Review: The Power Of The Dark Crystal #1

Darryll Robson Darryll Robson
Contributor
March 4th, 2017

Lifetime reader of comics and fan of Planet of the Apes. When the two combine I can barely contain myself. Image, Boom and Titan comics fight for shelf space with Doctor Who DVDs.

Review: The Power Of The Dark Crystal #1
Comics
0

Reviewed by:
Rating:
5
On March 4, 2017
Last modified:March 4, 2017

Summary:

A wonderful adaption of a film that never was. Beautiful artwork adorns the exterior and interior of this captivating comic. A must buy.


Reviewed by:
Rating:

5
On March 4, 2017
Last modified:March 4, 2017

Summary:

A wonderful adaption of a film that never was. Beautiful artwork adorns the exterior and interior of this captivating comic. A must buy.

The Power of the Dark Crystal is based on a script for the sequel to the original 1982 movie. Boom! Studios have enlisted Si Spurrier to rework the magic and our contributor, Darryll Robson, takes a long overdue journey back to Thra in his review of issue 1.

Review: The Power Of The Dark Crystal #1

If you are of a certain age you will probably remember going to the cinema to see dark, muppet movie The Dark Crystal. It will no doubt have captivated you and drawn you into its slow paced, grim looking fantasy world. For years rumours have been abound about a sequel, including the proposition of a CGI follow up made on a tight budget. For good or ill, the sequel didn't materialise but now, thanks to Boom! Studios, the continuation of the story is available in comic book format.

Dark Crystal interior art 2

Credit: Boom Studios!

Synopsis

It has been 100 years since the Great Crystal was healed and the Mystics and Skeksis' left the world of Thra. The people of the world venture forth once more and peace has reigned under the glowing light of the Crystal of Power.

Aughra, the sage and indifferent observer, has been hidden away in her sanctuary, watching the stars and their secrets. On the day she sees a warning in the sky is the same day that a new creature arrives in the land of Thra. She feels dread within her old bones and watches from her vantage point as the Fireling makes her way to the Castle of the Great Crystal. She sees the creature of fire slip passed the guards and into the depths of the Castle. Calling forth shes instructs the guards to capture and bring the creature to her.

Meanwhile the Fireling is trying to acclimatise itself to her new surrounds which differ greatly from her home. She is looking for the Gelfling and is on a mission that she fears could bring darkness back to the world.

The old world and the new are about to be tested and the fate of the Great Crystal is at the centre of it all.

Dark Crystal interior art 1

Credit: Boom Studios!

Analysis

First up I am going to assume that you have seen the Dark Crystal. If you haven't you must rectify that right now. It's a movie that deals with such themes as Death, Predestination, Religious dogma and is a beautiful fantasy adventure. It is brilliant designed by Brian Froud and created by Jim Hensons' creature shop. The story is mystical and evenly paced, a far cry from the Flashy, color soaked Disney offerings.

For years a sequel has been ‘in production' and various rumours have spread about when and where it will appear but as yet it has never got off the ground. This is where this comic comes in. Archaia, and Boom! Studios, have for a number of years had the rights to produce new stories within the world of the Dark Crystal, as well as the other much loved children's classic Labyrinth. Short stories have been released over time, often in the Free Comic Book Day specials. But this is the first monthly title that they have put out and who better to write it than Simon Spurrier.

Spurrier is currently at the top of his game, having produced some outstanding work in the last few years. Titles such as Cry Wolf and his work on Doctor Who have received high praise but it is his creator owned title, The Spire, where his narrative craftsmanship really shines. It is also exactly the reason why he could be the only person to write a new Dark Crystal story. The Spire has the feel of Jim Hensons' worlds woven into it so it was especially exciting when he was chosen to write the continuing adventures of Aughra, Jen and Kira.

The story for issue one of The Power of the Dark Crystal (PDC from now on. What with Planet of the Apes crossovers I'm going to have to find comics with shorter titles) is pretty straight forward. It sets the scene and reintroduces the reader to the changed world of Thra with all its inhabitants. Using Aughra as a central figure from the beginning is a great move because it instantly gives the reader, and the writer, a familiar character to focus the story around. She was an integral part of the movie without being a hero or villain; she's an observer just like the reader although she does seem to know more than anyone else.

Fireling interior art

Credit: Boom Studios!

The beauty of the script is how much it reads like the movie. From the opening monologue you get the sense that you are witnessing the sequel to the film. It has the same style and pacing. It's difficult to read without hearing the voice of Joseph O'Conor, the movies narrator, in your head. As the narrative progresses the narration continues in the same tone, mirroring the voice over of the movie, and setting the character for the entire comic. This is a majestic fantasy populated with benevolent characters. When there is a moment of cruelty, when the podlings are turned away from the Castle for being too poor to bring an offering, it jars the reader; it is out of place in this, almost, Utopian world. The opening tells us the world has been healed but are there still scars irritating Thar?

Of course the story wouldn't have the same effect on the reader without the outstanding art work by Kelly and Nichole Matthews. The line work appears simple but each panel is packed with colourful detail. The characters are distinctive and the landscapes lavish. Beauty runs through each page.

Subtle changes in shade and shadow is used to highlight the internal workings of each character. For example, a dark shadow cast across the castle priest adds a malice to the words he speaks but a change in light helps to illustrate the eternal goodness of Kira and Jen.

Issue 1 of The Power of The Dark Crystal lays the ground work for the series in an engaging and aesthetically pleasing way. It's the sequel to the movie that all the fans want but isn't so soaked in nostalgia that those new to the Dark Crystal will feel as though they are missing something.

A must buy.

Although I am not a fan of alternative covers as a general rule, the covers for issue 1 of PDC are adorned with some beautiful art work. Just take a look....

Power of the Dark Crystal alternative cover

Credit: Boom Studios!

Alternative cover Power of the Dark Crystal

Credit: Boom Studios!

Darryll Robson is a Contributor to ComiConverse.  Occasionally he might use his Twitter account: @DarryllRobson

 

Source: Boom Studios

The Power of the Dark Crystal #1

  • 5
A wonderful adaption of a film that never was. Beautiful artwork adorns the exterior and interior of this captivating comic. A must buy.
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