Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation #7
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Daniel Bayliss and Irene Flores
Colorist: Joana Lafuente
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Publisher: Archaia
Review by Melissa Prange
We’ve reached another lull in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation. After picking up through the last two issues, the plot drifts by in #7. The unlikely trio of Maria, Tangle, and Cible gets waylaid in the Owl King’s latest trap: a children’s nursery. Maria, having never been in a nursery, struggles to find the key to their escape when it becomes clear her magic chalk is powerless to help them. Cible and Tangle prove less than helpful against their clockwork cage while Maria grapples with her past.
Meanwhile, things look dire for Sara (having just been poisoned by a friend), but Beetlegum still manages to persuade Jareth to continue his story for Toby. Beetlegum is not confident that Sara will fail in her task so Toby must somehow be protected from the Goblin King’s wrath.
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation #7 remains enjoyable but definitely has the feel of a filler issue. Not much progresses in the overall story as the characters deal with another trap of the month. Maria does struggle with her past, and we do see the Owl King and his manipulations start to catch up with her. All the same, not enough happens to make the issue stand up to some of the stronger in this series. Tangle comes out the best in this issue, oddly enough. The rose bush really likes prickly hugs and is just a joy whenever it gets a chance to shine. Cible doesn’t have quite as much to do in this issue, but it’ll definitely be interesting to see where her character goes in the next one. There’s an intriguing set up here for Labyrinth: Coronation #8, especially where Cible is concerned.
The art in this comic remains lovely. Jareth’s eyebrows, in particular, are stunning in this issue (I don’t know how I haven’t remarked on them before). Also, the lettering on Tangle’s dialogue is simply hilarious. It’s a marvel that 90% of Tangle’s characterization comes from that letteringm and it absolutely works.
The Verdict: Buy It.
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation #7 might not be the strongest issue of the bunch, but it’s still definitely worth the read. The plot is fun; the art is gorgeous; and Tangle’s hugs are not to be missed.
