Review: Jim Henson's Labyrinth Archive Edition #1 (of 3)

I have a soft spot when it comes to tie-in comic books. In fact, there is an opinion that the Star Wars comic saved Marvel in the late 70’s (see Marvel Comics: The Untold Story by Sean Howe). Yet for every Star Wars success there is a not quite right Blade Runner or a “as dull as the movie” Star Trek The Motion Picture, although the regular Trek runs from Marvel and DC were pretty good. That then brings us to this; the Labyrinth tie-in which then leads to another questions, why does this book deserve a facsimile edition?

You know the story, Sarah a perhaps spoilt brat or hard done to teen, depending on you point of view, is tasked to babysit her infant brother. With the crying, her being stuck at home coupled with the fact that her prized teddy bear has been given to her brother quicker than Emma got her hands on Huggsy, Sarah wishes her brother was taken by goblins. When he goes missing Sarah begins a quest to the centre of the Labyrinth to recuce him.

Sid Jacobson adapts the movie that starred a young Jennifer Connelly and an old David Bowie. Jacobson keeps everything in line with the movie, a movies that has become a cult classic, yet offers nothing different and republishes so long after the movie it is truly “by the numbers”.

The attraction of the book will undoubtedly be John Buscema’s art. True he only provides breakdowns, but there is enough of the Buscema style to make the book interesting. Romeo Tanghal finishes the art. The pair do well with the likenesses of Connelly and Bowie, yet like the writing, is somewhat stymied by its source material. Bob Sharen provided the colors with Kyle Hallemeier on restoration duties, keeping the 80’s vibe going with Joe Rosen on letters. Looking at the list of creators, it is a list of some of the biggest names in the Marvel bullpen.

I appreciate the effort of all involved, yet for me the book is a dull dud. I have no idea the rhyme, reason or need for this to be reprinted especially at $4.99! You could probably pickee up the original books for less than the $15 this run will cost you. Still, if you are a fan of the movie and suffer from the disease of nostalgia, then you have yourself a date with the Goblin King.

Writing – 2 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors – 3 Stars

Overall – 2.5 Stars

Written by; Sid Jacobson
Art by; John Buscema & Romeo Tanghal
Colors by; Bob Sharen & Kyle Hallemeier
Letters by; Joe Rosen
Published by; BOOM! Studios

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network