The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths

The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths is a graphic novel series by Archaia Studios Press based on the world of The Dark Crystal. Brian Froud, the conceptual designer for the films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, drew the covers for the project, and served as a creative consultant for the Henson line.

"To re-approach these characters has been wonderful," said Froud. "Shining through is the human heart, and that still stands up after all this time."

Free Comic Book Day issue

Archaia released their first Dark Crystal story in their 2011 Free Comic Book Day flip-book (which will also include David Petersen's "Mouse Guard" on the reverse half). The book, released on May 7, 2011, also contained sneak peeks of Jim McCann and Janet Lee's "Time of the Dapper Man", and Jim Henson's "A Tale of Sand".

The story presented in the issue is an exclusive prelude to the forthcoming series of Dark Crystal graphic novels. This prelude begins the epic creation story of the world of Thra, and explores the origins of the world of the Dark Crystal.

Free Comic Book Day issue
(early cover art)

Free Comic Book Day issue
(final cover art)

Volume 1

Volume 1 cover

Description:

“Part one of a three-part graphic novel series delving into the origins of the Skeksis, Mystics, Gelflings, the world of Thra and the Dark Crystal itself. Spanning a time period from thousands of years ago to right up to the start of the original film, this graphic novel epic will tell the definitive origin of Dark Crystal, under the supervision of The Jim Henson Company and The Dark Crystal concept designer Brian Froud. (96 pages, hardcover, full color)”

• Author: Brian Holguin
• Editor: Lisa Henson
• Illustrator: Alex Sheikman
• Draft writer: Brian Froud

Release date: January 11, 2012

Extras: Contains The Dark Crystal story presented in the 2011 Free Comic Book Day flip-book.

Volume 2

Volume 2 cover

Description:

“The Great Conjunction is at hand in this dramatic second volume of Archaia and The Jim Henson Company's trilogy of prequel graphic novels that tell the origin of The Dark Crystal. Aughra, the beloved guardian of Thra, has gone into hiding, while her son, Raunip, leads a team of emissaries to the Crystal Castle. There they will bear witness as the visiting UrSkeks attempt to use the Conjunction to power their voyage home. But pain and mistrust fostered by the group leads to events that will corrupt the world to its very core and transform the UrSkeks into two distinct races: the gentle urRu and the terrifying Skeksis. Brian Froud, legendary fantasy artist and conceptual designer of Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal film, returns to oversee this crucial chapter that reveals the tragic event that caused the Bright Crystal to darken and shatter. (96 pages, hardcover, full color)”

• Author: Brian Holguin
• Editor: Lisa Henson
• Illustrator: Alex Sheikman and Lizzy John
• Concept: Brian Froud

Release Date: February 27, 2013

Extras: Contains the Dark Crystal Brian Froud's Sketchbook, and Reflections of Making The Dark Crystal And Working with Jim Henson, by David Odell {Screenwriter of The Dark Crystal and The Muppet Movie}

Volume 3

Description:

Volume 3 cover

“BRIAN FROUD, legendary conceptual designer of the beloved Jim Henson fantasy film THE DARK CRYSTAL, returns to the world he help create in this stunning conclusion of the official prequel to the original movie. The world of Thra is shattered. Following the events of The Great Conjunction, the once-powerful UrSkeks have been split into two separate beings: the Skeksis and the Mystics. Only Raunip and Aughra know their true origins, but they are trapped in the bowels of the world of Thra, searching for the shard of the Dark Crystal. But as the aftermath of The Great Conjunction wreaks havoc upon the Gelfling tribes, the Gelflings may have no choice but to rely upon the one race offering aid: the Skeksis. The species of Thra will have to decide who they can trust if they hope to keep their world together. (96 pages, hardcover, full color)”

• Author: Matthew Dow Smith
• Editor: Lisa Henson
• Illustrator: Alex Sheikman and Lizzy John
• Concept: Brian Froud

Release Date: October 07, 2015

Extras: The Dark Crystal ~ Characters in Development and sketches

 

Promotional art

Promotional image illustrated by David Petersen revealed at Comic-Con, July 2009.

See also

• The Dark Crystal, Marvel Comics' comic book adaptation of the film
• Legends of the Dark Crystal, Tokyopop's manga series prequel

External links

• ToughPigs 17-page preview
• http://graphicly.com/archaia-comics/the-dark-crystal/v2-preview 
• http://io9.com/5962221/the-secret-origins-of-the-dark-crystal
• http://www.toughpigs.com/dark-crystal-creation-myths-3/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZrV9cqOjFQ