Hatrack River Forum: Return to the Labyrinth

This is topic Return to the Labyrinth in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :

I decided to check out Tokyopop's manga follow-up to the Jim Henson/David Bowie fantasy film.

The premise is that a teenaged Toby has unexpectedly inherited the rulership of the Labyrinth from Jareth, and is now caught way over his head trying to figure out what to do next.

The first volume wasn't much to write home about. Tons of new characters are introduced, but they aren't very interesting. The art can't decide whether to be a poor Froud substitute or a poor shojo riff. Plotting is awkward. Lots of cringe-inducing "fan fic" moments. And worst of all: It's just not all that weird.

The second volume surprised me. The focus of the story was tightened up to a few core characters. Not only was the plot explained, it's actually sort of interesting. The art, while still nothing to write home about no longer feels so strained. There are moments of cleverness and humor that made me smile. Best of all, there's suddenly weirdness involved.

Still fan fic moments, but they're more subdued. (A music box that murmurs "Falling in love", eh?)

As a diehard Jim Henson fan, I'll give it at least another volume. Still on the fence.

Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :

I heard rumors that there was going to be a movie sequel. While I cringe at the general idea because I loved the original so much, I had to admit it's got my curiosity piqued, especially now that I read this post.

Posted by Juxtapose (Member # 8837) on :

A sequel is supremely unnecessary.

Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :

The rumored "Labyrinth sequel" was what eventually became MirrorMask. [Smile]

Posted by porcelain girl (Member # 1080) on :

Actually, there is another Labyrinth sequel that they were planning and promoting WHILE mirrormask was already finished. Or so it was at ComicCon (the one before last).

I remember talking to Chris Lie when I was in Savannah and he said they put a lot of restrictions on him art-wise. It sounded like a lot of micro-managing.

Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :

I was at the one before last. Wasn't that the manga series I'm discussing?

Or do you refer to Power of the Dark Crystal? That and [i]Fraggle Rock[i] are the only "sequel" films I can think of that the Henson company's announced in recent years.