Oh my God, you guys, oh my God. I love Labyrinth, the movie. Have you seen it? Are you a fellow child of the ’80s like me? Then you love it, too. Of course you do.
Imagine my shock and amazement when I found out there was a manga series that was considered the official sequel to Labyrinth. And it came out five years ago! FIVE. Why didn’t someone tell me about this?
Well, if you were in the dark like me, this is me telling you about the official sequel. It’s a four-volume series and it’s essential to have all four parts before you begin. I read the first two volumes and then had to wait weeks before I could finish it. *agony* Also, watch the movie before you read these. It helps.
So, the story. Return to Labyrinth focuses on Toby, Sarah’s infant brother. It’s about fifteen years after Labyrinth and Toby’s a lazy teenager. Jareth, the Goblin King, has kept a close eye on Toby throughout his life and had his goblin minions fulfill whatever Toby’s heart desires, grooming him for the day he’ll return to the Labyrinth as heir to the Goblin Kingdom.
There’s so much more going on in these volumes then the synopsis tells you. I don’t want to hype it up too much, though, especially if you’re a newbie to manga. The world is a bit confusing at first, but don’t worry, explanations come along the way. I’ve learned to never base your expectations of a manga series on the first volume. At least read the second because that’s usually when the real plot is revealed.
Honestly, I would have been completely behind them making this a six-volume series. The wrap-up before the ending didn’t answer all of the lingering plot lines. But alas, there were only four volumes, so we must make due.
I liked teenager Toby. He was a bit lazy, having grown up with goblins giving him whatever he wanted his entire life, but he eventually matured a bit. Strife and trials usually do that to a person.
Jareth was yum. Did anyone else have a crush on ’80s David Bowe from the movie? Well, I did. I guess due to legality or infringement or something, the illustrator couldn’t draw an exact likeness of Jennifer Connelly or David Bowe, but it was close. I kind of like this version of Jareth better since he’s not as old. Sorry, David.
And I don’t want to ruin anything, but every time I watch the movie, I want Sarah and Jareth to get together. Every. Time. So I held out hope that maybe now, with her grown-up, this would happen. You’ll have to read them to find out if it does, but let’s just say, I’m happier than I was before.
The illustrations were great. I consider them the best part. Working with an already established world, it must have been hard to keep the art similar to the movie, but Chris Lie did a wonderful job.
This is a great continuation that I really enjoyed and will be featured on my bookcase for a long time. If you’re new to manga and not sure about it, I suggest checking out if your library carries them, or get them through the InterLibrary Loan system.
Now, let’s have a Labyrinth watching party! =P