Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation #5 Review

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation #5

Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Daniel Bayliss
Colorist: Dan Jackson
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Publisher: Archaia

Review by Melissa Prange

Labyrinth: Coronation #5 opens with Jareth tiring of Maria’s tale. Instead, he’s far more interested in Sarah succumbing to the Fireys. Beetlegum, always a little sensitive for a goblin, tries to protect Toby from seeing the attack on his sister, but Jareth wants him to see her defeated.

Of course, in spite of Jareth’s disinterest and Sarah’s peril, Maria’s story continues. In this issue, she meets zombie goblins, living skeletons, and gargoyles who have distinct tastes when it comes the aesthetics of their cemetery. These revenants have gone so far as to persecute the artist designing the Owl King’s grave. Maria and her faithful (if confused) companions cross paths with the set-upon artist and his critics. Still trying to find a way to her son, Maria struggles to discover the nature of the Labyrinth as she interacts with the cemetery. She wants it all a dream, but what if it is real? Could there be a way for her to take control of the Labyrinth?

Meanwhile, both the Owl King and Goblin King struggle to maintain control of their stolen children and goblin subjects. They must offer entertainment, but if they cannot keep Maria and Sarah from the castle, they may have bigger problems than rowdy goblins and crying children to deal with.

Labyrinth: Coronation #5 is fairly light on plot but heavy on world-building. With each passing issue, we’re getting a fuller picture of how the Labyrinth works and this issue’s primary focus is seeing how Maria and the Owl King face off by manipulating the world around them. It’s interesting but hopefully, in the next issue, we’ll have little more adventure to go with the exposition. It’s about time the Owl King and Maria stop monologuing and have a little fun! Of course, the ending of this issue left Maria in a difficult situation so she won’t be able to just sit around and talk in issue six.

Verdict: Buy It.

Labyrinth: Coronation is such an enjoyable read. The art is lovely and the world of the Labyrinth just gets cooler and cooler with each issue. This comic consistently delivers a deepening mythology that fans of the film will appreciate, and as so much has happened and we’re very nearly at the halfway point, it’ll be interesting to see where to story develops from here. Ideally, though, it’ll get a move on action-wise!