The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths

Promotional art

The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths is an upcoming graphic novel series planned to launch in 2011 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, will draw the covers for the project, and will serve 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)”

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

Release date: December 27, 2011

Volume 2

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)”

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

Release Date: December 25, 2012

Volume 2 cover

See also

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

• 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