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readinginthegarden's review against another edition
5.0
5/5 stars!
I really wanted to read something that was the dark crystal. I don’t care if it was a prequel/sequel or whatever I just needed more content! I finished the Netflix series, watched the film and watched the making of the series and I just needed more! I wasn’t sure what I was going to think as the reviews have been mixed but knowing Jim Hensons team gave it the nod then I’m okay about it. I thought it was beautiful and I cannot wait to read the next volume it is also an amazing keepsake/collectible with beautiful imagery and worth every penny!
I really wanted to read something that was the dark crystal. I don’t care if it was a prequel/sequel or whatever I just needed more content! I finished the Netflix series, watched the film and watched the making of the series and I just needed more! I wasn’t sure what I was going to think as the reviews have been mixed but knowing Jim Hensons team gave it the nod then I’m okay about it. I thought it was beautiful and I cannot wait to read the next volume it is also an amazing keepsake/collectible with beautiful imagery and worth every penny!
skipper_schutt's review against another edition
3.0
Review: Power of the Dark Crystal
Jim Hensons sprawling and ambitious "The Dark Crystal" is anything but perfect. It's admirable for having some of the best world building, creature designs and production design in any film ever made, but it sadly has a pretty slow uneven narrative and poor writing. I like the film for its ambitions and the fact Jim Henson wanted to make this weird fantasy world and make it a bit more cerebral. He did have more hope that audiences would respond to The Dark Crystal and they didn't. The film bombed, it didn't help that in 1982 attention was all on E.T. that also used practical puppet to bring a character to life in a much more focused narrative.
Overtime, The Dark Crystal has gained a cult following of people who were either scared of it as a kid or just was awed by the world and characters. This led to a new comic series being released based on the world and a new Netflix series coming out in August based off the original. It will be interesting to see where the Netflix series takes place in the timeline and if it uses any lore explored here.
Once I saw the art in this thing- I knew I had to pick it up for it alone and the visual aspects of this comic never let me down. The nice hues and bright colors contrasted from dark grimy worlds really made this whole comic an identity that stayed true to the source material but gave it a new voice. It makes sense since the original was loved for its aesthetic that the comic would be as well.
Beyond just the art, The Power of the Dark Crystal has a strong narrative and actually improves upon a lot of the mistakes of the original. Fans of the original might not like the new characters taking the forefront or in general this feeling a little different- but this feels like a less elusive story then the original and I think that's a good way to go.
Jim Henson always say The Dark Crystal and his show Fraggle Rock as political statements on war and having to come together despite our differences. I think this comic understands that more then the original film itself. The conflict our two characters are facing is very difficult and they have to make difficult choices.
It does have some lazy exposition and rushed character motivations, but most of it is really compelling and certainly an improvement on the film. I’m giving this series an #8.0/10 and I’m excited to read volume 2.
Jim Hensons sprawling and ambitious "The Dark Crystal" is anything but perfect. It's admirable for having some of the best world building, creature designs and production design in any film ever made, but it sadly has a pretty slow uneven narrative and poor writing. I like the film for its ambitions and the fact Jim Henson wanted to make this weird fantasy world and make it a bit more cerebral. He did have more hope that audiences would respond to The Dark Crystal and they didn't. The film bombed, it didn't help that in 1982 attention was all on E.T. that also used practical puppet to bring a character to life in a much more focused narrative.
Overtime, The Dark Crystal has gained a cult following of people who were either scared of it as a kid or just was awed by the world and characters. This led to a new comic series being released based on the world and a new Netflix series coming out in August based off the original. It will be interesting to see where the Netflix series takes place in the timeline and if it uses any lore explored here.
Once I saw the art in this thing- I knew I had to pick it up for it alone and the visual aspects of this comic never let me down. The nice hues and bright colors contrasted from dark grimy worlds really made this whole comic an identity that stayed true to the source material but gave it a new voice. It makes sense since the original was loved for its aesthetic that the comic would be as well.
Beyond just the art, The Power of the Dark Crystal has a strong narrative and actually improves upon a lot of the mistakes of the original. Fans of the original might not like the new characters taking the forefront or in general this feeling a little different- but this feels like a less elusive story then the original and I think that's a good way to go.
Jim Henson always say The Dark Crystal and his show Fraggle Rock as political statements on war and having to come together despite our differences. I think this comic understands that more then the original film itself. The conflict our two characters are facing is very difficult and they have to make difficult choices.
It does have some lazy exposition and rushed character motivations, but most of it is really compelling and certainly an improvement on the film. I’m giving this series an #8.0/10 and I’m excited to read volume 2.
rainbowsandstarlight's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
rainbowsandstarlight's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
laurla's review against another edition
-a very quick read, more pictures than story.
laurla's review against another edition
"good things happen when you help good people."
gothamgal's review against another edition
4.0
Imagined as a sequel to the cult favorite The Dark Crystal, Jim Henson's the Power of the Dark Crystal volume 1 takes up about 100 years after the thrilling climax of the film. Jyn and Kira are the rulers of Thra, and they are a peaceful people. The crystal is opened to all people in need of healing. But all is not what it seems. When a castle page tells them of trouble outside of their walls, they do not believe it, and when a fireling girl from inside Thra comes to ask them for a shard of the crystal to save her people, Kira and Jyn have their doubts. The Fireling breaks the crystal, and the UrSkeks (the Urs and the Skeks) are brought out of the crystal once again. But, as the Urs are still peaceful and meditative, the Skekis are still power hungry. Will Jyn and Kira be able to save their world once again, or are they doomed to repeat the mistakes of history--is it too late to save Thra?
I really enjoyed this, and am happy that I waited until the first few issues were collected before I read it. I love the art, and Archaia has done a lot with the franchise (and the Henson name in general) to warrant my fan-girl level of love. I cannot wait to hear more--I am also hoping there's a map or a guide of sorts to Thra, especially before we get that Netflix series!
I really enjoyed this, and am happy that I waited until the first few issues were collected before I read it. I love the art, and Archaia has done a lot with the franchise (and the Henson name in general) to warrant my fan-girl level of love. I cannot wait to hear more--I am also hoping there's a map or a guide of sorts to Thra, especially before we get that Netflix series!
dtaylorbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I was never a Dark Crystal fan, but I picked this up at BEA. Might as well give it a try. And I have to say it’s a good story. I’ve only seen the original movie once, if that, so I’m not really familiar with the story itself although I’m more familiar with some of the characters.
I definitely liked the art here. Visually stunning and eye-catching. I think it told more of a story than the words themselves. Not that the story wasn’t good. It’s this little fire creature trying to save its kind by obtaining a shard of the crystal itself. Which, of course, is sacrilege. And it ended up waking up the two main characters there, who were in stasis, which is even worse than asking for a shard.
So it has its fair share of drama. It’s still not really my thing. I’m probably not going to keep reading in the series. But I can see how The Dark Crystal is a fan favorite and I can definitely see how the comic is sure to be really popular. It just doesn’t resonate with me, unfortunately. I was hoping it would. Like I said, it’s not bad. But it’s not for me.
3
I received a copy of this comic from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I definitely liked the art here. Visually stunning and eye-catching. I think it told more of a story than the words themselves. Not that the story wasn’t good. It’s this little fire creature trying to save its kind by obtaining a shard of the crystal itself. Which, of course, is sacrilege. And it ended up waking up the two main characters there, who were in stasis, which is even worse than asking for a shard.
So it has its fair share of drama. It’s still not really my thing. I’m probably not going to keep reading in the series. But I can see how The Dark Crystal is a fan favorite and I can definitely see how the comic is sure to be really popular. It just doesn’t resonate with me, unfortunately. I was hoping it would. Like I said, it’s not bad. But it’s not for me.
3
I received a copy of this comic from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.