I can remember the first time I played Dragon's Lair, but that story isn't important right now. What is important is how revolutionary that game truly was; before laserdiscs had become a household word (if you lived in the Silicon Valley, anyway), here was a game taking advantage of the technology. We now see computers trying to crowd into the world of animation, and here was animation crowding into the realm of computers.

Dragon's Lair spawned a sequel, a semi-companion game in Space Ace (also slated for CrossGen adaptation), a TV series,and bringing it full circle, a recent computer animated adaptation for game platforms.

But really, it was the original that was the best. And it looks like MVCreations agrees, too -- working from the original template to create this new comic book story. If the name sounds familiar, they're the guys behind the current Masters of the Universe comics -- also slated for CrossGen release this summer.

They say original animators Don Bluth and Gary Goldman are involved, too, which is great to hear, as unfortunately their studio has been terribly quiet since Titan A.E. brought them down. Here's to their fortunes, and even if they didn't directly do this art, may it remind some people that these guys are greats.

From Your Friend@CrossGen:

Two decades ago, Dragon's Lair thrilled fans by combining feature-quality animation with revolutionary computer technology. Recently a whole new generation of players discovered Bluth's genius through the acclaimed Dragon's Lair 3D game. And now, on August 6th, everyone who loves the classic Bluth art style is invited once again to a time of swords, sorcery, brave knights and fighting-mad princesses! Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the smash hit arcade game, MVCreations and CrossGen present DRAGON'S LAIR: SINGE'S REVENGE!

The six-issue mini-series follows the further adventures Dirk the Daring and Princess Daphne, as they return from an astonishing adventure in the Free Realms only to be attacked by the great dragon Singe and his evil minions!

Singe has vowed revenge against Dirk for killing his offspring, and Daphneis caught in the dread dragon's claws! Armed only with his courage and skill, Dirk must brave the Dark Kingdom and all its evils in order to save the Princess from Singe!

"We're absolutely thrilled to be working with animation legend Don Bluth on the comic book series, said MVCreations president Val Staples. "Don's been fantastic and has been involved in every aspect of the book, from the story's conception all the way to the art production. This is a book that stays true to the Dragon's Lair mythos while also setting the stage for some big screen adventures."

"We've revved together an outstanding creative team to bring the series to life," raved MVCreations art director Matt Tyree. "Star Wars and Star Trek novelist Andy Mangels has written a wonderfully witty and humorous action adventure script. Penciler Fabio Laguna worked closely with Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and the Bluth Group in order to capture the animated dynamics of Dragon's Lair and translated the look and feel into comic book format. And colorist Tony Washington's hues are breathtaking!"

"It's very rewarding to be working on a series that will not only appeal to veteran comic book readers, but also with children as well," remarked MVCreations marketing director Jonboy Meyers. "We've wanted to produce something that will appeal to an audience of all ages, and DRAGON'S LAIR: SINGE'S REVENGE certainly delivers the goods. Kids will love the fast-paced action and visuals, while older fans will get a kick out of the Shrek-like
humor."

Derek McCaw