Fraggle Rock Classics Vol. 2 by Stan Kay, Marie Severin & Jake Myler - Paul's Review

*I received this comic book as an eARC from Archaia Entertainment on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Fraggle Rock Classics Vol. 2
Authors: Stan Kay, Marie Severin (Illustrations), Jake Myler (Contributor)
Date of Publication: October 16th, 2012

Synopsis: Another blast from the Fraggle past! From the same creative team that brought you Fraggle Rock Classics Volume 1 comes the final collection of the original 1980s Fraggle Rock comic series! Inspired by the Jim Henson TV series, the Fraggle Rock comics capture the same spirit and valuable life lessons set forth in the show. Great for existing fans of Fraggle Rock, and a perfect introduction to new ones!

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Review: This graphic novel collects reprints of the 1985 Fraggle Rock comic as well as two newer stories from the past few years. In one if the stories, Mokey teaches Junior about friends. In another, Red makes friends with Lanford, Mokey 'a pet plant. One if the newer stories centers around Halloween. 

If you're a fan of Fraggle Rock, you will enjoy this collection. I liked the two newer stories more than the 1985 reprints because I liked their different art styles. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. If there's a Fraggle Rock fan in your life this would make a great gift.

--PAUL

Jim Henson's The Storyteller - Paul's REVIEW

***I was provided an ecopy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review***

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Title: Jim Henson's The Storyteller
Authors:  Katie Cook, Colleen Coover, Nate Cosby, Chris Eliopoulos, Francesco Francavilla, Justin Gray, Roger Langridge, Marjorie M. Liu, Ron Marz, Jim McCann, Jimmy Palmiotti, Jeff Parker, Paul Tobin , Tom Fowler, Janet Lee, Mike Maihack, Evan Shaner, Janet K. Lee, and Jennifer L. Meyer 
Year Published: 2011

Synopsis: When people told themselves their past with stories, explained their present with stories, foretold the future with stories...the best place by the fire was kept for...The Storyteller 
Archaia and The Jim Henson Company are proud to present all-new tales of fantastic wonder and extraordinary myth, as told from the tongue of The Storyteller and his loyal canine companion.

Review: I am a huge fan of all things Jim Henson. As a child, The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock were two of my favorite shows. I also really enjoyed The Storyteller. Each episode would tell a different story, some from myths, some fables, and others taken from history. I even have the DVD set on my shelf right now. 

This graphic novel was set up in a similar fashion to the tv series episodes. Each story is bookended by the Storyteller himself and his dog. They even come up within the stories as well sometimes. I like the interactions between the Storyteller and his dog. 

Many authors and illustrators contributed to this graphic novel. There is a lot of diversity in the type of stories. Some of them I was familiar with, but most of them I had never heard of before. The style of each story is also different. The art is different and unique for each story. Some are more cartoony while others have a realistic feel. 

If you are a fan of Jim Henson or even just fables and fairytales, this is a book for you. This would be a nice book to read to a young child, each night reading a different story. This would be a perfect introduction to comic books and graphic novels. I give this graphic novel a 4/5.

-PAUL

Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths, Volume 2 - Paul's Review

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My Review of VOLUME ONE

Title: Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths, Volume 2
Authors: Brian Froud, Joshua Dysart, Alex Sheikman, and Lizzy John
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: Part two of a three-part graphic novel prequel 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.

In this volume, readers will see the story behind the cracking of the crystal.

Review: This is the second volume in the three part graphic novel trilogy of Creation Myths set in the world of The dark Crystal. I really enjoyed the first one and this one matched my interest. There are more connections to the original movie in this one. The Skeksis and Mystics were always so cool in the movie and now more information on their origin is revealed. 

This graphic novel continues this trilogy very nicely. If you have not read the first one and you are a Jim Henson fan, go get it now! I give this volume a 4/5.

-PAUL

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