For ages, old people have told stories to entertain and keep tales of old alive. Many writers and editors such as the Grimm brothers or Hans Christian Anderson carried on old tales they collected so generations in the future, like ourselves, could remember these tales (and, in turn, watch them as Disney movies). 

This may be the reason Jim Henson felt the same idea worked in the television format in the late ‘80s. The Storyteller featured John Hurt (the War Doctor) as the old storyteller, sitting in his armchair by a simmering fire, alongside his faithful dog as he told classic stories heard from tales long since told, be they Greek or Roman, German, French, Chinese, etc. This HBO series lasted three years, going the way of many fantastic Henson series during this time.

With many classic Henson properties making a resurgence during their anniversaries, The Storyteller did the same in comic form. In 2011, Archaia Comics released the first of its Jim Henson’s Storyteller series, retelling a plethora of classic tales from around the world. Some of these were originally planned for production on the television show but never used. After the fanfare of the first book, the series continues in monthly comics, all compiled under different themes.

“Witches” and “Dragons” are both available, telling stories of just that. “Witches” includes tales such as the magic swan goose, the snow witch – a tale of love, and the phantom isle. Meanwhile, the “Dragons” collection includes a Native American tale of transfiguration and a hideous work that just keeps growing. All of these stories are written and drawn in the manner that fits each tale, using water colors, pencil drawings and full-page landscapes.

What I really enjoy about these books, aside from the brilliant stories presented in a prettier form than the faded images on DVD reprints of the original show, is that each story is quick when you want to read but have less than 15 minutes to spare on a short story. Even better, there’s a younger (older?) version of John Hurt along with the classic witticisms of his dog. While I have not found mention of future Storyteller books, I can’t wait for more stories to come.