Nowadays it seems like everyone and their mother is getting a prequel story or an unwarranted origin. This is exactly what makes Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths so refreshing. The gorgeously illustrated graphic novel from Archaia is a prequel story to the events of Jim Henson’s 1982 fantasy classic, The Dark Crystal. Written by Matthew Dow Smith, illustrated by Alex Sheikman, and featuring cover art by the legendary Brian Froud, Creation Myths chronicles the devastation of the Gelflings and the Mystics, as well as the Skeksis sinister rise to power. This fall, Archaia will release the third and final volume in the series, bringing the epic fantasy saga to a close.
In celebration of the forthcoming hardcover collection, we have an exclusive sneak peek at what’s coming your way this September 2. Archaia/BOOM! Studios has furnished us with an exclusive gallery of preview pages from the graphic novel and an excerpt from The Henson Company Archives appendix at the back of the book. What’s in this excerpt, you ask? A never-before-published photograph of a puppet created specifically for The Dark Crystal that never made it into the final cut. So read and take a look behind the curtain of Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths, Vol. 3.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Vol. 3
Publisher: Archaia, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Author: Matthew Dow Smith
Artist: Alex Sheikman
Cover Artist: Brian Froud
Format: 96 pages, full color, hardcover
On sale: 9/2/15Synopsis:
What’s to Love: It’s been a surreal experience to be able to tell an original prequel story set in The Dark Crystal universe with the full collaboration of The Jim Henson Company. The film stands as an iconic fantasy story and we’re excited to be contributing to its legacy. We’re pinching ourselves because the best part has been being able to work with legendary conceptual designer Brian Froud!
What It Is: Presenting the stunning conclusion of the official prequel to the original The Dark Crystal movie. Following the events of the Great Conjunction, the once-powerful Urskeks have been split into two separate beings: the Skeksis and the Mystics. As the aftermath of the Great Conjunction wreaks havoc upon the Gelfling tribes, the Gelfling may have no choice but to rely upon the one race offering aid: the Skeksis. This volume features behind-the-scenes photos and concept sketches from The Jim Henson Company Archives documenting how creature and puppet designs that never made it into the film were adapted and brought to life on the comic page.
Be sure to check out our exclusive gallery below.
Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Vol. 3 hits store shelves on September 2, 2015.
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Dan Casey is the senior editor of Nerdist and the author of 100 Things Avengers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die. You can follow him on Twitter (@Osteoferocious).
