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estherbookster's review against another edition
5.0
An expected, yet unexpected ending. I wish we'd seen more of Aughra's son but you just can't turn back time and can only hope that more books would lean on these ones, especially the mythology behind the world of Thra and the creatures that live there.
midnarose's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A great end to a story
it was great to learn more on how the world of the dark crystal came to be
I would recommend this to anyone who loved the movie and would like to know more of the world
it was great to learn more on how the world of the dark crystal came to be
I would recommend this to anyone who loved the movie and would like to know more of the world
bodger's review against another edition
4.0
Shorter than the first 2, but wraps the story up nicely. Shame it couldn't have been longer.
roklobster's review against another edition
4.0
A satisfying conclusion to the three volume arc. I still am somewhat disappointed in some of the characters reasons behind their actions. A story can be simple without being unbelievable. That being said, nostalgia wins out as well as love for the world as a whole. Glad I read it.
gothamgal's review against another edition
5.0
The really cool conclusion gave me chills. Totally worth the read!
jedi_indyjones's review against another edition
3.0
I felt like this volume didn't add a whole lot to what the previous volumes of the Creation Myths laid out, but it did bring the story to a close. If you enjoy anything Dark Crystal, this series does a great job at digging in to that world and giving you some history with some great illustrations.
adelaidemetzger_robotprophet's review against another edition
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.