Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation #6 Review

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation #6

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

Review by Melissa Prange

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation #6 introduces a new character as Maria’s companion and further complicates her quest to be reunited with her son. After being abandoned in a waterlogged prison, Maria escapes with the help of the gondolier. Of course, after she admits she can’t pay for her passage, her situation turns dire again when the gondolier simply dumps her into the rushing water of the canals. It’s not all horribleness, however, because misfortune throws her into the path of Cible, the revolutionary worm. Cible’s been waiting for her call to adventure and now that it’s here, she dons a tricorn hat and jumps into action. Meanwhile, more is revealed of the Owl King’s evil plan and an old ally of Maria’s might be coerced into seeing she fails in her attempt to reunite with her son. Goblin unrest is brewing and the Owl King will use whatever means necessary to see that a strong king has the throne.

Labyrinth: Coronation #6 mixes a bit of twisty political maneuvering with a dose of humorous adventure. The combination makes for a perfect balance as this series’ story finally feels like it’s moving forward again. There’s also several very neat visuals in this issue, including Maria’s watery prison and the Owl King’s fully revealed throne. The throne, in particular, looks beautiful–if in a slightly terrifying way.  

The most important thing about this issue, however, isn’t the story and art but rather Cible the worm. She’s not the best new character in this series (that would be the rose bush), but she’s still a hilariously perfect addition. Two of her panels, especially, drew a huge laugh, and the reveal of her revolutionary outfit was priceless. You wouldn’t think there’d be a whole lot you could do with a tiny worm, but between her overall design and the character’s enthusiastic dialogue, Cible makes an impression.

The Verdict: Buy It.

One of the things Labyrinth: Coronation has reliably done well is people its world with strange characters, and Cible was a welcome addition in that respect. She brings the worm from the film to mind, but she has more going for her than tea and hospitality. If you only needed one reason to pick this issue up, she would be it. Of course, this issue does have more going for it than just a worm. After falling into a lull during the last two issues, Labyrinth: Coronation #6 gets everything back into motion. The plot twist in the Owl King’s portion of the story was very well done. It’ll be interesting to see how his evil machinations develop from here on out. Definitely pick up this series. It’s worth sticking through the lulls for issues like this one.