. The puppetry was done beautifully and the the world created was so amazing. Not only that, but the story was so compelling. The polars of good and evil were shown as being two sides of the same being. The mythology of the movie was just so interesting. 

These graphic novels are all about the mythology of the world seen in The Dark Crystal. The first volume starts with a creation myth and continues from there. Characters and creatures from the movie make appearances, revealing more of their true identities. Aughra was always a mystery in the film and her story is explained within this volume. 

The stories are told by a traveler gathered around a campfire at night. The first volume encompasses the stories he told the first night, before the suns rose again. Some of the myths are delivered in visual comic book form, while others are short two-page stories. I read the whole volume in one sitting, but I imagine it would be a nice read each night before bed. 

I give this graphic novel a 4/5. I highly recommend it to any fan of The Dark Crystal. This would make a perfect gift for any Jim Henson enthusiast. I am excited to read the second volume. 

-PAUL

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