Whatever the reason, we’ve had several comics based off the works of Jim Henson as of late. “The Storyteller,” “Dark Crystal,” even “Fraggle Rock” comics are coming out, so of course “Labyrinth” has to join them. But rather than simply adapt the movie (which, let’s face it, would only work if it included a copy of the soundtrack to play while reading), it gives us a prequel partially narrated by Jareth, one that seems destined to have a sadder ending.
Written by Simon Spurrier
Illustrated by Daniel Bayliss with Irene Flores
Colored by Dan Jackson
Lettered by Jim CampbellMaria comes face to face with the underbelly of goblin society and meets a new companion along the way.
“Labyrinth Coronation” has been very different from the Labyrinth movie, while at the same time remaining true thematically and artistically. The labyrinth that Maria has to traverse is quite different from Sarah’s, yet the overarching story elements are parallel enough that it has the same spirit, in addition to several references and shout-outs to the film.
So let’s begin by talking about the labyrinth itself. Throughout the issues leading to this one, we’ve seen it as a dark reflection of Maria and her innermost thoughts, making the entire adventure a metaphor or parable. This connects perfectly to the maze in the Labyrinth movie, which itself worked as a metaphorical challenge for Sarah to overcome while growing as a person herself. The labyrinth, in many ways, is as much a character in this story as Maria, Skubbin, or the Goblin King.
However, it is the characters that drive most of this story, and this issue of “Labyrinth Coronation” gives us plenty of great character moments. There are revelations and surprises that add new layers to the characters and the story, while showcasing the growth the cast has made. Plus a family of caterpillars like the one from the movie play a role, adding another nice little connection between the two.
Throughout the run, we’ve seen Maria grow as a character and find new strengths (as well as magic chalk) which she uses to face down angry goblins. While her goal remains ever the same, the subtle ways in which she’s changed since entering the Labyrinth are clear to see. Simon Spurrier has done a fine job at creating this character and letting us see her grow and adapt as she moves through the labyrinth in a way that parallels but is very distinct from Sarah’s story.
We also get a new look at Skubbin, thanks to a conversation with the Goblin King that’s very telling for the character. He’s been a humorous blend of desires and personality traits – a chivalrous goblin outlaw trying to rebel in an already chaotic world – but these new character insights show us why and how he became the way he is. There’s also new hurdles and moral dilemmas presented to him that put the character at an important crossroad, and makes the readers wonder what choice he’ll make.
Even with this character drama and development, we get some levity from Cible the caterpillar. She holds a casual conversation with Maria (who’s clinging to a rope at the edge of a waterfall) and her parents, chatting about revolution, reputation, and making grilled cheese sandwiches for the road. Even her introductory line is a callback to the caterpillar from the Labyrinth movie (or perhaps a call forward, since this is a prequel), and while she’s mostly ineffectual in this issue, her character is interesting enough that I look forward to seeing more of her. Simon Spurrier gives the entire caterpillar family some very amusing dialogue, keeping their thick British accents clear throughout the text and adding humor to an otherwise serious situation.
Then there’s the Goblin King himself. While Jareth, the Goblin King from the movie, plays a narrator role along with the goblin Beetleglum, we get more of a look at the previous King. Without spoilers, there’s a revelation at the end that puts a new twist on to the story; while Jareth was simply going to raise Toby to become a goblin and perhaps one day replace him, the past king’s plan was a little more grim, and changes the stakes significantly.
Continued belowAs a prequel, we know the end result is inevitable. Jareth will eventually become the Goblin King, but what will become of the current characters? Not only Skubbin the rose bush, but the king and his ambitions; the story will undoubtedly have new turns with this issue.
Daniel Bayliss and Irene Flores do a great job illustrating “Labyrinth Coronation.” The designs are crisp and clear, while the backgrounds are as immense and harsh as a labyrinth should be. The scenes within the Goblin King’s castle make great use of red lighting and darkness to add to the tension of the moment.
The character designs themselves capture the look and feel of Jim Henson’s movie nicely. While Maria is a somewhat wide-eyed human character, it adds an expressiveness to her that comes through in every look and glance. Characters such as goblins and caterpillars look very similar to their movie counterparts without looking like puppets themselves. I could easily see any of these characters coming from the Muppet Workshop to serve as part of the film. Dan Jackson’s colors also work well throughout the issue, whether they’re enhancing the darkness within the castle or making the lush green fields outside feel like a welcome sight.
I also particularly like the scene where Cible strikes a dramatic, swashbuckling pose. She has a sword in hand, a cape flowing in the air, and a very impressive hat. The way the panel is angled upwards to make her look large works very well, especially since we know she’s just a little caterpillar.
Another noteworthy moment comes from Maria getting booted from a goblin gondola. The way the art team sets the panels up in four even squares, each one using the same shot with only the characters moving slightly makes the pace work very well. The way they illustrate the goblin kicking her out of the gondola without even breaking his pose is rather amusing, and serves as a good example of visual humor.
Using Jareth and Beetleglum as narrators framing the story works well on a few levels. First, it connects “Labyrinth Coronation” to the Labyrinth movie, and shows us the parallel progress of the characters when we get glimpses of Sarah’s journey. Secondly, it shows the little contradictions between what Jareth was told and what Beetleglum saw happen; he’s seeing what happened with Jareth happen again to Toby, but it’s also clear from his behavior that he cares for them both in his own subservient way.
Overall, this is a very solid issue of “Labyrinth Coronation.” Its art, character moments, and story development are all well-done, and it propels the story forward for multiple characters. What started as a decent prequel comic has grown into an engaging story in its own right.
Final Verdict: 7.9 – A solid issue, filled with great character moments and insights, some nice humor, and very solid artwork.
