The Dark Crystal comic book series to launch alongside Netflix’s new show

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

During this year's E3 celebration, BonusXP and En Masse Entertainment announced a turn-based strategy video game titled THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE TACTICS. Serving as a companion to Netflix's upcoming prequel series, the game takes place in the world of Thra, a kingdom plagued by evil, rich in magical energy, and as mysterious as the Gelflings and Skeksis themselves. The announcement got fans of Jim Henson and Frank Oz's classic fantasy world rather excited for all the Dark Crystal-related tie-ins to come, and now Boom! Studios has unveiled that a new comic book series is set to launch alongside the streaming service's new show, THE DARK CRYSTAL AGE OF RESISTANCE.

Solicited as a 12-issue series, and written by Nicole Andelfinger (Adventure Time) with art by Matias Basla (Sparrowhawk), Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will explore the history of characters and events referenced in the new Netflix series, as one Gelfling soldier undertakes a quest for a mysterious item that could bring peace to the land of Thra once and for all — unaware that his mission will change the realm forever in ways he can’t even imagine. (via THR)

“There's something extraordinarily universal about the theme of good vs. evil that seems to speak to so many people from so many walks of life. It's why I think The Dark Crystal has such a strong legacy, even to this day!” Andelfinger said in a statement. “When I was offered the chance to play in that sandbox, exploring the facets of that conflict through some pivotal Age of Resistance characters, well, I couldn't say no! With Matias Basla's beautiful art, I'm sure you'll come to love and adore these new additions to the world just as we have."

Echoing the Lumberjanes and Regular Show writer's enthusiasm above, editor Matthew Levine added that the series will “go deeper into the history of Thra and its inhabitants than ever before, making it an essential read for any fan of Jim Henson’s beloved film, but also illuminating the Netflix series in ways you won’t want to miss.”

While Netflix's THE DARK CRYSTAL AGE OF RESISTANCE is set for an August 30 launch, those looking to explore the new comic book series will have to wait until September 25 to get their paws on the first issue. The new #1 will hit stands with a default cover featuring artwork by Mona Finden, and a variant cover by Kelly and Nichole Matthews that can be seen below:

When THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE magically arrives on Netflix, the prequel series will star Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nathalie Emmanuel, as Rian, Brea and Deet, three Gelfling heroes. They will be joined by Caitriona Balfe, Helena Bonham Carter, Harris Dickinson, Natalie Dormer, Eddie Izzard, Theo James, Toby Jones, Shazad Latif, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mark Strong, and Alicia Vikander as other Gelfling kin.

As for the horrific, vulture-like Skeksis: Harvey Fierstein, Mark Hamill, Ralph Ineson, Jason Isaacs, Keegan-Michael Key, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Simon Pegg, and Andy Samberg will provide the voices of the main assembly. Meanwhile, Donna Kimball will voice Aughra, with additional characters being voiced by puppeteers from the production, including Alice Dinnean, Louise Gold, Neil Sterenberg and Victor Yerrid as Hup.

I hope your body is ready for THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE, and all of the intriguing tie-ins that are launching alongside the long-awaited series. Truth be told, BOOM! Studios has plenty of comics related to Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal, Storyteller, and Labyrinth properties already, and they're all of very high quality. If you ask me, it's great to see such a beloved franchise get the loving re-launch it very much deserves.