Fans of The Dark Crystal have a lot to be thankful for recently. Along with the film getting the bluray treatment and last year’s announcement of a Netflix prequel series, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance; Boom Studios brings us a brand new 12 issue miniseries sequel to the film and direct sequel to their adaptation of the never-made film sequel “Power of the Dark Crystal.”
Cover by Benjamin DeweyWritten by Adam Smith
Illustrated by Alexandria Huntington
Colored by Alexandria Huntington
Lettered by Jim CampbellA new age is upon us. The various lands under the power of the Dark Crystal are set for big changes. A loose peace has held for years, but will things get better or plummet into destruction and despair? Returning to the land of Thra, resurrected Gelfling savior, Kensho is looked to as an obvious choice to lead its people. Upon arrival he realizes that many believe him to be unfit because of his past. He is also unsure if he can carry the burden. At the same time, the realm of Mithra is appointing its new Ember Queen. A Fierling girl named Thurma who has her own mission at hand to determine the fate of her land and her people. As these potential leaders prepare for what lies ahead, each world learns more about the other trying to make their way through rumors and prophecies to do what is best for all realms.
Right from the start, the first issue of “Beneath the Dark Crystal” thrusts us back into the world of Thra and the various creatures that inhabit it. With only a little setting used as a re-introduction, it is clear that Smith is requiring the reader to know not only the original film, but also the previous comic book sequel. He wastes no time getting the reader right back into the thick of things. This method will be appreciated by some, as there are many books out there that spend too much time filling in the gaps or providing long recaps of previous arcs. However, this issue would have benefited by including a few words to let newcomers exactly where in the timeline they are being dropped. This opening issue is light on action and heavy on the dialogue moving the plot along, never looking back.
It is a little surprising how mature the narrative is. While the movie is darker and a bit more cerebral than most other Jim Henson/Muppet films, this book starts to delve into nearly Game of Thrones-style political intrigue. This dialogue will please the serious fantasy fans looking for a story that honors the tone of the film while expanding on the world as a whole and refuses to stick solely to more lighthearted fare. Our heroes understand their responsibilities even if they feel someone else might fulfill the duties better than they can. Even if that’s the case they still rise to the challenge and aim to do what is best for their people. Smith knows this universe well, puts his talents to work and does right by the fans.
Alexandria Huntington’s illustrations range from soft tones and smooth textures to harsh, violent colors. Her work completely embodies the two lands we travel to. At times it feels like you could reach out and touch the felt noses of these characters, in other panels it looks like everyone and everything is made of blown glass and porcelain. Each page is sure to take you back to childhood memories. It is all familiar and yet, takes Henson’s creations into new directions that would have been tough to achieve in an early 80s film. Though somewhat simplistic, even her geometric illustrations that bookend the story are beautiful to look at and call back to fantasy heavy hitters like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis; bringing back memories of heavy hardcover novels that were inspiration for these adventures.
A faithful continuation of The Dark Crystal, “Beneath the Dark Crystal” #1 is a well written and intriguing opener. It would be stronger if it were able to stand more on its own and not rely so heavily on the previous miniseries. This story is nearly impossible to recommend to newcomers who will undoubtedly be lost from the very beginning. Smith does well balancing its forward momentum and using the past as building blocks for what is to come. With 11 issues to go there is sure to be plenty of story and action on the horizon.
Final Verdict: 7.5 – A decent start of a threequel to the Jim Henson classic that has some necessary pre-requisite reading.
