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Jim Henson's the Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Vol. 3, Volume 3 by Matthew Dow Smith, Jim Henson
adelaidemetzger_robotprophet's review
4.0
(Review for entire trilogy. No spoilers).
3.9 of 5 stars.
I didn't grow up with The Dark Crystal so I didn't have the motivation--or even the interest--to read this trilogy as it was released.
And then Age of Resistence on Netflix was released and I’m now a newly obsessed fan of the world and lore of what Jim Henson had created.
That said, this is the perfect laying of foundation for anyone who likes The Dark Crystal in the slightest. For years, fans of the original movie have wondered at the origins of Henson’s world and this graphic novel trilogy--in my opinion--is a fantastic and fitting answer to the questions long wondered.
Story/Art
As far as the direct plot it's not too extraordinary. But it is the "how" that keeps you reading. The Creation Myths explain the creation of Thra, Mother Augrha, and the Gelfling, as well as the Skekses and Mystics. It starts out pretty slow in the first volume with basically just the introductions to the world and a few of the major characters from the original film. The slow pace is broken up with interruptions of Gelfling legends and myths which I thought was pretty dang cool--stories like “How Gelfling maidens got their wings,” and such. Those little pieces of lore really made me feel like the world of Thra was real.
The third volume knits a slightly more recognizable Thra with elements of the original film and the prequel series Age of Resistance, by showing a society where Gelfling, Skekses, AND Mystics coexist despite being at odds--for a little bit anyways.
The art in this is strangely beautiful with Matthew Dow Smith’s twisting illustrations mimicking the puppetry style from the original film while still making you see the characters move on their own. Smith’s art is more flat, comic book style compared to Brian Froud’s original dark, sketchy feel, but it still works to tell the story.
Characters
The characters are what really made this for me--especially the new character Raunip and the Urskek that had darkness in his heart.
Raunip is the first person to question the intentions of the Urskeks when they arrive on Thra albeit doesn’t handle his skepticism in the best way at the beginning. I thought it was fantastic to see him go from someone whose doubt controlled every emotion and decision up to the division of the Urskeks to a humbled and calculating somewhat savior of the Gelfling. I am eager to see more mention of Raunip if he is ever to return in the continuity.
As for the Urskek that wasn’t like the rest of his brethren, it was refreshing to see that one of those seemingly soulless alien creatures had feelings of conflict. I don’t think it’s been explained yet, but I always thought it was weird that when the Skeses and the Mystics were united they seemed so emotionless. They’re just these things with no feelings and monotonous voices and then spontaneously--boom--they’re split into two creatures who are extremely emotional, one on each end of the spectrum. So it was cool to see that they aren’t all-powerful, godlike creatures in their Urskek form, they just hide it really well and that caused for some good plot-twists.
As for the other characters, all the Gelfling were kind of stoic and just felt like they were reading lines given to them (or maybe it was just the art style making them look as stiff as possible). And Aughra was wise and crotchety as usual.
Conclusion
Although I’m left feeling a little underwhelmed and only attached to one of the characters, I’m glad I read this trilogy and that it’s a part of my bookshelf. The lore was deep and beautiful, and really immersed me into the world of Thra. I will definitely be re-reading The Creation Myths and can’t wait to dive into J.M. Lee’s novels that prelude Age of Resistance. On to Thra once more.
3.9 of 5 stars.
I didn't grow up with The Dark Crystal so I didn't have the motivation--or even the interest--to read this trilogy as it was released.
And then Age of Resistence on Netflix was released and I’m now a newly obsessed fan of the world and lore of what Jim Henson had created.
That said, this is the perfect laying of foundation for anyone who likes The Dark Crystal in the slightest. For years, fans of the original movie have wondered at the origins of Henson’s world and this graphic novel trilogy--in my opinion--is a fantastic and fitting answer to the questions long wondered.
Story/Art
As far as the direct plot it's not too extraordinary. But it is the "how" that keeps you reading. The Creation Myths explain the creation of Thra, Mother Augrha, and the Gelfling, as well as the Skekses and Mystics. It starts out pretty slow in the first volume with basically just the introductions to the world and a few of the major characters from the original film. The slow pace is broken up with interruptions of Gelfling legends and myths which I thought was pretty dang cool--stories like “How Gelfling maidens got their wings,” and such. Those little pieces of lore really made me feel like the world of Thra was real.
The third volume knits a slightly more recognizable Thra with elements of the original film and the prequel series Age of Resistance, by showing a society where Gelfling, Skekses, AND Mystics coexist despite being at odds--for a little bit anyways.
The art in this is strangely beautiful with Matthew Dow Smith’s twisting illustrations mimicking the puppetry style from the original film while still making you see the characters move on their own. Smith’s art is more flat, comic book style compared to Brian Froud’s original dark, sketchy feel, but it still works to tell the story.
Characters
The characters are what really made this for me--especially the new character Raunip and the Urskek that had darkness in his heart.
Raunip is the first person to question the intentions of the Urskeks when they arrive on Thra albeit doesn’t handle his skepticism in the best way at the beginning. I thought it was fantastic to see him go from someone whose doubt controlled every emotion and decision up to the division of the Urskeks to a humbled and calculating somewhat savior of the Gelfling. I am eager to see more mention of Raunip if he is ever to return in the continuity.
As for the Urskek that wasn’t like the rest of his brethren, it was refreshing to see that one of those seemingly soulless alien creatures had feelings of conflict. I don’t think it’s been explained yet, but I always thought it was weird that when the Skeses and the Mystics were united they seemed so emotionless. They’re just these things with no feelings and monotonous voices and then spontaneously--boom--they’re split into two creatures who are extremely emotional, one on each end of the spectrum. So it was cool to see that they aren’t all-powerful, godlike creatures in their Urskek form, they just hide it really well and that caused for some good plot-twists.
As for the other characters, all the Gelfling were kind of stoic and just felt like they were reading lines given to them (or maybe it was just the art style making them look as stiff as possible). And Aughra was wise and crotchety as usual.
Conclusion
Although I’m left feeling a little underwhelmed and only attached to one of the characters, I’m glad I read this trilogy and that it’s a part of my bookshelf. The lore was deep and beautiful, and really immersed me into the world of Thra. I will definitely be re-reading The Creation Myths and can’t wait to dive into J.M. Lee’s novels that prelude Age of Resistance. On to Thra once more.
marydrover's review against another edition
5.0
I’m both really sad that I’ve reached the end of the Creation Myths, but also super excited because that meant I got to rewatch The Dark Crystal movie! And, uh–well. That’s a, uh–well, it sure is a movie. I definitely do not remember it being that weird, and I also definitely didn’t remember a lot of it. That whole bit where they fuse back together at the end? That’s in the first of the Creation Myths, and I totally thought that was a comic book thing, not a movie thing. It was still great, though, and I’m still super excited to keep exploring the world.
This was such a nice end to the trilogy, and I was actually really surprised by the plot twist at the end! I totally did not see that coming, and I enjoyed it a lot. As always, the artwork was simply incredible, and I’m just astounded at how well Brian Froud has brought the world of Thra back to life again. He has true talent.
This was such a nice end to the trilogy, and I was actually really surprised by the plot twist at the end! I totally did not see that coming, and I enjoyed it a lot. As always, the artwork was simply incredible, and I’m just astounded at how well Brian Froud has brought the world of Thra back to life again. He has true talent.
sacrificarelepus's review against another edition
3.0
I love any story I can get about The Dark Crystal. Its such an enthralling world, with so much depth. But the art in these comics leaves a lot to be desired. It has no depth, I do love the line weight, but the shading is not great. Would recommend to hard core fans of The Dark Crystal.
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