I’d forgotten that I’d reviewed this story before. However, after reading that review, I had a completely different take on the story. So if you’d like to read my original review click here, otherwise join me as we explore the first Farscape story post the Peacekeeper Wars. The dreams and desires of Rygel are finally explored. From the first time we’re introduced to the miniature prisoner, he’s constantly talking about reclaiming his throne. Despite the constant talk, there was never a move toward bringing the former ruler back to his rule. However, that all changed in this initial new storyline for diehard fans of this fantastic show.
First, let’s stop and consider the name of the mini-series, The Beginning of the End of the Beginning. While they could have simplified the title, it would have been a terrible misstep for the fanbase. It’s exactly the name that exemplifies the DNA of the show. It’s a little whimsical and silly, not to mention a little circuitous.
However, when it’s all said and done, the story felt like Farscape. From the sights leaping off the page to the words slicing through me, it felt like an episode of the show broken up into desecrate sections. That, more than anything else, rocketed me back to the days when I first stumbled onto this fascinating piece of science fiction history. The show was taken from us far too soon. Yet we were able to follow their story with these tales.
That said, I’ve come across an interview with Rockne S. O’Bannon, the show’s creator, who mentioned the real reason they never explored Hyneria. They couldn’t pull off a world of Rygel’s on the show. It just wouldn’t have been practical. While there was one storyline that introduced a second Hynerian to the show, it didn’t stick and that was intentional.
However, given this tale was destined for the pages of a comic book, the creators were able to give Rygel the storyline he always deserved. While he more or less stayed consistent through the series, you could always see the potential for growth with the miniature ruler. But he always kept returning to his baser desires, even if he occasionally made you think he was growing.
While the story of Farscape has and always will center around Crichton and Aeryn, the other characters all had time to explore their motivations and desires, with the sole exception of Rygel. While he always was given a chance to grow, his central motivation, his return to his throne, was never explored, until now. Inside these four pages we are thrust into the Hynerian world, and every character is exactly as I remember them from the Peacekeeper Wars, which is to say frelling awesome! If you know, you know.
The biggest perk from me is Rygel’s rollercoaster ride. We get to see his entire range from despair to joy and everything in-between. While the early parenting of the main couple is explored, it’s the secondary motivation to the story. Rygel’s journey is the key motivator in this immediate aftermath of the galactic war.
If you can find the series by itself (here‘s the digital copy) jump on it or secure yourself the first installment of the hardcover omnibus right here, because you won’t be disappointed.