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The Dark Crystal #1-3
Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Creation Myths: The Complete Collection
The complete prequel trilogy to Jim Henson’s cult classic fantasy film The Dark Crystal, with a story by the film’s original concept designer, Brian Froud.
Brian Froud, legendary conceptual designer of the beloved Jim Henson fantasy film The Dark Crystal, returns to the world he helped create in this official prequel trilogy to the cult-classic film. Collected for the first time in one oversized edition, this series reveals the definitive origins of the Skeksis, Mystics, Gelfling, and the Dark Crystal itself while introducing all new characters in an epic spanning thousands of years.
Written by Brian Holguin (Spawn: Origins), Joshua Dysart (Unknown Soldier), and Matthew Dow Smith (Doctor Who), and lushly illustrated by Alex Sheikman (Robotika) and Lizzy John (Fraggle Rock), Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths is a breathtaking return to the fantasy world that has captivated audiences for over thirty years.
Brian Froud, legendary conceptual designer of the beloved Jim Henson fantasy film The Dark Crystal, returns to the world he helped create in this official prequel trilogy to the cult-classic film. Collected for the first time in one oversized edition, this series reveals the definitive origins of the Skeksis, Mystics, Gelfling, and the Dark Crystal itself while introducing all new characters in an epic spanning thousands of years.
Written by Brian Holguin (Spawn: Origins), Joshua Dysart (Unknown Soldier), and Matthew Dow Smith (Doctor Who), and lushly illustrated by Alex Sheikman (Robotika) and Lizzy John (Fraggle Rock), Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths is a breathtaking return to the fantasy world that has captivated audiences for over thirty years.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2019
6 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Brian Froud
78 books920 followersBrian Froud is an award-winning illustrator, author, and faery authority. His books include the international best-sellers Faeries, Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book, Lady Cottington's Fairy Album, and The Faeries' Oracle. He also served as the conceptual designer on Jim Henson's films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Froud lives in Devon, England.
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"I paint the spirit and soul of what I see." - Brian Froud
For over 35 years, Brian Froud has been regarded as the pre-eminent faerie artist in the world and an authority on faeries and faerie lore. His international best-selling book, FAERIES with fantasy and Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee is considered a modern classic. His landmark work with Jim Henson as conceptual designer on feature films THE DARK CRYSTAL, LABYRINTH and other Henson projects set new standards for design, puppeteering and animatronics in film and are considered landmarks in the evolution of modern day special effects and attract an international cult following . With over 8 million books sold to date, Brian's international best sellers include LADY COTTINGTON'S PRESSED FAIRY BOOK, GOOD FAERIES / BAD FAERIES and THE FAERIES' ORACLE and LADY COTTINGTON'S FAIRY ALBUM. Other works with text by Ari Berk include GOBLINS!, RUNES OF ELFLAND, LADY COTTINGTON PRESSED FAIRY LETTERS and BRIAN FROUD'S WORLD OF FAERIE. His latest books are THE HEART OF FAERIE ORACLE, authored by his wife, Wendy and HOW TO SEE FAERIES, with New York Times best-selling author, John Matthews are published by Abrams Books. He and Wendy are now working on their forthcoming book, TROLLS, to be published by Abrams in 2012.
Brian's work has been licensed by numerous licensing companies internationally. His work inspires Faerieworlds and FaerieCon, festival events that attract over 30,000 guests annually. Brian created concept designs for a sequel to THE DARK CRYSTAL, produced by the Jim Henson Company and is developing concept designs for feature film projects now in development. He and Wendy created the story concept for a graphic novel series based on THE DARK CRYSTAL to be published by Archaia Comics in 2011. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the world and his paintings reside in many private and public collections. Brian lives in Devon, England with his wife, internationally acclaimed doll maker Wendy Froud.
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"I paint the spirit and soul of what I see." - Brian Froud
For over 35 years, Brian Froud has been regarded as the pre-eminent faerie artist in the world and an authority on faeries and faerie lore. His international best-selling book, FAERIES with fantasy and Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee is considered a modern classic. His landmark work with Jim Henson as conceptual designer on feature films THE DARK CRYSTAL, LABYRINTH and other Henson projects set new standards for design, puppeteering and animatronics in film and are considered landmarks in the evolution of modern day special effects and attract an international cult following . With over 8 million books sold to date, Brian's international best sellers include LADY COTTINGTON'S PRESSED FAIRY BOOK, GOOD FAERIES / BAD FAERIES and THE FAERIES' ORACLE and LADY COTTINGTON'S FAIRY ALBUM. Other works with text by Ari Berk include GOBLINS!, RUNES OF ELFLAND, LADY COTTINGTON PRESSED FAIRY LETTERS and BRIAN FROUD'S WORLD OF FAERIE. His latest books are THE HEART OF FAERIE ORACLE, authored by his wife, Wendy and HOW TO SEE FAERIES, with New York Times best-selling author, John Matthews are published by Abrams Books. He and Wendy are now working on their forthcoming book, TROLLS, to be published by Abrams in 2012.
Brian's work has been licensed by numerous licensing companies internationally. His work inspires Faerieworlds and FaerieCon, festival events that attract over 30,000 guests annually. Brian created concept designs for a sequel to THE DARK CRYSTAL, produced by the Jim Henson Company and is developing concept designs for feature film projects now in development. He and Wendy created the story concept for a graphic novel series based on THE DARK CRYSTAL to be published by Archaia Comics in 2011. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the world and his paintings reside in many private and public collections. Brian lives in Devon, England with his wife, internationally acclaimed doll maker Wendy Froud.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 22, 2020
A welcome addition to the Dark Crytal mythos!
This compilation book is clearly a labor of love. It is a compelling, internally consistent bok that adds to the mythology admirably, and gives us a look into the history of the World of Thra, answering some of the longstanding questions that have intrigued fans for years. Think of it as the "Silmarillion" for this universe.
This compilation book is clearly a labor of love. It is a compelling, internally consistent bok that adds to the mythology admirably, and gives us a look into the history of the World of Thra, answering some of the longstanding questions that have intrigued fans for years. Think of it as the "Silmarillion" for this universe.
October 7, 2019
A really fun story (or stories, this is technically three trades in one hardcover if I am remembering correctly). I’m not sure how much of it is canon compared to the movies and tv show (which are both amazing), but that doesn’t really affect my enjoyment of the book. I just would like to know for the sake of knowing lol.
Raunip was an interesting edition to the mythos. Not sure how I feel about Aughra having a “son” but he was an interesting foil to her. Also seeing “young” versions of the Skeksis and UrRu was cool.
Definitely worth checking out if you like The Dark Crystal!
Raunip was an interesting edition to the mythos. Not sure how I feel about Aughra having a “son” but he was an interesting foil to her. Also seeing “young” versions of the Skeksis and UrRu was cool.
Definitely worth checking out if you like The Dark Crystal!
September 24, 2019
Years before Netflix released the ten-hour prequel masterpiece Age of Resistance, a number of creators have told their own tales set in the fantasy world of Thra through other media. With the return of the original film’s concept artist Brian Froud, Creation Myths is a trilogy of graphic novels that reveal the definitive origins of the Skeksis, Mystics, Gelfling, and the Dark Crystal itself while introducing all new characters in an epic spanning thousands of years.
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
October 5, 2025
Fantastic artwork, sharp dialogue—the prequel stories add even more depth and interest to an already rich world, and the interviews at the end of the book were a lovely and illuminating read. Absolutely recommend for all fans of The Dark Crystal.
January 24, 2022
These comic bring us deeper into the world of Thra, sharing little stories of its creation and the downfall that followed the fracture of the crystal and also of the legends of this original world. I have to say that the best thing about these comics, which also made great the movie and the tv show; is its rich world building. Even though I would have loved to see more about the Pods and other “lesser” creatures of Thra, it was a delight to learn more about this fantasy realm.
As for the story goes, I have to say that it took me a bit to get into the reading. In fact, I didn’t feel truly invested until the story seemed less dislodged and followed a more definite plot during a shorter period of time, which allowed for more recurring characters. I appreciated the short stories that could be found in between this collection of comics, they added realism to the storyteller tale, and gave another dimension to the world of Thra; but at the same time the fact that they were tales written in prose in the middle of the comics, made me a bit distracted. Focusing on the main plot, I found very interesting how the urSkeks came to Thra, who they were and what were their intentions. They were always a big mystery and I’m happy to know more about them, including the corruption of their hearts that lead into the division of their beings.
Referring to the characters, I truly liked Raunip, his complexity and how much he brought to the story. I’m saddened he didn’t appear in other media in reference to the story, because I truly think he adds a lot to the story, including being a character than can be considered more gray, instead of the all white (Gelflings and Mystics) or the all black (Skeksis) characters we are used to. As Gelflings go, I found Thall interesting, and I was disappointed she didn’t play a bigger role in the story; as for Kel and Gyr they reminded me a bit of Kira and Jen, but maybe that’s because of their love story and how most Gelflings have a kind, peaceful and soft nature. I personally really liked how we got to see again some important characters in the world of Thra, such as Aughra, and how a Pod was the one who helped avoid a war.
Lastly I have to talk about the art. I really liked it and how well it went with the story, from the diffused but secure lineart to the way it was painted, it made me think of old book illustrations which truly matched the “old legends and myths” feel of this graphic novel.
As for the story goes, I have to say that it took me a bit to get into the reading. In fact, I didn’t feel truly invested until the story seemed less dislodged and followed a more definite plot during a shorter period of time, which allowed for more recurring characters. I appreciated the short stories that could be found in between this collection of comics, they added realism to the storyteller tale, and gave another dimension to the world of Thra; but at the same time the fact that they were tales written in prose in the middle of the comics, made me a bit distracted. Focusing on the main plot, I found very interesting how the urSkeks came to Thra, who they were and what were their intentions. They were always a big mystery and I’m happy to know more about them, including the corruption of their hearts that lead into the division of their beings.
Referring to the characters, I truly liked Raunip, his complexity and how much he brought to the story. I’m saddened he didn’t appear in other media in reference to the story, because I truly think he adds a lot to the story, including being a character than can be considered more gray, instead of the all white (Gelflings and Mystics) or the all black (Skeksis) characters we are used to. As Gelflings go, I found Thall interesting, and I was disappointed she didn’t play a bigger role in the story; as for Kel and Gyr they reminded me a bit of Kira and Jen, but maybe that’s because of their love story and how most Gelflings have a kind, peaceful and soft nature. I personally really liked how we got to see again some important characters in the world of Thra, such as Aughra, and how a Pod was the one who helped avoid a war.
Lastly I have to talk about the art. I really liked it and how well it went with the story, from the diffused but secure lineart to the way it was painted, it made me think of old book illustrations which truly matched the “old legends and myths” feel of this graphic novel.
December 10, 2025
Not only did this book provide so much information on the beginnings of Thra and the crystal, backstory on Aughra, urSkeks, Skeksis, and Urru, but the visuals are absolutely stunning as well. The language is so reminiscent of the beautiful ballads and lore pieces we hear in the first movie, woven together to bring us some brilliant insight into the dream casting that the Gelflings use as well as the customs of the Podlings, and how the Thra universe comes together as one great song. I feel like I understand Aughra's purpose now, and meeting her son Raunip, who is the collection's tragic main character, really brought an emotional depth to her character that was missing for me in the first movie. Gyr and Kel were probably my favorite characters in this collection, because we got to see some more strong female leads on the Gelfling side as well as understand their song-telling traditions better. I am so excited to start my Dark Crystal reading journey and this couldn't have been a better entry point.
June 16, 2023
Its so cool to see how much additional lore they've built while still honouring the original movie.
November 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this expansion into the Dark Crystal Universe--seeing Aughra's creation, the UrSkeks' arrival and splitting, the folktales, just incredible. You can really see how much of a team passion project the world of Thra is, even after Jim Henson's death; all of the people who came together to make this beautiful additional work clearly care about and treasure the world. Honestly, the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because there are a few panels where a strange pattern is used that looks like the grey checkered background used in digital programs like photoshop to represent transparency. I can't tell if this pattern was intentional or a mistake in printing (I would assume it's the former; if printed, wouldn't it just be transparent?), but it makes some panels look like they're unfinished or weren't proofread correctly. Even if intentional, it's such a recognizable and specific pattern that it seems like a strange choice to make. I know that's a nitpicky thing to withhold a star over, but with graphic novels, the art is the most important thing to me (especially as an artist myself)! But, aside from that, really really great work.
April 25, 2021
Decent. The art work wasn't the greatest and there wasn't much of a plot but it was an interesting fleshing out of the world of Thra. I was thrilled with the Netflix Dark Crystal show and was very saddened when it was canceled. So of course I was very happy to have been given this book for Christmas, the content did leave me somewhat disappointed however. There just wasn't too much going on besides the sad tale of the dejected Raunip, who was a very sympathetic character that I did enjoy and pity very much. I love the world of The Dark Crystal, it angers me in a good way, there's a lot of awful stuff that happens in it that evokes a lot of feelings for me, it's a beautiful world turned very dark. I didn't love this read but I may find myself exploring the literary works of it more in the future because of my overall attachment to The Dark Crystal. I would recommend this to Dark Crystal fans but don't expect a lot.
May 9, 2020
As a life-long fan of The Dark Crystal, I had to have the graphic novel that outlined the history of Thra, even before the prequel series. It explains Aughra’s motherhood of the planet, how the original, undivided urSkeks arrived, and why the Crystal cracked when the Mystics and Skeksis divided.
I don’t typically read graphic novels, but this was the perfect vehicle for this particular story. Thra is such a vivid world and the illustrations totally did it justice. There were a few gaps in the story that I would have liked to know more about, but otherwise, it was a great history of this beautiful, mythical world that Jim Henson created.
I don’t typically read graphic novels, but this was the perfect vehicle for this particular story. Thra is such a vivid world and the illustrations totally did it justice. There were a few gaps in the story that I would have liked to know more about, but otherwise, it was a great history of this beautiful, mythical world that Jim Henson created.
September 11, 2020
Book One - mostly world building (no surprise there - this is literally Thra’s creation story). Great blend of illustrations and full-page script.
Book Two - fully graphic (no full-page script as in Book One), but there’s much more plot development in this one so it flew by!
Book Three - ties everything together quite nicely. As as our Storyteller mentions a few times throughout, every ending is simply another beginning.
Book Two - fully graphic (no full-page script as in Book One), but there’s much more plot development in this one so it flew by!
Book Three - ties everything together quite nicely. As as our Storyteller mentions a few times throughout, every ending is simply another beginning.
December 8, 2020
The story was brilliant and filled in a lot of holes in the Dark Crystal Story but I couldn't get over how bad the illustrations were! I bought the book thinking it would have the beautiful art similar to the cover, which is breathtaking.
But I found the inner illustrations to look clumsy and more like draft pieces than finished illustrations, which is a real shame as this graphic novel had so much promise but I just didn't deliver visually and that, in part, affected my love of the story.
But I found the inner illustrations to look clumsy and more like draft pieces than finished illustrations, which is a real shame as this graphic novel had so much promise but I just didn't deliver visually and that, in part, affected my love of the story.
May 24, 2023
This is a fantastic collection of stories, along with articles of prose and an added bonus of a "Free Comicbook Day" short story that encapsulates the beginnings of Thra. The creation of Aughra was one of my favorites, but the true standout is the split during the second Great Conjunction of the Urskeks into the vile Skeksis and gentle Uru or Mystics. I would highly recommend this book for all fans of The Dark Crystal and Jim Henson works in general.
May 7, 2020
When it first hit theaters in 1982, The Dark Crystal was simply too big of a mythology to be contained by the technology of the time and the constraints of a 90-minute film. With the recent Netflix series and the series of graphic novels from Archaia, we finally get to see what this world was always meant to be.
September 9, 2020
This graphic novel of short stories was excellent! The artwork of course is gorgeous, and the character development left nothing to be desired. The material at the end about the development of the characters, plot, and movie on which the entire series is based was nearly as valuable as the stories themselves. I highly recommend this graphic novel. (And now I'm dying to see the movie.)
July 18, 2020
The creation of the skeksis and urus from the urskeks is explained in detail. So many questions are answered and all from a new character--Aughra's son, Raunip. I highly recommend this title for any fan of The Dark Crystal.
October 16, 2020
Really enjoyed this comic book series. It was interesting to read more into the origins of the characters and stories of the dark crystal. The illustrations were beautiful too which I loved looking through and admiring as I read through the different stories.
November 17, 2019
Beautifully done! Plus the stories about working with Jim Henson!
September 20, 2020
Woooww the world building and the story was so magical i thoroughly enjoyed it
November 17, 2020
The sometimes overly dramatic yet stunningly beautiful and wise backstory to the world of the Dark Crystal.
January 4, 2021
Goes into some really interesting lore that fleshes out the world of the dark crystal and the clashing motivations of characters pretty well.
February 5, 2021
I love The Dark Crystal
November 8, 2021
Review to come
Want to read
June 24, 2022
January 10, 2023
This is where the pain begins
November 30, 2023
Loved it.
July 17, 2025
So much lore here 🥳
November 7, 2025
Entiendo que está muy bien. PERO MI TRIPOFOBIA ME HIZO PASARLA MAL.
Y qué cosa más castrante es Raunip.
Y qué cosa más castrante es Raunip.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews