The Dark Crystal Vol. 1: Creation Myths

The Dark Crystal is a movie I remember from my childhood, a movie that scared the crap out of me. But, other than the fact I was a bit terrified of the film and it’s amazing visuals, that’s about it. This graphic novel delves into the origin of this world devised by Jim Henson.

Part one of a three-part graphic novel prequel series delving into the origins of the Skeksis, Mystics, Gelflings, the world of Thra and the Dark Crystal itself. Spanning a time period from thousands of years ago to right up to the start of the original Jim Henson film, this graphic novel epic will tell the definitive origin of the Dark Crystal, under the supervision of The Jim Henson Company and The Dark Crystal concept designer Brian Froud.

The first volume is the “origin” story, taking us into the history of this world, something I don’t remember being covered in depth in the movie. It brought back little bit after little bit and got me to want to check out the film again.  The graphic novel is an absolute buy and read for fans of the movie and world.

It’s also a solid entry point for parents wanting to get their kids interested or something for them to check out after they see it for the first time. There was a nice jolt of nostalgia for me and this is just another great example of the excellent partnership between Archaia and The Jim Henson Company.

Story: Brian Holguin and Brian Froud Art: Alex Sheikman, Lizzy John and Brian Froud Cover: Brian Froud

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

I’m Not a Plastic Bag

Based on the real-life occurrence of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, an island of floating trash in a remote area of the Northern Pacific Ocean more than twice the size of Texas, I’m Not a Plastic Bag tells a moving story about loneliness, beauty and humankind’s connection to our planet. Produced in conjunction with American Forests© and the Global ReLeaf© programs, Archaia will plant two trees for each tree used in the manufacturing of this book. Presented in partnership with JeffCorwinConnect, a global, ecological, educational and entertainment multimedia company launched by Jeff Corwin, the popular wildlife expert and nature conservationist.

This silent graphic novel looks at the ecological disaster in the making. Rachel Hope Allison’s story and art shed a light on something we all should be taking a greater look at. This is an awareness campaign in book form, it also helps a good cause.

It’s a quick read, though you linger on each page thinking about what this book has to say about or impact on the environment and how that affects the world. If you’re into environmental issues, this is an absolute buy.

Story: Rachel Hope Allison Art: Rachel Hope Allison

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Where’s My Shoggoth?

Not quite a comic book, this illustrated prose book is one of my favorite reads of the year. Leaving me with a massive smile throughout and getting me to laugh, a lot.

A young boy wants to take his pet shoggoth for a walk—but oh, no! The shoggoth has escaped! Fearing for the safety of the poor thing, the boy sets out to find it, accompanied only by a small black cat. On the way they explore the rambling mansion and its grounds and encounter a number of creatures and demigods. Unfortunately, none are the shoggoth! Where, oh where, could his poor shoggoth be? Where’s My Shoggoth? is a mishmash of H.P. Lovecraft, Dr. Seuss and Roman Dirge’s The Monsters in my Tummy, with a little Winnie the Pooh thrown in. Featuring endpapers that double as a Chutes and Ladders-type game (tokens and die not included) and a cover that glows in the dark!

A story meant for children, it’s twisted, beyond twisted. At the same time, I can’t wait to have a kid to read this to. It’s cute, fun, funny and enjoyable for all. Hopefully it doesn’t cause nightmares in your children. For folks who like twisted tales and want something a bit different than the normal children’s books to read, this is a must buy.

Story: Ian Thomas Art: Adam Bolton

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Archaia provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review