The first two issues of The Power of the Dark Crystal were fantastic comics that allowed its primary cast to shine alongside the world that it was elaborating upon. Knowing that the series had 12 issues to work with, it initially seemed like the conflict of Thurma needing to shatter the crystal and damn the world of Thra to save her own world would potentially lose the sense of wonder and grandiosity that made the Dark Crystal film so exceptional. As thematically rich as Thurma’s conflict is, the latest issue confirms that this story will be a character-filled epic. The Power of the Dark Crystal #3 rapidly expands the scope of the well-paced 12-issue series and further cements it as a comic you should be reading.
The second issue ended on a game-changer of the Fireling Thurma taking a shard from the crystal for the purpose of saving her homeworld. The immediate consequence of this is the return of the Skeksis. The less thought about consequence is the release of the Mystics. The fallout of these two parties returning is interesting and very unfortunate for the Geflings. While Skeksis attempt to kill the Geflings, the Mystics simply sit and meditate. The Mystics in the original film are presented as an ideal of spirituality and morality. It’s interesting then to see that their principles, as noble as the may be, could arguably leave them as potentially responsible for what happens to the Gelfings, or to Thra in general. Writer Simon Spurrier is at his best when dealing with these moral dilemmas.
Artistically, this series is the most visually engaging comic on the market. Kelly and Nichole Matthews have an engaging style that toes a line between the lush and cartoony with earthier textures. When they draw Thurma or the Pokemon-esque Tumbeloth’s, this really shines. The color work is equally phenomenal. It’s one of the few books that is enjoyable on a purely aesthetic level. The Power of the Dark Crystal isn’t just for fans of the Dark Crystal, but it does help to know about the source material. Ultimately, this is something that non-comic fans can really sink their teeth into.
