His Dark Materials is a fantasy series that follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua in a parallel universe where people's souls exist outside their bodies as animal companions. It involves themes of free will, religion, and the power of knowledge.
Lyra is the protagonist, without a doubt. Her journey is what drives the story forward. Then there are the witches. Serafina Pekkala is a prominent witch who helps Lyra at different times. There's also Dr. Mary Malone, a scientist who gets involved in the strange events. And of course, the angels, like Xaphania, are important characters in the novels' cosmology and plot.
One of the main themes is coming of age. Lyra, the main character, grows from a naive girl into a more self - aware young woman. Another theme is the struggle between good and evil, as seen in the battle against the Magisterium. And there is also the theme of the power of knowledge, with the alethiometer being a symbol of hidden knowledge that Lyra has to learn to read.
They're related but not identical. 'The Golden Compass' kicks off the 'His Dark Materials' universe, but the later parts of the series introduce new elements and plotlines that weren't present in just the first book/movie.
The 'His Dark Materials' graphic novels are known for their vivid visual interpretations. They bring the complex and fantastical world of the original story to life. The art style often captures the essence of the different realms, like the Arctic regions and the magical Oxford. The characters are depicted with great detail, making it easier for readers to connect with Lyra and her adventures.