Expanding the Labyrinth Universe: From Film to Graphic Novel.
[ ARTWORK BY Rebekah Isaacs EDITED BY Ziggy Dickson ]
The enchantment of Jim Henson’s 1986 film “Labyrinth” has not gone unnoticed in the almost 40 years from its conception, captivating audiences with its imaginative storytelling and unforgettable characters. The movie follows a 16-year-old Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) as she navigates the mystical land of the Labyrinth to reach the Goblin City to rescue her baby brother from Jareth the Goblin King (David Bowie.) With music written by the Goblin King himself, the movie became a cult classic with the character of Jareth becoming a fan-favourite.
With his striking appearance and charismatic yet mysterious flair, audiences adored the villain. However, his backstory and motivations were left largely unexplored in the movie. In 2018, the graphic novel series “Labyrinth: Coronation” was published by Archaia, an imprint of Boom! Studios.
Written by the brilliant Simon Spurrier and illustrated by Daniel Bayliss and Irene Flores, the series serves as a prequel to the original movie offering fans a deeper and richer understanding of the Goblin King’s origins and expanding the lore of the Labyrinth universe.
Set in the same fantastical world as the movie, the story reveals that Jareth was once a human, named Jareth Williams, who was abducted by the Owl King when he was still an infant. His mother Maria, embarks on a perilous journey to rescue him, mirroring Sarah’s quest from the movie. As the series progresses, readers are introduced to new characters and deeper layers of the magical realm that mimic the original movie.
One of the most important contributions of the graphic novel is the exploration of Jareth’s transformation from a human child to Goblin King. The backstory provides context for his enigmatic nature and complex personality seen in Bowie’s portrayal. The graphic novel series delves into Jareth’s early life, his relationship with his mother and the events that shaped his destiny.
With extended inserts from the movie, the series portrays Jareth as a multi-dimensional character, struggling with his power and identity whilst ‘looking after’ Toby alongside Beetlegum, his Goblin Servant who looked after him as a babe. The novel gives him a vulnerability that was only hinted in the movie, giving the reader an insight into his motivations, his sense of duty to the labyrinth and the loneliness that comes with his role as Goblin King.
The novel also builds upon the world of the Labyrinth, once ruled by a tyrannical Owl King who wanted nothing to do with the Goblins belligerent drinking and partying; a clear contrast to the Goblin King we see in the movie who wants for nothing more than a good musical number and a party. Showing Jareth’s mothers influence and his own care for the goblin kingdom and its inhabitants.
In the wider world, the graphic novel introduces the readers to the political dynamics within the Labyrinth and its various factions vying for control. Exploring themes of power, sacrifice and the enduring bonds between parents and children. It offers a deeper, more nuanced narrative that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
“Labyrinth: Coronation” serves as a compelling prequel to the beloved 1986 film and offers a richer understanding of the Goblin King and the enchanting world of the Labyrinth. Exploring his backstory and the complex dynamics of the Labyrinth, the graphic novel series enhances the original story and adds new layers of depth to a character who has captivated audiences for decades.
For fans of “Labyrinth,” “Labyrinth: Coronation” is a must-read that expands the universe and provides a satisfying exploration of one of fantasy’s most iconic characters.
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