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Return to Labyrinth #2
Return to Labyrinth, Vol. 2
For years, Jareth's goblin minions have kept watch over Toby, preparing him for the day when he will return and take his place as Jareth's heir, but when Toby must navigate the Labyrinth on his own, he is not prepared for the consequences.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2005
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647 people want to read
About the author
Jake T. Forbes
12 books47 followersI make digital games & comics, but my heart belongs to good old-fashioned analog books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 21, 2018
Return to Labyrinth is a 4-part American style manga series from Tokyo Pop. Several years ago I was given the first 3 books in the series, but never had the final book. As part of a personal goal this year to read more books that I really want to read and from my own shelves, I have ordered a copy of the 4th book. I will finally get to read the end of this revisit to Labyrinth! Well, that's assuming my order ships and I receive the book. (lol) With a sense of optimism, I have begun reading the first three volumes in the series again. I want to be ready to tear right into the package and start reading when book 4 arrives!
This series is set more than 10 years after the movie. Toby is a teenager and has been lured into the labyrinth by Jareth, The Goblin King. Jareth announces his intention to make Toby his heir. There is an evil queen and several other baddies who are not in favor of this choice. Soon after announcing his heir, Jereth disappears, leaving Toby as the new king. In flashbacks, it is discovered that Jareth entered into a wager with Queen Mizumi. He has 13 years to fulfill his part of the bet, or his kingdom and everything in it reverts to the control of the queen. There's only a week left...and Jereth is missing. Will he complete his task in time, or lose everything? And what will happen to Toby who now finds himself the new Goblin King? Volume 2 reveals the bet, Toby's decision to learn to be Goblin King, and a strange revelation about Moppet, a servant of the Mayor of Goblin City.
I like this series. The artwork is a wonderful mix of familiar characters from the movie and manga style artwork. The cover art, by Kouyu Shurei, is awesome! The storyline is interesting and adds in some new characters like Moppet, Mizumi and her daughters Drumlin and Moulin, and Skub. I'm glad that I will finally be able to read how the story ends, once I have book 4!
This series is set more than 10 years after the movie. Toby is a teenager and has been lured into the labyrinth by Jareth, The Goblin King. Jareth announces his intention to make Toby his heir. There is an evil queen and several other baddies who are not in favor of this choice. Soon after announcing his heir, Jereth disappears, leaving Toby as the new king. In flashbacks, it is discovered that Jareth entered into a wager with Queen Mizumi. He has 13 years to fulfill his part of the bet, or his kingdom and everything in it reverts to the control of the queen. There's only a week left...and Jereth is missing. Will he complete his task in time, or lose everything? And what will happen to Toby who now finds himself the new Goblin King? Volume 2 reveals the bet, Toby's decision to learn to be Goblin King, and a strange revelation about Moppet, a servant of the Mayor of Goblin City.
I like this series. The artwork is a wonderful mix of familiar characters from the movie and manga style artwork. The cover art, by Kouyu Shurei, is awesome! The storyline is interesting and adds in some new characters like Moppet, Mizumi and her daughters Drumlin and Moulin, and Skub. I'm glad that I will finally be able to read how the story ends, once I have book 4!
December 17, 2022
“Hello, Sarah”
The last scene was EVERYTHING my younger self wanted from any possible Labyrinth sequel.
BUT vol. 3 and 4 are so bad!, Boring and confusing, and that amazing scene ends up not going anywhere!
Where was the romance, the revenge, the redemption?! 😖
Boring story.
The last scene was EVERYTHING my younger self wanted from any possible Labyrinth sequel.
BUT vol. 3 and 4 are so bad!, Boring and confusing, and that amazing scene ends up not going anywhere!
Where was the romance, the revenge, the redemption?! 😖
Boring story.
May 22, 2018
As good if not better than the first book in the series. I love the idea that they are using Sarah as the antagonist in a way for the story.
March 31, 2021
The artwork is really nice, as was in volume 1, and the story does improve some. Looking forward to vol 3.
May 14, 2021
Well, it didn't get worse. But it didn't get better, either. Boring, lazy boy with no redeeming qualities is The Chosen One, and has next to no personality traits. Remember Sarah, who had flaws and strengths? This interpretation of a grown up Toby doesn't get any, which makes the story drag painfully as we see him Be Bad At Things... And then a few pages later Be Good At Things because, idk. Chosen one? And let's burn some pages on a macaroni and cheese fetch quest. And do some demolition work on Jareth's character.
Why is that brilliant fanfiction exists across the internet, and this fanfiction has a four part Tokyo Pop series? The mystery continues.
Why is that brilliant fanfiction exists across the internet, and this fanfiction has a four part Tokyo Pop series? The mystery continues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2024
I'm glad I reconsidered and decided to give these a go.
November 24, 2014
I wouldn't get much by the way of reviews if I split all of these up, plus there's more to comment on when targeted as a whole series instead of individual books so a combined review it is.
I read the first volume of this Labyrinth sequel while I was on vacation and pretty much as soon as I was done, I had to order the rest because I needed to see where these writers took the story and the world and I have to say, as a hardcore Labyrinth fan, I wasn't disappointed.
First a comment on the artwork. The covers are gorgeous. I don't think there's much denying that. The artwork within the pages itself, the one that tells the story, isn't as beautiful (I just don't think there was the room and I think it would have rocketed the cost of the book itself) but it really portrayed the world without being too angular anime-looking. The only characters that looked even remotely close to that angular look that kind of freaks me out was Toby, Jareth and that's pretty much it. The rest of the humans had some slight angles but nothing serious and the rest of the creatures, the goblins and faeries and whatnot, looked like they did in the movie which was all sorts of awesome. I liked how the artist didn't stray from that look too far.
As far as the story goes, considering the interest Jareth took in Toby and Sarah in the movie, I felt that it was an almost natural progression to go where it ultimately went. I could have lived without the Ice Queen spurned by the Goblin King but what fantasy story would be anything without some good romantic conflict? Actually, it wasn't all that great. It was okay and it served its purpose in the plot but really, I could have lived without it. I think the Queen consigned a little too easily at the end there, relinquishing her hold that she held so steadfastly to for so long. Maybe when she realized that she'll never have him she felt why bother anymore. Hey, at least she realized it. It's more than what a lot of chicks do in that situation.
I loved the tie-in between Moppet and Sarah. I don't want to spoil it because I was pretty shocked to find out just what Jareth did (I'll give you a hint, it's along the lines of Spike's Buffy-bot, but not quite) but it suits his persona and the world as a whole. Yeah, as the Goblin King who totally doesn't like getting pwned by a 15 year old girl, I could see him holding a grudge and taking it out on her like he did. I wish Sarah was a stronger character within the series, though. I kind of get why she wasn't up until the end, but the correlation between the why there and her personality originally, they don't match up. She was such a strong character that barely even considered taking the King's offerings in the movie (she barely paused a second when he offered her his balls . . . er . . .). But in the story, she damn near concedes. I found that out of character for her even outside of her character transformation.
As I said above, I could have lived without the Queen being there, especially her two daughters, although I liked what they ended up being. And associated to that, how they were their own individuals despite the circumstances (read the books, you'll know what I'm talking about, I'm trying not to spoil). The chubby one was just obnoxious and I was kind of glad when she was taken out of the picture. The emo one, I kind of like the 180 she did but ultimately, I didn't feel her being there all that important to the story as a whole except functioning more as a guide. And there are plenty of other creatures in the Labyrinth that could have done that. I did like how the story branched out beyond the Labyrinth and created other kingdoms but I think it could have been melded together differently.
At the end of the day, Toby's story was the one I kept pushing to the side because I wanted to know more about Sarah and Moppet. All of the teasers that centered around them were just too juicy to resist. I mean, it's not that I didn't like Toby's tale, but it's a pretty standard one. A hint of Chosen One Syndrome with a bit of coming of age mixed in. His surroundings were kind of cool but other than that, I wasn't too interested. Let's face it: I wanted more Jareth and Sarah. So I kept reading for that.
While I think I would have liked to have seen actual novelizations over manga, I still liked the visuals and I was able to follow along with the story just fine. These books are a definite keeper if you're a Labyrinth fan. And you'd better hurry up. Pretty soon they'll be nothing but a dream (or a costly keepsake) soon enough. No, really. BN doesn't list them at all and Borders only has the last two in the series. So snag them while they're cheap. You'll be kicking yourself if you wait and end up paying $200 a pop like the movie novelization is.
I read the first volume of this Labyrinth sequel while I was on vacation and pretty much as soon as I was done, I had to order the rest because I needed to see where these writers took the story and the world and I have to say, as a hardcore Labyrinth fan, I wasn't disappointed.
First a comment on the artwork. The covers are gorgeous. I don't think there's much denying that. The artwork within the pages itself, the one that tells the story, isn't as beautiful (I just don't think there was the room and I think it would have rocketed the cost of the book itself) but it really portrayed the world without being too angular anime-looking. The only characters that looked even remotely close to that angular look that kind of freaks me out was Toby, Jareth and that's pretty much it. The rest of the humans had some slight angles but nothing serious and the rest of the creatures, the goblins and faeries and whatnot, looked like they did in the movie which was all sorts of awesome. I liked how the artist didn't stray from that look too far.
As far as the story goes, considering the interest Jareth took in Toby and Sarah in the movie, I felt that it was an almost natural progression to go where it ultimately went. I could have lived without the Ice Queen spurned by the Goblin King but what fantasy story would be anything without some good romantic conflict? Actually, it wasn't all that great. It was okay and it served its purpose in the plot but really, I could have lived without it. I think the Queen consigned a little too easily at the end there, relinquishing her hold that she held so steadfastly to for so long. Maybe when she realized that she'll never have him she felt why bother anymore. Hey, at least she realized it. It's more than what a lot of chicks do in that situation.
I loved the tie-in between Moppet and Sarah. I don't want to spoil it because I was pretty shocked to find out just what Jareth did (I'll give you a hint, it's along the lines of Spike's Buffy-bot, but not quite) but it suits his persona and the world as a whole. Yeah, as the Goblin King who totally doesn't like getting pwned by a 15 year old girl, I could see him holding a grudge and taking it out on her like he did. I wish Sarah was a stronger character within the series, though. I kind of get why she wasn't up until the end, but the correlation between the why there and her personality originally, they don't match up. She was such a strong character that barely even considered taking the King's offerings in the movie (she barely paused a second when he offered her his balls . . . er . . .). But in the story, she damn near concedes. I found that out of character for her even outside of her character transformation.
As I said above, I could have lived without the Queen being there, especially her two daughters, although I liked what they ended up being. And associated to that, how they were their own individuals despite the circumstances (read the books, you'll know what I'm talking about, I'm trying not to spoil). The chubby one was just obnoxious and I was kind of glad when she was taken out of the picture. The emo one, I kind of like the 180 she did but ultimately, I didn't feel her being there all that important to the story as a whole except functioning more as a guide. And there are plenty of other creatures in the Labyrinth that could have done that. I did like how the story branched out beyond the Labyrinth and created other kingdoms but I think it could have been melded together differently.
At the end of the day, Toby's story was the one I kept pushing to the side because I wanted to know more about Sarah and Moppet. All of the teasers that centered around them were just too juicy to resist. I mean, it's not that I didn't like Toby's tale, but it's a pretty standard one. A hint of Chosen One Syndrome with a bit of coming of age mixed in. His surroundings were kind of cool but other than that, I wasn't too interested. Let's face it: I wanted more Jareth and Sarah. So I kept reading for that.
While I think I would have liked to have seen actual novelizations over manga, I still liked the visuals and I was able to follow along with the story just fine. These books are a definite keeper if you're a Labyrinth fan. And you'd better hurry up. Pretty soon they'll be nothing but a dream (or a costly keepsake) soon enough. No, really. BN doesn't list them at all and Borders only has the last two in the series. So snag them while they're cheap. You'll be kicking yourself if you wait and end up paying $200 a pop like the movie novelization is.
May 5, 2016
Another wonderful installment in the Return to Labyrinth series! I love that we get to know more about goblin culture and what it takes to be king. Toby is having a hard time governing the Labyrinth now that Jareth has up and left him to rule in his stead, but thankfully Toby quickly makes some friends (and enemies). I can't wait to fin out more about the mayor's servant (a human girl! how did she get there?!?) and the end of this manga made my heart race a little (you go Jareth!). All in good fun this is a must read for Labyrinth fans. I can't wait to finish the rest in this series!
June 1, 2016
It's The Labyrinth, guys! MORE of THE Labyrinth.
It was fun seeing cameos from the movie, as well as reading lines from the movie. Just fun. Kinda wish it was in color, but that's forgivable because color comics are harder to read. (Or is that just me??)
It was fun seeing cameos from the movie, as well as reading lines from the movie. Just fun. Kinda wish it was in color, but that's forgivable because color comics are harder to read. (Or is that just me??)
February 11, 2018
Things are getting very interesting in the storyline now.
December 19, 2020
Por avanzar con mis lecturas (y porque amé el primer tomo de este cómic), decidí leerme el segundo antes de que termine el año y la verdad es que ha sido una sorpresa muy positiva.
La trama del cómic sigue avanzando a pasos agigantado, luego de dejar un gran cliffhanger que al final del primer tomo. La historia de Toby ha avanzado muy rápido y el personaje ha madurado mucho, si bien sigue mostrando señas de que es un adolescente (que es lo que es, al fin y al cabo), su nivel de compromiso y su amistad con otros personajes lo han hecho brillar un poco más.
Otra cosa que me sorprendió en este tomo, a diferencia del primero, es que ha mejorado mucho el arte del cómic, al nivel de que los personajes que nos presentaron en el anterior tomo (especialmente los personajes originales del cómic) han mejorado mucho y son claramente identificables..
La trama de la novela se ha vuelto muy divertida, pero a la vez ha desarrollado a sus anchas ese estilo de humor tan oscuro y a veces sádico. El cómic nos mostró mucho más la historia del laberinto, su mitología y sobre todo muchos lugares nuevos como el inquietante "Museo de Toby" o el enredado "Ministerio de las profecías", además de mostrarnos nuevos lugares del castillo, lo que siempre se agradece.
Me gusta el avance que da el cómic entre un volumen y otro. Quizás es porque tanto el escritor como el artista se sintieron más confiados de su trabajo y el éxito que tuvo, por lo mismo dejaron que la historia se expandiera y lo hicieron muy bien. Disfruté mucho de este tomo, quizás porque ya no tiene esa parte tan introductoria que tienen las primeras partes. Me gustó y espero que se vaya poniendo aun mejor en los siguientes dos tomos.
La trama del cómic sigue avanzando a pasos agigantado, luego de dejar un gran cliffhanger que al final del primer tomo. La historia de Toby ha avanzado muy rápido y el personaje ha madurado mucho, si bien sigue mostrando señas de que es un adolescente (que es lo que es, al fin y al cabo), su nivel de compromiso y su amistad con otros personajes lo han hecho brillar un poco más.
Otra cosa que me sorprendió en este tomo, a diferencia del primero, es que ha mejorado mucho el arte del cómic, al nivel de que los personajes que nos presentaron en el anterior tomo (especialmente los personajes originales del cómic) han mejorado mucho y son claramente identificables..
La trama de la novela se ha vuelto muy divertida, pero a la vez ha desarrollado a sus anchas ese estilo de humor tan oscuro y a veces sádico. El cómic nos mostró mucho más la historia del laberinto, su mitología y sobre todo muchos lugares nuevos como el inquietante "Museo de Toby" o el enredado "Ministerio de las profecías", además de mostrarnos nuevos lugares del castillo, lo que siempre se agradece.
Me gusta el avance que da el cómic entre un volumen y otro. Quizás es porque tanto el escritor como el artista se sintieron más confiados de su trabajo y el éxito que tuvo, por lo mismo dejaron que la historia se expandiera y lo hicieron muy bien. Disfruté mucho de este tomo, quizás porque ya no tiene esa parte tan introductoria que tienen las primeras partes. Me gustó y espero que se vaya poniendo aun mejor en los siguientes dos tomos.
July 7, 2017
The second installment of this series gets a bit better, with fewer obvious movie references and an actual developing plot. Toby gets some more characterization. Have noticed that a lot of reviews for this series complain about the artwork. It certainly seems "rough," but I don't think it would bother someone very much who doesn't read a lot of manga.
August 13, 2020
Interesting story, even if I feel like it really didn't advance the plot a whole lot. The big reveal at the end was also pretty.....meh, simply because I don't think the two characters look alike at all. Even in the panel showing them side by side, I didn't see a resemblance. Ah, well - on to volume 3!
June 10, 2024
Definitely not as good as the first but they are explaining Tony and his new role. Lots of silly characters are introduced and old characters are back trying to teach Toby a lesson or two. This one was slower and just allowed for more information and background information to help build the story. Excited for volume 3!
February 25, 2018
See my review of Volume 1. Library had volumes 1 and 2, and despite not liking the first one, I figured since I had it and was at work, I'd read it.
Still a no.
Still a no.
October 24, 2019
Continuing on with Toby who now has to contend with becoming the Goblin King after Jareth made him his heir. So Toby goes about educating himself with help from friends and hindrance from those not willing to accept Toby.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2022
Loved this so much.
The artwork and the story line. It's what I needed with the fact I am huge fan of the 1986 movie The Labyrinth. I was laughing and the feeling I needed to watch it again. I would reread over and over
The artwork and the story line. It's what I needed with the fact I am huge fan of the 1986 movie The Labyrinth. I was laughing and the feeling I needed to watch it again. I would reread over and over
November 29, 2022
A significant improvement upon the first volume. The plot is more clear and I understand much more about the characters. Although it is a little disappointing that one had to wade through the whole first book to really learn anything about the characters, I’m excited to keep reading.
January 29, 2019
I was really all set to give up on this series, but then the last page made me curious, so I guess I'll check out volume 3.
March 27, 2019
Not sure about certain characters... I don't trust them...
May 8, 2019
Better than the first one. Complicated intertwining plot lines, but makes sense without revealing it all at once.
February 5, 2020
Way better than volume one! Lots of funny one liners/ references 🤣
September 3, 2020
There's a bit more stupid humor in this one but otherwise nice atmosphere
February 19, 2021
Things are picking up and the plot and characters have become much more interesting. There is still some of the awkwardness but I am excited about the next book.
September 26, 2021
Still good. Making the world larger and more detailed works in this format. It's a worthy sequel series.
December 9, 2022
Me recordó al bebé
March 20, 2017
Jareth finds out that the peasants a revolting. There's a queen he goes to see. We learn that the goblin king can't leave the labyrinth unless he is summoned. So he has to figure out a way to do that. Easy. Quite being king, turn it over to Toby and he can go where he wants to and you can guess where that is.
We also find out the origin of Moppet who is the slave, basically, to the major. She become a target for murder. Toby calls her 'Sarah.'
The story is moving along quite well. We learn something new about the labyrinth, something new Jareth and a lot about Moppet. A good second volume in this four-volume series.
We also find out the origin of Moppet who is the slave, basically, to the major. She become a target for murder. Toby calls her 'Sarah.'
The story is moving along quite well. We learn something new about the labyrinth, something new Jareth and a lot about Moppet. A good second volume in this four-volume series.
May 11, 2017
Read the first 1/3 or so, then skipped to the very end to read the small bit with Jareth.
May 17, 2018
This will be a four volume series. Holy cliffhanger Batman!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews