The Dark Crystal: Difference between revisions

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A [[The Eighties|1982]] science fiction/fantasy film directed by [[Jim Henson]] and Frank Oz with creature design by fantasy artist [[Brian Froud]]. Out of any of Jim Henson's works, this was probably one of the most complex, being done completely with [[Muppet|animatronic puppets]] in the [[World Building|well developed setting of the planet Thra]].

One thousand years ago, the titular crystal was whole. When it cracked on the day of the Great Conjunction of the planet's three suns, it split its [[Precursors|UrSkek]] keepers into the [[~~Always Chaotic~~ Evil]] and aggressive Skeksis and the [[Always Lawful Good]] but all too passive Mystics (aka urRu). A few centuries later, the Skeksis discover a prophecy that the elf-like Gelflings will heal the crystal, thus undoing their reign, they sent their [[Elite Mooks|Garthim]] to hunt them down and kill them all. All except for the protagonists Jen and Kira, the [[Last of His Kind|last of their kind]].

One thousand years ago, the titular crystal was whole. When it cracked on the day of the Great Conjunction of the planet's three suns, it split its [[Precursors|UrSkek]] keepers into the [[Exclusively Evil]] and aggressive Skeksis and the [[Always Lawful Good]] but all too passive Mystics (aka urRu). A few centuries later, the Skeksis discover a prophecy that the elf-like Gelflings will heal the crystal, thus undoing their reign, they sent their [[Elite Mooks|Garthim]] to hunt them down and kill them all. All except for the protagonists Jen and Kira, the [[Last of His Kind|last of their kind]].

Though it didn't do as well on its initial theatrical run, it spawned a cult following large enough to warrant a spin-off Manga prequel, ''Legends of the Dark Crystal'' by [[Tokyo Pop]], a graphic novel prequel trilogy, ''The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths'' by [[Archaia Entertainment]], and a sequel long stuck in [[Development Hell]] titled ''Power of the Dark Crystal''.

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* [[Age Without Youth]]: Applies to both the Mystics and Skeksis (though they're not technically immortal), but the Skeksis suffer a bit more from it, especially when you [[All There in the Manual|learn]] that they weren't originally evil, but rather represented the passionate, hedonistic side of the Urskek, and were rather pleasant to party with. Then they aged, for a thousand years.

* [[Alien Sky]]: The planet Thra's three suns.

* [[All There in the Manual]]: Pretty much all the names of the Skeksis and Mystics are featured in the novelization and "Art of" book.

* [[Animal Eye Spy]]: The Skeksis with their crystal bats.

* [[Animated Armor]]: The Garthim, evidently.

* [[Artificial Limbs]]: The Skeksis Slave Master has a hook for a hand while the Scientist has a mechanical arm. {{spoiler|Their Mystic counterparts have wooden limbs in the same places.}}

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* [[Ironic Name]]: The Skesis scientist's laboratory, where he keeps all those jailed critters and drains Podlings and Gelflings from their vital essence? Its official name is "the Chamber of Life".

** Conversely, it's a [[Meaningful Name]] for the Skesis themselves, as {{spoiler|they extract a life-prolonging potion from the Pod People and Gelflings in there}}.

* [[Jabba Table Manners]]: The Skeksis, Sans SkekEkt, who happens to be a dainty eater.

* [[Killer Rabbit]]: Fizzgig looks cute until he opens his mouth.

** Furthermore, the animals in the Skeksis' laboratory use their combined cute fluffiness to escape and savagely maul the Scientist down into the furnace, saving Kira.