Muppet-loving manga readers will have an extra reason to give thanks this November, when Tokyopop releases volume one of Jim Henson’s Legends of the Dark Crystal: The Garthim Wars. As series editor Tim Beedle explains, Legends of the Dark Crystal is a prequel to the 1982 cult classic:

Our manga takes place approximately 200 years before the events in the film, when Gelflings were plentiful and so were the gentle Mystics and evil Skeksis. The first volume, which is subtitled The Garthim Wars, tells the story of Lahr, a shepherd, and Neffi, a weaver–two Gelflings who are forced rally up a small village of Gelflings to fight against the onslaught of violent Garthim that have been raiding villages in the area. It’s the first volume of a planned three-volume arc that helps set up the events in the film.

To whet fans’ appetites, Beedle just posted the cover in his blog:

Over the next few weeks, Beedle will be sharing more images and commentary with all you Gelflings and Mystics. To stay abreast of the latest Dark Crystal news, subscribe to his blog with your favorite feedburner:

http://www.tokyopop.com/beedlejuice/rss

UPDATE (9/17/07): Newsarama interviewed Beedle about Tokyopop’s collaboration with Henson productions. For a sneak peek at a few finished pages from Dark Crystal, or simply to learn more about the story, click here.