The Dark Crystal Bestiary - The Definitive Guide to the Creatures of Thra

by Adam Cesare, Iris Compiet

Discover the wild and wonderful creatures of Thra in this guide to the flora and faune of the Dark Crystal universe featuring remarkable original illustrations.

In a world where rocks talk and trees dispense wisdom from across the ages, anything is possible. This comprehensive volume catalogs the many lifeforms of Thra's unique ecosystem, from the vile Skeksis and thair noble counterparts, the Mystics, to a whole cornucopia of amazing creatures and critters, including Landstriders, Garthim, Peeper Beetles, Fizzgigs, Pluff'm, and many more fan favorites.

Drawing from all aspects of the saga's universe, including the critically acclaimed Netflix show The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, this book features all-new illustrations by Iris Compiet, a protégé of the original Dark Crystal concept artist, Brian Froud.

Visually dazzling and filled with enthralling information about all Thra's lifeforms, The Dark Crystal Bestiary is the definitive guide to this world of wonders.

Genres: Fantasy, Art, Reference, Fiction, Picture Books, High Fantasy, Film

167 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2020

About the author

Adam Cesare is a New Yorker who lives in Philadelphia. His books include Clown in a Cornfield, Video Night, The Summer Job, and Zero Lives Remaining. He’s an avid fan of horror cinema and runs Project: Black T-Shirt, a YouTube review show where he takes horror films and pairs them with reading suggestions.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that the Dark Crystal when I first saw the series was amazing - one of the crowning achievements of Jim Henson and his creature shop. A tale that was much darker than many of his other creations and one which has had such a profound impact that it is still capturing peoples imagination today.

This book is a perfect example of that - a book published only last year which contains material from film, TV series, books and graphic novels alike this book is a definitive (until something else is added no doubt) guide to the creatures of Thea and the amazing characters you will meet in the world of the Dark Crystal.

I will admit that I was a little disappointed when I saw this was not the direct creation of Brian Froud the imagination behind so many of the wild creatures however he did contribute to the book and you can certainly see his influence in the artwork. So yes if you are a fan of the fantastic and love the world of the Dark Crystal this is certainly a book worth exploring.

[Yasmin Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I’ve been waiting for a book like this for years.
Compared to “The World of The Dark Crystal”, this is focused purely on the creatures, rather than delving into the ‘making of’ aspects of the film. What’s more, it’s the most comprehensive collection of creatures we’ve had so far, with creatures from the film, TV series, Graphic Novels, Novels and Manga all brought together into one place. Much appreciated is having a side-by-side Skeksis and urRu spreads (though still no mention of the missing skekLi the Satirist and skekSa the Mariner – which is a shame, though perhaps they are being kept back in case Netflix ever decides to grant a second season of the TV series *pokes Netflix with a sharp stick to get the hint*)

The text is brief, with a few paragraphs at most for each character/creature. Be warned there are some spoilers for anyone who hasn’t seen the film, TV series or read the Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Creation Myths: The Complete Collection graphic novels. I can also see some people struggling with the font, which is in that ‘script’ style.
The pages are nice and thick and, best of all, non-glossy, which gives it that journal-like feel. It’s good that they got one illustrator for the entire book, rather than lazily pulling out the same Brian Froud art that we’ve seen before, which would clash with the newer art. Saying that, Iris Compiet, has done well in imitating Froud’s style, yet still being distinctive enough.
My only gripe, and it’s a tiny one, is that once we get past the Gelfling clans and Skesis/urRu the creatures are ordered a bit willy-nilly. It would have been that final polish to have the creatures organised by habitat/location (eg. “Creatures of the Swamp of Sog”, “Creatures of the Crystal Sea” etc…)

[Lia C · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding look into the creatures that inhabit the world of Thra. This book is worth its weight in gold just for the illustrations alone, which are delightful and vividly detailed. There's even a description for all creatures and characters within its pages, providing a deeper insight into the wondrous beings that have enchanted the big and small screen. A must-read for all fans of The Dark Crystal universe.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic lore, artwork, and additional content related to all things The Dark Crystal.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and beautiful art . This is a double win for Dark Crystal fans.

[Luke Spooner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you have to let your nerd flag fly. I love this world and this book.

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

a deep dive into a truly wonderful world. art and descriptions are amazing

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful watercolours with quirky, creative bio descriptions attached to each image. If you enjoy the story of The Dark Crystal, you will love this.

[Erik B.K.K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love The Dark Crystal, but this bestiary suffers from barely readable text and sketch-like drawings that do not stand out much. It feels bare-bones and unfinished. Especially if I compare it to for example Brian Froud's The Elves, Holly Black's & Tony DiTerlizzi's Spiderwick Field Guide or James Gurney's Dinotopia. All of which are amazing. This bestiary is okay. I guess it's more for the diehard fan and collector.

[Laurla2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

-3 stars.
drawn artwork showing all the creatures of the dark crystal world.

all the print is a cursive print, that was difficult to read. (and i'm old enough to have learned cursive in school).

the first half of the book was characters i was familiar with. the last half of the book i didn't recognize anything.

i guess i expected something more like the 'fraggle rock ultimate visual history' book, and that's why i was disappointed.

[AquaMoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of The Dark Crystal for decades! I remember seeing it in the theater when I was maybe 5 or 6 and the story, the creatures, the landscape, and everything about the world of DC made a big impact on me, fueling my lifelong love of trippy fantasy movies (Labyrinth, Legend, Neverending Story, etc). So I thoroughly enjoyed browsing this gorgeous book.

The illustrations...OMG!! So...wow!!!

[Lori Schiele · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible reference book to the lifeforms that inhabited Thra through all of the different Ages from the Age of Innocence to the Age of Power, as well as explaining the uniqueness of the planet of Thra itself with its living Crystal heart overseen by Mother Aughra, even before the arrival of the urSkeks (who would become the Mystics and the Skeksis). It details the different Gelfling clans, the different Mystics, and the different Skeksis. Then it shows various creatures from each of the seven areas of Thra--some familiar from the original movie, as well as the Age of Resistance series, and many others that may have appeared in some of the comics, or were created to round out the world of Thra.
A must-have for fans of the world of Thra.

[Michael Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main attraction of this visual guide to the flora and fauna of Thra is undoubtedly the art of Iris Compiet, who skilfully delivers a large quantity of attractive illustrations. Her sketchy style and loose watercolour technique perfectly suits the various denizens found in the Dark Crystal universe, and they pleasingly contain the necessary characteristics developed by the original creators: Jim Henson and Brian Froud. Adam Cesare’s text is nicely written and provides intriguing new details – although I do question the font choice, as it’s difficult to read at times due to the design of some letterforms.

[Olsen House School · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book on all of the creatures of Thra in the Dark Crystal. The Gelfling and Gruenaks are my favourite; the Gelfling are so cool! I feel very sorry for the Guenaks. My least favourite character is the pepper beetle as they eat eyeballs!

Your opinion? I LOVED IT! It gave me so much informatio about the creatures in Thra. My favourite part was when it told me abut all the skeksis and mystrics.

I'd recommend this books to Jim Henson fans, Dark Crystal fans, and young adults/16+.

Izzy I - Year 10 - Spring 2025

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the art is amazing capturing the essence of Thra, Iris Compiet adds her own flare to the Froud style. It’s been wonderful to see all the creatures of Thra together on paper do comprehensively.
A must read for those who want to get into the deeper lore and world of the dark crystal.
5/5

[Openly_Dyslexic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork, and amazing descriptions that give more insight into the world of Thra I read this in preparation to finally read the comic books, and I am very excited to reference it!
I’ve always found the world of the Dark crystal captivating, and I hope that the show comes back. Hopefully the comics will do for now.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cool and informative book about the amazing world of The Dark Crystal, a movie staple growing up. The new series was pretty cool too. This book provides details from both the movie and the series.

[Molly the Gemini]

Perfect for any fan of The Dark Crystal and the world/creations The Jim Henson company. There were so many creatures that were both in the movie & TV show and so many that were not. The artwork is stunning and the creature blurbs were so fun.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a Bestiary could be so delightful? If you are a fan of The Dark Crystal and want to know more about the creatures that inhabit Thra, this book is for you. I loved both the illustrations and descriptions of each strange creature.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful book I own. It was through this book that I fully realized just how important the animal life is to the richness of a world. These creatures are inventive. Not all of them are beautiful but all of them undoubtedly belong in Thra. A great inspiration and a fun read.

[Natacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a HUGE fan of the dark crystal I can do nothing but recommend. Perfect continuation with the universe of Jim henson, lavish illustrations...loved it. The book is now sitting on my shelf as a deco element

[Denielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who love The Dark Crystal, this creature guide will take you back in time to the original movie and give you that background reference that you yearned for. Highly recommended for all fans of the original movie and newbies of the Netflix series.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved delving into this. The world of the dark crystal is so close to my heart and every new piece information I can get my hands on I devour. The artwork is stunning and I loved all of the details on each lifeforms.

[Jessica Golebiewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this book! Amazing art and detailed descriptions of the many inhabitants of Thra. A must read for any dark crystal fan.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Iris Compiet's artwork! Beautiful. And a great bestiary.

[Eadrinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing work. Extremely dedicated team of conceptual artists worked on the series. Fun to see and read about all the creatures of Thra.

[Alanna Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The baddest of them all

[Punkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
A gorgeous and insightful guide to the creatures of the Dark Crystal series.

[Emily McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a Dark Crystal nerd. I like art. Beastiary = Good

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool art and interesting descriptions!