It’s 1986 and I’m 13 years old and falling in love with puppet goblins, fairies, beasts, dwarves, doorknockers, a fox terrier knight and Jennifer Connelly after seeing her in Jim Henson’s production of Labyrinth.
Although Labyrinth the film didn’t garner rave reviews during its time of release in the mid-1980s, it has nevertheless become a cult classic. The grand fantasy touchstone for so many people did exactly what the great Jim Henson wanted it to do. Labyrinth opened up the doors to the maze of imagination for kids and teens everywhere – the fans that remember the film so very fondly today.
A-hem. And it’s beautiful protagonist.
Oh yeah. And the legendary music God, David Bowie, who also made an “appearance” in the movie.
Labyrinth has been experienced in comic book form before – but never before has it been experienced like today’s release of Boom! Studios’ Jim Henson’s Labyrinth #1.
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth #1
Written By: Simon Spurrier
Illustrated By: Daniel Bayliss
Published By: Boom! Studios
To say that the new Jim Henson’s Labyrinth picks up where the film ended, or that it’s simply a prequel, would be disingenuous. The 12-issue series takes place both before and during the film, enriching the original story, while providing a deeper understanding (if the tale can be believed) of how the Goblin King (David Bowie’s remarkable and memorable character in the movie) came to be.
This is the untold history of Jareth, a young boy who, at the clutches of the Goblin King, would become the new Goblin King!
But who was Jareth? And how did he find himself in the presence of strange, wonderful and evil beasts and creatures?
Written by Simon Spurrier (The Power of the Dark Crystal – another Henson favourite, as well as Godshaper and Cry Havoc) and delightfully illustrated by Daniel Bayliss (Power Rangers, Big Trouble In Little China/Escape From New York), Jim Henson’s Labyrinth is a comic series for new and old fans of the film, as well as fans of magic and fantasy tales.
It’s an epic and imaginative story that has the idea of “growing up” at its central core. And that’s certainly something we all can relate to.
As a labyrinthine bonus, there are five different beautiful covers of the first issue to choose from, all by some of the best artistic talents working in the comic book industry today. They include: Fiona Staples, Rebekah Isaacs, Laurant Durieux, Jill Thompson and Bill Sienkiewicz.
Open the doors of imagination – and remembrance! Make the Wednesday run to your local comic book shop and pick up Jim Henson’s Labyrinth #1 today!
Reblogged this on JP Fallavollita.