Jim Henson’s Labyrinth #4 is written by Kyla Vanderklugt and published by BOOM! Studios. Artwork is by Giorgio Spalletta, colours by Sara Cuomo and letters by Jim Campbell.
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth #4 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Even more misadventures await, as her journey takes her further into the magical realms beyond the Goblin City, across the Bog of Eternal Stench, and on a collision course with a… let’s say heroic, knight guarding the only way forward.
Review
The previous issue of BOOM! Studios’ retelling of Labyrinth left a lot to be desired. It was still an enjoyable read for the most part but did little in the way to add its own identity into the mix. With this fourth issue, does the problem continue to stick or have Vanderklugt and co. managed bring their voices to the forefront?
Firstly, this newest instalment does something that worked so well in issues 1 and 2 which is that it leans into the fantasy elements in visually bold ways. Spalletta’s artwork has been the driving force of this series and once again the illustrations come into their own. From the Bog of Eternal Stench to the introduction of Ludo to the deranged Fireys, the artwork here does a brilliant job of bringing these things to life and adding a certain vibrance to them. The whimsical nature of Henson’s original film already has its own visual identity to it and when this series takes that basis and exaggerates it, that is when it is at its best.
Speaking of which, the introduction of the Fireys, arguably one of the most surreal moments from the 1986 film, is given a new lease of life in this issue. In the film, due to the slightly date effects, there is a janky, off-putting nature to these creatures whereas here in the comic they appear much more playful and manic. There is still a creepy undertone to the encounter but for the most part the comic tries to push the more comedic nature of the Fireys as much as it can. Ludo is also a welcome inclusion in this issue. The way he is drawn for this series maintains the loveable, oaf-like nature of the design from the film but adds a bit more energy to his character.
With all that being said, this series still lacks a bit of its own identity. This may be hard to do due to the nature of it being an adaptation and the original film having such a vivid visual style attached to it. Now that we are quite far into the story, surely there are plenty of opportunities for the writing, or even the artwork, to try something new within the confines of the world Jim Henson created.
Verdict
An improvement over its previous instalment but still lacking in certain areas, Vanderklugt’s retelling of Jim Henson’s classic film continues to do little in the way adding its own flair to the proceedings yet works wonders when it takes full advantage of the whimsy and charm of the world and inhabitants of Labyrinth.
⭐⭐⭐.5
