In the end, The Dark Crystal failed to achieve the status of a cultural touchstone, instead languishing somewhere between fondly remembered and forgotten. In recent years, the property has been undergoing a renaissance, as with anything timeless. The unique product of Jim Henson’s tireless imagination is finally getting the respect it deserves, from a beautifully crafted 4K restoration to a new 10 episode Netflix series. Despite never seeing the movie as a kid, I read and re-read the comic adaptation over and over. It wasn’t until the 25th anniversary edition of the movie was released in 2007 that I was finally able to watch the source material, and was able to see the comic adaptation fully realized. With an excellent 4K version, I now own what I consider to be the pinnacle of home cinematic versions. All the main characters and beasts from the original movie were previously covered by Funko toys. Based on what one would expect from an 1982 release, they were firmly in the 3 34 inch retro line. From a sculpting perspective, they were some of the strongest of all of their retro, 5 POA models, on par with the Jiraiya funko pop line. By utilizing a slightly more advanced 9 POA format, Funko has stepped up their game with this companion line to Netflix’s Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. In terms of size and aesthetics, it is still retro, but it offers more articulation than stiff-armed models. I have to admit that despite the series already having premiered, I have not seen it, and will no doubt not be able to see it for quite some time. My internet capabilities where I live are not compatible with Netflix. So until they changes, or until the series hits Blu-ray or whatever, I’m walking blind. That didn’t matter, though. Despite loving the world, aesthetics, and overall feel of Dark Crystal, I had to have these Funko figures.
