Nichole Matthews (1)

Picking up 100 years after the events of The Dark Crystal, the land of Thra is lush and vibrant, a world basking in the glow of the healed Crystal. Or, at least that's what the Crystalline Eminence wants everyone, including Jen and Kira, to believe. Jen and Kira slumber in the glow of the Crystal, trusting that the world of Thra is still at peace. In their absence, the Crystalline Eminence has convinced the inhabitants of Thra that in order for them to bask in the glow and be healed by the show more Crystal, they must bring tributes to the Crystal, and without a tribute, they are turned away. This is not the world that Jen and Kira dream of in their slumber. Thra is sick, and they are unaware.

When Thurma, a young Fireling (beings who live in the flames of the core of Thra), is sent to beseech help from the Gelflings who rule Thra, she sets in motion events that she does not truly understand, because she is sent to request a shard of Crystal, which her elders say will rekindle the dying flames of their world. When she is turned away, Thurma takes matter into her own hands and cracks the Crystal again, freeing once again both the Mystics and Skeksis. As she flees the Castle of the Crystle, Thurma is entirely unaware of the evil that she has let lose into the world again.

I loved this story. Based on a script that was written as the sequel to the film, this reads just like the original movie feels. All of the characters from the film make an appearance, including Aughra and Fizzgig, and everyone feels like themselves. Simon Spurrier has expertly captured the characters voices and personalities. Kelly and Nichole Matthews' art is spot on perfect for this project, with a lovely natural flow to the art that breathes life into the land people of Thra.

I wish this had been made into a film; I'm wildly curious as to how they would have created Thurma in puppet form. However, being given the opportunity to read what could have been in film is still just as thrilling. If you're a fan of The Dark Crystal, this is essential reading. show less

Not your ordinary fairy tale. I love reading fractured fairy tales, that flip the script on the whole prince charming saving the damsel in distress. This Tale of the Little Mermaid does exactly that. Taking place five years after her showdown with Ursula, Ariel is forced into maturity and responsibility while trying to protect their underwater kingdom and save her father. This graphic novel adaption was quick to read and the illustrations were great!

Serving as the sequel to the original 80's movie, this graphic novel serves as a bold leap for the lore and story of the Dark Crystal itself. Just when you think you know it all, you have to relearn everything you thought you knew all over again. The Dark Crystal is already a massive world that never seems to be completely finished or final, so this is yet another chapter in its world building. We get to take a look back on some of the original cast and how they are holding up after 100 show more years or so as well as meet some new characters that fit in Thra seemingly well. There's also a string of events that occur that are somewhat striking considering how well you know your Dark Crystal lore (for me, it's fairly up there). I'd love to read more of this series- it's a dauntless continuation. show less

A graphic novel about what the three witches were actually doing? Sold. This could not be more me if it had called and asked me what I wanted. I love the witches' personalities and ways they're drawn.