Jim Henson's Dark Crystal Tales

Illustrator Cory Godbey has worked on two Jim Henson picture books, each one based on a film: “Labyrinth” and “The Dark Crystal”. He’s a good match for the material given his whimsical style, but I have to say that “The Dark Crystal” is the better of the two, not just for its gorgeous illustrations and colouring, but the interconnectedness of the stories themselves.“Labyrinth Tales” involved three stories starring familiar movie characters, which were not only extremely short, but had no linkage between them outside of the setting. “The Dark Crystal Tales” however, links its three stories through a common theme that was prevalent in the film itself: the interwoven nature of life.In “Feast for the Skeksis,” the greedy Skeksis send out a Garthim to bring them back a decent meal, though all it can manage is a single songbird. Disgusted at this meagre offering, the Skeksis demand it be thrown away.“Circles of Kindness” involves the Gelfling Jen finding that same songbird and taking it to his master for healing. From this comes a discussion on the value and importance of kindness, and how each act can affect another like the growing ripples in a pond.Finally, “Fizzgig’s Mighty Quest” has the Gelfling Kira tend to her sick Podling mother. Not wanting to leave her side, Kira sends Fizzgig out to fetch a sogflower so she can brew a healing tea. Fizzgig’s quest takes him through the forest in search of the flower – though assistance finally comes from a not-so-unexpected source.It’s a beautiful series of tales that marries Godbey’s distinctive style to a poignant and heartfelt message. The text is sparse, with the illustrations more than the words telling the overarching story across three different mini-tales, but with such lush colouring and detail that it’s rewarding to just let the images and their message wash over you.Clearly a mini-prequel to the film itself, it provides a nice (albeit limited) introduction to the world of the Dark Crystal, hinting at what the future has in store for Jen and Kira.

I know some people here are not happy that it didn't "have anything to do with the movie" but I actually liked that. Also, it shows that some people do not look inside the book before ordering it... Amazon lets you do that! :) It does reference the main characters of the movie and all 3 little tales are connected. The artwork is beautiful., I cannot wait to give this to my niece for her baby shower.

I bought this for my fiance for Valentines Day as we like to get each other fun gifts for Holidays. He is a big time fan of the Dark Crystal but at this point owns just about everything for it. So naturally when I saw this book I HAD to get it.

This is such a great little book with an amazing message. The art is actually stunning, much better than I was even expecting. Worth every penny for all Jim Henson fans and this makes me even more excited for the new Dark Crystal Netflix series they are working on!

I intended to give this to my nephew but it was too advanced for his liking. If shopping for 4 and under, go for the Little Golden Book Dark Crystal. This would be perfect for adults and older children, though! Great art!

I'm super happy with this book, it's a cute little story book made of nice material. For some reason tho the delivery person decided to rubber band the book to the flag of my mailbox instead of leaving it in my doorway on a day when rain was comming. Luckily my roommate came home and found it before the rain started. Super dissatisfied with that delivery.

Love it.

"Dark Crystal Tales" is a well written, fantastically illustrated book for Dark Crystal and Jim Henson fans of all ages. (And anyone else as well!)Cory Godbey has perfectly captured the spirit, the feel, and the artistic style of the original film in a truly original and exciting way that is all his own. The book features three, interwoven, fully illustrated stories that show how small acts of kindness can have a far reaching impact on the world.

Charming stories, gorgeous illustrations. What more could I ask for. 100% happy it's finally in my collection. Also own Labyrinth Tales.

Great book with wonderful illustrations

Auf jeden Fall 5 Sterne.Für Sammler und Fans gut geeignet.Allerdings: für Sammler und Fans bedeutet: 44 Seiten.Lesedauer (Comic Stil) ca. 15 min.Sehr liebevoll gestaltet und sehr schön gezeichnet.Stories einfach aber liebevoll. 3 Stories, zusammenhängend, aber auch Einzeln betrachtbar.