Posted by Caldi-Chan on Nov 6th, 2007
Today’s Manga Beat is a look at the fantasy manga Jim Henson’s Return to the Labyrinth, with story by Jake T. Forbes, interior art by Chris Lie, and cover art by Kouyu Shurei.
I shouldn’t even have to say so, but this manga happens to be a direct sequel to the classic movie, and according to my research it was an exclusive deal for the parties involved in making the new manga series.
Story/ Plot.
In this first volume we learn that Toby is now grown up, and not leading a very good life. A simple guy, with the typical disagreements with his mother, who as portrayed before in the movie is still as strict as ever. However, unknown to him, Jareth and his crew of goblins are lurking in the shadows, ready to grant his every wish and desire. Which is pretty much the cause of all his troubles; a simple “I wish…” before anything he says grants him anything he could ever want.
This little fact is made known to the reader almost right away, when Toby, after several mishaps during a performance at a school play (such as messing up his lines, been kicked in the butt, and feeling generally bummed out) thinks to himself, “I wish this stupid play would just end.” (Page 19) Thus the goblins sent to watch over Toby cause quite the spectacle by dropping sand bags, knocking over electrical equipment and even causing a fire. It is here we get a glimpse into Toby’s life, and have an understanding about how he was granted the lead male role in the first place.
From there it escalates to a point that he finds himself in the fabled land of the goblins, where the reader then gets to see some familiar faces, and some new ones as well. The story itself reads rather smoothly, and I found myself unable to put the book down until I was finished.
Art
The art suits the original concepts of the goblins, and other characters including the lovable Hoggle and Ludo. My only gripe is that the cover art is so much better in comparison to the art inside the book where it concerns King Jareth and Toby; it’s more realistic.
The inked drawings of the characters seemed to be all right, when not compared to the front cover. Yet that doesn’t stop me from asking, “Why does Sarah have glasses?” I don’t seem to recall her ever having glasses in the movie.
Jareth’s representation, too, seems to be a bit off, but then again, the artist is trying hard to show the feminine side of the well known and beloved David Bowie character.. Wait… “feminine?” No, he just wore a crapload of make up and kind of sparkled in the movie, probably due to some of the sparkle from his more intricate costumes. In the manga, while it suits him, he just looks like a Goth.
Don’t let the art pull away from the great story, however. It’s bound to please.
Other information
Volume One is available now at a bookstore or anime/manga shop near you. Volume Two, “Goblin Prince of the Labyrinth.” should also be available now, though you may have to pre-order it, just in case your local shop doesn’t have it.
I was told, by the girl who recommended it to me at my local Chapters book store, that Volume Two flew off the shelves as soon as people knew it was on the market. In fact, my own copy of Volume Two won’t reach my hands for quite some time to come.
Also due out this November from Jim Henson and Tokyo Pop: Legends of the Dark Crystal: The Garthim Wars, Volume One. You can read about it here.
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If you liked that, try...
- Manga Beat 04: Whats new in the manga Pile? Dramacon By Svetlana Chmakova!
- Manga Beat 03: What’s new in the Manga Pile.
- Caldi’s Manga Beat 02: What’s not so new in the Manga Pile.
- Manga Beat 06: Death Note vol 1.
- Manga Beat 09: Zombie Powder, Vols. 1-2.
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Jacob Bond
November 6, 2007 at 11:34 pm
I’m going to admit something: I have not seen the Labyrinth movie. My life sadly is incomplete. So while this sounds good I have a feeling I would be totally lost until I actually see the flick.
Also, as silly as it sounds I still don’t trust the quality of Tokyo Pop. They will forever be that disaster company called MiXX.
Which really sucks for me, because TP seems to have picked up a ton of titles I want to read. ^___^
November 7th, 2007 at 1:02 am
Labyrinth is an awesome movie and anyone who has not seen it should do so now under pain of death! Seriously though, it’s a pretty good movie even if some of the special effects are a little dated.
As far as TP goes, some of their stuff seems okay. I say this, of course, thinking about one of my friends who draws for TP. I look at TokyoPop the same way I look at webcomics, there’s some really good ones and some that make you want to scoop your eyes out with a melon baller, it’s a toss up.
Jacob Bond
November 7, 2007 at 2:28 am
I know my cousin really loves Labyrinth. He was so excited when he heard they were in the process of making a sequel, but news on that dried up a few years ago. His heart is broken. :)
The thing about TP for me lately is I’m really conflicted. I want to give them a chance because, hey, they changed their name, got new people in there, so maybe they’re honestly trying to start fresh and avoid the mistakes and horrible fan treatment of MiXX. But at the same time, people have told me they have totally different problems, mostly involving quality and still some translation issues.
But I love the fact they’re publishing NA artists. I know of a few webcomics now in print because of them and I’m grateful they’re giving our little corner some attention.
I’m so torn!