Although Jim Henson's 1986 fantasy film "Labyrinth" was a financial flop, its influence has endured over the years. Now, a comic book will be released based on the film, but this time it is all going to be about the Goblin King Jareth, his history, and how he became to be in the movie.
Entertainment Weekly gave a first look at the upcoming comic book series. In the first image, King Jareth is seen reclining on his throne while holding Baby Toby with this hand and holding a mirror in the other.
In the comic series, Jareth narrates his beginning to Toby, which means fans may see a younger version of the Goblin King. His "Bowie form" will be retained, according to writer Simon Spurrier, and several questions about his character will also be answered. "The Goblin King, he's not a goblin, he's human. Many people have asked, 'Well, how did he get there?' So, that's something that we thought we would explore," said Lisa Henson, the daughter of Jim, and CEO and President of the Jim Henson Company.
The comic book series is titled "Jim Henson's Labyrinth" and will feature other new characters who are essential in shaping Goblin King Jareth's life, such as his parents. Although the comic series is a prequel of sorts of the original movie, certain parts of the film may be mentioned, as it is going to be used as a backdrop for the whole series.
A manga sequel was already published by Tokyopop, titled "Return to Labyrinth" and aired its four volumes between 2006 and 2010. In the manga sequel, Toby returns to the Labyrinth as a teenager and encounters his own adventures inside. However, it was not mentioned whether the upcoming comic series will attribute some of the manga's parts.
In other news, a spinoff movie about the "Labyrinth" is also in the works. Fede Alvarez is said to be directing the film, although no additional details have yet been disclosed.
"Jim Henson's Labyrinth" will be published under Boom! Studios, and is a collaboration between writer Spurrier and artist Daniel Bayliss. Its first volume will be released in February 2018.
