Return to Labyrinth
| Company type | Graphic novel series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manga, Comics |
| Founded | August 2006 |
| Founder | Jake T. Forbes (writer), Chris Lie (illustrator) |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Jake T. Forbes, Chris Lie, Kouyu Shurei (cover artist) |
| Products | Original English-language manga series |
| Parent | Tokyopop |
Return to Labyrinth is an original English-language manga inspired by Jim Henson's 1986 fantasy motion picture Labyrinth. The series was written by Jake T. Forbes and illustrated by Chris Lie, featuring cover artwork by Kouyu Shurei, and is published through Tokyopop.
This four-volume series debuted with its first installment in August 2006. The second volume was released in October 2007; initially intended to be titled Goblin Prince of the Labyrinth, the series ultimately retained the name Return to Labyrinth for all parts. While originally planned as a trilogy, the series was extended to four volumes following the release of Volume 2. Volume 3 became available on May 12, 2009, with the concluding volume published on August 3, 2010. Set approximately thirteen years after the events of the original film, the narrative centers on Toby during his teenage years. Critical reception of the series has been varied.
Development
In 2005, The Jim Henson Company formed a partnership with Tokyopop to create graphic novels based on The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.
Tim Beedle, an editor at Tokyopop working on Return to Labyrinth, revealed that Jake T. Forbes proposed adapting these classic films into original graphic novel formats. Michael Polis, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Home Entertainment at The Jim Henson Company, was already exploring comic adaptations for their properties. The collaboration was facilitated by Rob Valois, formerly associated with The Jim Henson Company. Beedle emphasized that both franchises were well-suited for manga’s extended storytelling style, allowing deeper exploration of their fantasy elements while appealing to a predominantly female audience consistent with manga readership.
To ensure fidelity to the source material, Brian Froud’s companion publication The Goblins of Labyrinth served as a key reference during development. Due to strong sales figures and favorable responses from readers after the initial volume, the project expanded from three planned volumes to four. Additionally, fan interest in seeing more development of characters Sarah and Jareth motivated the creators to weave a subplot involving them into later installments.
Volume I
Set more than ten years after Labyrinth, where Sarah Williams triumphed over the Goblin King Jareth and rescued her infant half-brother Toby, it is revealed that Jareth has quietly granted all of Toby’s wishes as he matured into adolescence. Unaware that he had been abducted or subsequently saved by Sarah, Toby appears well-adjusted in his daily life. Meanwhile, Sarah has become a schoolteacher.
Jareth still envisions Toby as his successor amid emerging dangers posed by a mysterious queen and Goblin City’s mayor. He entices Toby back into the Labyrinth, where Toby encounters various inhabitants including Hana, a fairy who has lost her wings, and Moppet, a masked servant girl.
Volume II
Immediately following the events of Volume I, Jareth designates Toby as his heir before vanishing. Mizumi, Queen of Moraine, along with her daughters, takes residence in Goblin Castle to support Toby. After an altercation occurs within the “History of Toby” museum, Toby embraces his destiny and begins rigorous training. Mizumi instructs him in magic through enchanted water and discloses her history with Jareth as well as her exclusion from the Labyrinth’s creation.
A flashback depicts Jareth’s frustration following Sarah’s rescue of Toby; goblins suspect his diminishing authority and plot rebellion. Jareth wagers with Mizumi for control over the goblin kingdom within thirteen years under conditions that remain undisclosed.
Toby’s magical training postpones his mission to retrieve Hana’s wings, prompting her to search independently alongside Moppet. They discover a locked chamber resembling Sarah’s teenage bedroom but secured by a dungeon lock and containing elaborate clothing. Moppet recognizes music emanating from a box inside and recalls a vision where Jareth demands her love. Drumlin, Mizumi’s daughter, traps them inside and destroys the room.
Mizumi escorts Toby to the Ministry of Prophecies for him to select a prophecy; however, Toby only perceives part of it and misses a forewarning of danger. Upon returning, Toby witnesses Moppet falling; he rescues her and removes her mask to reveal she is a younger version of Sarah with pale hair.
In another location, two cloaked reptilian figures conspire against an important individual. The scene then shifts to Sarah grading papers when Jareth unexpectedly appears at her doorstep.
Volume III
Following the revelation of Moppet's identity, Drumlin is taken into custody, and Mizumi explains to Toby that one of her abilities involves creating ablations—distinct beings formed by extracting particular traits from living creatures. Moppet is one such ablation, born from Sarah Williams' dreams at Jareth's behest. Jareth confined Moppet within a tower to regain dominance over the goblin realm, hoping she would develop affection for him; when she did not, his influence diminished. Later, Spittledrum discovered Moppet among the rubbish people and brought her back to the city. Jareth cautioned Spittledrum to keep Moppet away from the palace and secretly gave him a peach as a sign. Mizumi offers to reintegrate an ablation with its original host, a process that erases the ablation’s memories; she also warns that if an ablation perishes, so does its host. When Toby attempts to summon Sarah for restoration, Moppet objects and escapes.
In the human world, Jareth visits Sarah, who fails to recognize him but accepts his explanation about theatrical connections. Despite her modest accomplishments, Jareth observes that her determination remains intact. Sarah has no recollection of Jareth. Jareth then recovers a piece of his heart from Cob, an exiled goblin, restoring much of his magical power. Seeking revenge, he establishes the Enigma Lain theater and sends Sarah an invitation.
Mizumi visits Drumlin in prison; after rejecting Drumlin's apology, she reabsorbs her. It is revealed that Drumlin and Moulin are ablations of Mizumi—Drumlin representing hope. Moulin tries to assist Toby but is captured by Mizumi’s servant Esker.
Before Toby’s coronation, a reptilian creature gives him a cryptic warning along with a medallion. During the coronation ceremony, Toby gains command over the Labyrinth’s walls by finding the Pathfinder. Mizumi then declares victory over Jareth and takes control of the Labyrinth, chaining Toby. Although the goblin army resists, Mizumi’s forces prevail with Candlewic betraying Toby and Spittledrum.
In the dungeons, Mizumi confronts Moulin, revealing that both Moulin and Drumlin symbolize emotions binding her to Jareth. She hints at an unknown alternative to reabsorption but is interrupted when Esker reports that Jareth has contacted Sarah in the human world. Disturbed, Mizumi orders Esker to eliminate Moppet to ensure Sarah’s demise; however, Esker cannot leave due to the Pathmaker’s barrier.
The volume concludes with Toby, Skub, Spittledrum, and Moulin imprisoned; Moppet climbing rubbish hills clutching her peach; and Sarah walking unknowingly into Jareth’s trap.
Volume IV
Imprisoned in the Oubliette, Toby nearly loses his sanity before encountering Mizumi. She reveals that as Jareth's successor, Toby must bear his title and heart—an unbearable burden. Mizumi recounts her history with Jareth: she fell in love with him, but he challenged her to find his heart within the Labyrinth. Success would grant her possession of it; she vowed never to harm the Labyrinth. Failing this task despite her sacrifices, Jareth insulted her. Presently, Toby consents to serve as Mizumi’s vessel to save his friends and prevent the Labyrinth’s collapse.
Meanwhile, Hana and Stank free Moulin, who joins them in rescuing Moppet and Toby. After biting Jareth’s peach, Moppet becomes trapped inside one of Sarah’s dreams—where Sarah pursues acting while her mother remains married. Enchanted within this dreamscape, Moppet is attacked by Esker under Mizumi’s orders. Following a fierce battle, Moulin, Hana, and Stank rescue Moppet but become trapped as the Labyrinth begins to crumble. Toby arrives to free them; Moulin explains that because Moppet is dream-based, releasing her is complicated. To protect both Sarah and Moppet, Toby magically imprisons them before returning to Mizumi.
Sarah falls into Jareth’s trap—a puppet show reenacting her life and forgotten Labyrinth journey that concludes with her unremarkable reality. Recognizing Jareth, she accepts his offer to guide her dreams before being drawn into the Labyrinth world. Inside this dreamtrap, Moppet realizes Sarah was forced to abandon Juilliard ambitions for acting. Upon awakening again, Moppet sets out alongside Moulin, Hana, and Stank to locate Sarah and thwart Jareth’s schemes; they are freed from Toby’s prison by Hoggle and Ludo.
Feeling isolated and struggling to control rebellious goblins, Toby wanders until confronted by Jareth at a fountain. After criticizing Toby’s indecision, Jareth is wished away by him—but this transforms Toby into a being resembling Jareth himself. Returning to Mizumi, he announces plans to dismantle and reconstruct the Labyrinth. Frustrated by this transformation, Mizumi receives an illusion of Drumlin urging her to find someone capable of leading her to Jareth.
Under Jareth's influence, Sarah watches as Moppet shapes a new world through willpower. Despite Hoggle and Ludo's concerns, Moppet insists on finding Sarah; she asks them to support Toby before parting ways. At a door guarded by a riddle solved by Hana—though only Moulin and Moppet proceed—they enter a hall of mirrors reflecting their true selves and confront an altar demanding sacrifice before opening another door. When Moulin gazes into a mirror, Mizumi appears and passes through it. To save Moppet, Moulin attempts self-stabbing—as Mizumi embodies regret—hoping this would also kill Mizumi but fails. Instead, Moulin forces Mizumi to face her regrets within a mirror, severing their connection. Mizumi then stabs Moulin to open the passage leading toward Jareth; Moppet follows closely behind. Finding Mizumi at a dead end, Moppet observes as Mizumi creates a door allowing her access to find Sarah but resolves to wait for Jareth long after Sarah departs.
As goblins revolt against oppressive control, Toby's harsh leadership falters when Mizumi cancels her contract with Jareth. Acknowledging he has never made independent choices as Goblin King, Toby relinquishes his role and peacefully ends the uprising by allying with the goblins. Meanwhile in Sarah's new world—nearly dominated by Jareth—Moppet confronts him over risking the Labyrinth for selfish desires; he defends rescuing Sarah’s forsaken dreams. Sarah demands knowledge of her friends' fates and offers her willpower to save the Labyrinth while freeing Moppet by embracing her own dreams. Jareth restores the Labyrinth but agrees with Toby that each individual must discover their own path.
Back in reality, Sarah achieves fulfillment by writing stories that sustain the Labyrinth's existence while Toby overcomes loneliness through fantasy and builds friendships.
Characters
Jareth, the Goblin King Jareth governs the Labyrinth, an extensive realm beneath the surface, and has held this position for 1,300 years. Although he appears human, he wields supernatural powers such as crafting crystal orbs to produce illusions or observe events from afar. A skilled shapeshifter, he can alter his form physically, including transforming into a barn owl. In the manga, he assumes the role of Toby’s high school guidance counselor, observing Toby’s growth with the intention of grooming him as his successor.
Volume II delves into Jareth’s past, revealing a complicated connection with Mizumi, the Queen of Moraine, which seems romantic but ended due to Jareth’s actions. Mizumi suggests that the Labyrinth reflects Jareth’s yearning for solitude; Sarah’s intrusion and victory over Jareth diminished his strength. The manga examines Jareth’s obsession with Sarah and his frustration at her refusal to stay as his queen. It also raises questions about whether Jareth can leave the Labyrinth at will—he may only depart when summoned. After stepping down, he ventures unbidden into the human world to reclaim preserved power from an exiled goblin, enabling him to pursue plans involving Sarah.
Toby Williams Abducted by Jareth as an infant following Sarah’s wish to send him away, Toby grows up as a high schooler who shares Sarah’s passion for theater and fantasy but lacks memories of the Labyrinth or her rescue. In Volume I, a goblin stealing his homework draws him back into the Labyrinth, where Jareth declares him heir to the Goblin Kingdom. Volume II centers on Toby accepting this legacy and learning how to govern.
Moppet A courteous attendant in Goblin City who hides her human face behind a goblin mask. She quietly admires Candelwic, a goblin guard. When Toby sees her without the mask, he notices her resemblance to Sarah; she is later revealed to be an ablation—an autonomous entity created by Mizumi from Sarah’s dreams. In Volume IV, Moppet becomes ensnared by Mizumi’s traps alongside Moulin and is exploited by Jareth in an effort to regain influence. After resisting his control, she partners with Sarah to help restore the Labyrinth.
Hana A faery whose wings were forcibly removed by goblins as punishment for theft. She is quick-tempered and easily upset but befriends Toby during his quest and seeks his aid in recovering her wings. When Toby is unable to assist due to his studies, she embarks on her own journey accompanied by Moppet.
Stank Hana’s companion and mount resembles a smaller version of Ludo, featuring thick fur and short horns. Like Ludo, Stank can summon rocks by calling them and communicates with brief expressions such as 'Arooo?'. Despite his friendly disposition, he has poor hygiene habits. In Volume IV, after consuming a gift from Toby intended for Hana, Stank unexpectedly grows wings.
Spittledrum The somewhat incompetent mayor of Goblin City who has long served under Jareth and frequently prepares speeches anticipating succession. Though initially displeased when Toby is named heir, he later supports him and uncovers Moppet’s origins as an ablation created by Mizumi through a wager with Jareth.
Mizumi The Queen of Moraine and a formidable sorceress known as the Queen of Cups. Once close allies with Jareth, she wagers control over the Goblin Kingdom following his defeat by Sarah. Mizumi instructs Toby in magic aiming to seize command of the Labyrinth and seeks out the Pathmaker who governs its transformations. She has two daughters—Moulin and Drumlin—who are revealed as ablations embodying her emotions. The turbulent relationship between Mizumi and Jareth culminates in betrayal and conflict.
Drumlin One of Mizumi’s daughters; swollen due to absorbing moisture through contact. Drumlin personifies Mizumi’s hope but is reabsorbed when deemed a liability—only briefly reappearing when hope regains significance.
Moulin Mizumi’s other daughter controls water via a rain cloud named Nimbus and wields an umbrella for defense. An expert fencer who can foresee unlikely outcomes, Moulin rebels upon discovering she is an ablation representing Mizumi’s regret. She allies with Moppet and others searching for Sarah in Volume IV and ultimately severs ties with Mizumi after confrontation.
Esker A tall masked servant loyal exclusively to Mizumi, showing no personal ambitions beyond obedience.
Sarah Williams The film’s main character appears in the manga as a reserved English teacher closely connected with Toby. Flashbacks depict her younger self; Mizumi uses this form mockingly against Jareth. After handing over control of the Labyrinth to Toby, Sarah forgets about Jareth until he entices her back into the Labyrinth to revive her creativity and determination needed for forging a new world.
Skub A small goblin who initially stole Toby's homework leading him into the Labyrinth; now serves as Toby's personal cook.
Dingle An imp responsible for ringing Moppet's alarm clock.
The Brick Layer A spider-like goblin responsible for building the outer walls of the Labyrinth; offers cryptic guidance that assists Toby in navigating the maze.
Hoggle A timid dwarf-goblin who once served Jareth but sided with Sarah in the film; harbors resentment toward Sarah due to consequences imposed by Jareth.
Sir Didymus A small dog-fox goblin riding his steed Ambrosious; appears sending invitations for Jareth's ball and serves as Toby's physical education instructor.
Professors Maelgrot, Nymblie, Glosspan, Glockensteal, and Jodhspur Toby’s educators in ruling the Goblin Kingdom: Maelgrot manages Toby’s memorabilia museum; Nymblie teaches drama and fashion; Glockensteal instructs economics focused on hoarding; Glosspan covers philosophy; Jodhspur trains jousting skills.
Ludo An orange yeti rescued by Sarah in the film; makes a cameo appearance in Volume I.
The Blue Worm A small blue worm inhabiting the Labyrinth walls; briefly interacts with Toby; married to Missus (introduced in manga).
The Flegworts An elderly goblin couple who sell shoes as food items; Hana temporarily resides with them while supporting their enterprise.
Irene Williams Toby’s strict mother with whom he maintains a distant relationship; contrasts strongly with his close connection to Sarah.
Mr. Morrisey Toby’s high school math teacher who suspects academic dishonesty due to Jareth’s interference; refers Toby to guidance counselor (Jareth disguised).
Release
Created by writer Jake T. Forbes and artist Chris Lie, Return to Labyrinth was issued in North America through Tokyopop. The series comprises four volumes, released between August 8, 2006, and August 3, 2010. Distribution in the United States was handled by HarperCollins, while Madman Entertainment managed distribution across Australia and New Zealand.
Digital release
In June 2010, Return to Labyrinth was made accessible as a digital download via the platform Zinio.
Commercial reception
Upon its debut in August 2006, the first volume entered Diamond Comic Distributors' U.S. graphic novel sales chart at position #40, with sales nearing 2,400 copies. The second volume appeared at #58 in October 2007, selling roughly 2,204 copies. By May 2009, the third installment moved about 1,386 units, securing the #76 spot on Diamond's rankings, #19 on Bookscan's top twenty graphic novels list, and climbing to #4 on the New York Times manga bestseller list for the week of May 10–16. The final volume, released in August 2010, reached #74 on Diamond's chart with estimated sales of 1,100 copies and once again attained #19 on Bookscan’s top twenty list.
Critical response
Reviews for Return to Labyrinth were mixed. Kristy Valenti from The Comics Journal highlighted its appeal to fans of the original film and its detailed world-building but mentioned some "technical glitches" and a deviation from conventional manga character styles. IGN’s A.E. Sparrow praised the series for honoring the original material while introducing fresh characters. Conversely, Jennifer Feigelman of Kliatt criticized the narrative for lacking depth, particularly pointing out weaknesses in the portrayal of Toby. Johanna Draper Carlson from Publishers Weekly argued that shifting focus from Sarah to Toby diminished the story’s strength by making it more formulaic.
Martha Cornog in Library Journal remarked that the manga did not capture the charm of the film and expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of interior illustrations. Carlo Santos of Anime News Network appreciated the humor and character development but noted stiff character poses and an overabundance of side plots that hindered pacing. Katherine Dacey at PopCultureShock described inconsistent artwork inside and an uneven narrative flow, awarding the second volume a "C+" due to underdeveloped characters and a fan-fiction feel appealing mainly to those familiar with the film. James Gartler of CGMagazine observed a disconnect between Japanese storytelling techniques and Brian Froud’s original designs, whereas Nadia Oxford of Mania commended how effectively the film’s environments were adapted into manga format, giving volume one an "A−".
Entertainment Weekly reported that fans expressed dissatisfaction over numerous new characters who diverged significantly from the source material. Comic Book Resources highlighted reader disappointment regarding shallow new character development and a contrast between elaborate cover art and simpler interior illustrations. Additionally, fans questioned Tokyopop's choice to extend the series from three volumes to four, which resulted in a four-year span between the initial and final releases.
Legacy
During Tokyopop’s first decade, Return to Labyrinth ranked among its most prominent titles; however, it garnered less acclaim compared to Legends of the Dark Crystal, Tokyopop’s manga prequel to Jim Henson’s 1982 film The Dark Crystal. In 2014, Total Film included Return to Labyrinth in its list of the "50 Greatest Movie Comic Spin-Offs."
By 2021, despite enduring popularity of the original film, Return to Labyrinth had largely faded from public attention. This decline was partly due to Tokyopop ceasing operations less than a year after concluding the series, leading to it going out of print. Although Tokyopop resumed manga publishing in 2016, creator Jake Forbes has expressed interest in restoring excised scenes if a reissue occurs. Nevertheless, later Labyrinth comics produced by Archaia Entertainment along with plans for a possible movie sequel have rendered Return to Labyrinth non-canonical. This status complicates any potential re-release due to possible confusion surrounding official continuity.