Graphic Novel review: THE DARK CRYSTAL: CREATION MYTHS BOOK 1

In the original film The Dark Crystal Jim Henson was responsible for one of the most inspiring and inventive fantasy films thus far created.  Along for the ride was Brian Froud who provided conceptual designs for the film (along with that of Henson’s Labyrinth).  Froud is also responsible for the resurrection of the mythos of The Dark Crystal in this three book epic series from Archaia Publishing called The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths.

In this first book we are introduced into the world of Thra by our storyteller who tells us how their world came into being and how Aughia was created and how she is connected to Thra and the universe and all its inhabitants.  This series “Creation Myths” strives to dig deep into the origins of the inhabitants of Thra through the myths and songs that have been passed down from one generation to the next.

Froud has come up with the concept and character designs for the new series but he has intrusted the story to Brian Holquin and illustrations are by Alex Sheikman and Lizzy John (and is lettered by Deron Bennett).  They’ve created an excellent addition to the Dark Crystal universe that fits perfectly into the Henson world.  This is a great jumping on point for those who have not seen the original film nor have any connection to any other stories or comics thus far created.

Like Froud’s book The World of the Dark Crystal, this series strives to illustrate a world and imagination like none other.  When you step into the world of Dark Crystal you are stepping into a fantasy adventure that will keep you entertained from beginning to end and I can’t wait to see what they come up with in the next book.