Archaia has always done great justice with their Henson properties, and this series is no different.  With four tales whose events turn on the presence of a witch, each is given a loving touch by an individual creator, and the capstone to this series of one-offs is an unproduced teleplay from the series itself in the fourth issue.

This issue, lovingly crafted by industry veteran Matthew Dow Smith, takes on a tale that fits perfectly into the ideas and themes of both the Witches series and the Storyteller franchise as a whole.  Taking a meta look at what a story can be, Smith takes us to a mystical land with the requisite beings of power who need a little help from a mortal with a singular talent: a young man who is valued for keeping his shipmates entertained on long journeys with the power of his stories.

The artwork in this issue keeps a simple, yet provocative, palette, letting the power of the story itself take precedence.  That’s not to say that it’s not impressive, but it has a wonderful, understated quality to allow the imagination to soar along with the words.

I think this is a fantastic book and a stellar series for any fans of Henson or old tales brought to a wonderful life.  I know I’ve been following it closely and can’t wait to see the final chapter.

Read on, y’all.