His Dark Materials impresses at SDCC

I’ve climbed out of bed this morning to discover the internet raving about the San Diego Comic Con trailer for His Dark Materials. I’ve not read the books, and I’ve seen the earlier film then I don’t remember it. Which says something for the impact of the film.

The animals look either sinister, cool or cute as required.

I’m not as enthusiastic as some of the coverage I’ve been. Perhaps this is because I don’t know what I’m looking at. This trailer seems to be setting up the world; a conflict between two steampunk-ish empires, magical familiars and children in danger.

If this were an entirely new franchise, not based on an established success, it would be tempting to describe as Harry Potter meets Game of Thrones.

Do you know His Dark Materials better than I do and can help explain the reception of the trailer? Let us know in the comments below.