Mayrin is the All-Maudra and a crucial character to the Dark Crystal Universe but she wasn’t always prepared for leadership. Come find her roots in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance #9 from BOOM! Studios.

Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance #9 Review — **You can purchase this issue via comiXology**

JIM HENSON’S THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE #9 (OF 12)

Writer: Matthew Erman
Artist: Jo Migyeong
Colorist: Fabiana Mascolo
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Editor: Matthew Levine
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 15th, 2020

Previously in the Dark Crystal: This comic book series provides some insights into the Netflix series of the same name. Prominent characters have their backstories explored and expands the universe. Now we begin a new arc featuring All-Maudra Mayrin who is the mother of Seladon, Tavra, and Brea.

BIG SHOES TO FILL

All-Maudra Maylin has just had her coronation but is relying heavily on Dot’leth, her advisor and friend. Her counsel is trying to figure out what to do with the Sifans who are resisting the authority of the All-Maudra. This divide could begin a war amongst the united Gelflings. The person who is pushing the unrest is Fenth, an advisor to the Sifa Maudra. Maylin takes Dot’leth to talk to the Sifan people there and find out if they can find a way to peacefully resolve this. They find themselves on the boat of Scalene Anchor under Captain Kam’lu. There is immediate hostility between Kam’lu and Maylin but they come to a momentary truce. During the boat ride, the Scalene Anchor is destroyed by a sea monster and Kam’lu is saved by Maylin but everyone else is presumably perished.

UNLIKELY ALLIES

I have to admit; I never thought I would see a comic book about Maylin. She wasn’t a terribly dynamic character in the television series and it seemed her role was to die to move her children’s plotline forward. We begin to see her thoughts and motivations of living in her mother’s shadow. My issue that arose is that the main protagonist seems to be less interesting than Kam’lu, Fenth, and even Dot’leth. I found myself more interested and invested in those characters despite Maylin being more developed. I attribute this to my taste in characters rather than the quality of the story itself.

The creative team did an admirable job in this story. Visually, the standout image was the sea monster that attacked the ship. It was creepy and seeing this creature attack this ship brought a shiver down my spine. Great cliffhanger to end the book on and while the protagonist doesn’t interest me; I want to know what happens next. Maylin is driven by duty and is stuck with a man who doesn’t want her to succeed in her diplomatic mission. What an interesting relationship to explore!

BOTTOM LINE: I LIKE THE WORLD BUT NOT THE PROTAGONIST

Dark Crystal has been a dynamic world that has a lot of great storylines. Even a character I am not terribly interested in still has reasons for me to continue to follow the series. Knowing that this story began with a single idea to what it is now is an incredibly diverse world is inspiring. I am looking forward to the next issue. 3.5 out of 5 for Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance #9 by BOOM! Studios.

Dear Spoilerite,

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.