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Jim Henson's Labyrinth (Archaia)
Jim Henson's Labyrinth: Under the Spell
A new collection of stories expanding the world of Jim Henson’s beloved fantasy classic Labyrinth, including the secret history of Sir Didymus and an all-new story that reveals the history one of Jareth’s Masquerade guests who embarks on a journey of self discovery after Sarah shatters the mirror during the Masquerade Ball.
RETURN TO THE MASQUERADE. Discover an all-new collection of stories expanding the world of Jim Henson’s beloved fantasy classic Labyrinth, including the secret history of Sir Didymus and the untold story that reveals the history one of Jareth’s Masquerade guests who embarks on a journey of self discovery after Sarah shatters the mirror during the Masquerade Ball. An all star line-up of creators includes S.M. Vidaurri, Sina Grace, Michael Dialynas, Sara Webb, Boya Sun, Lara Elena Donnelly, French Carlomagno, Pius Bak, Samantha Dodge and more. Collects Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Under the Spell #1 and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Masquerade #1.
RETURN TO THE MASQUERADE. Discover an all-new collection of stories expanding the world of Jim Henson’s beloved fantasy classic Labyrinth, including the secret history of Sir Didymus and the untold story that reveals the history one of Jareth’s Masquerade guests who embarks on a journey of self discovery after Sarah shatters the mirror during the Masquerade Ball. An all star line-up of creators includes S.M. Vidaurri, Sina Grace, Michael Dialynas, Sara Webb, Boya Sun, Lara Elena Donnelly, French Carlomagno, Pius Bak, Samantha Dodge and more. Collects Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Under the Spell #1 and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Masquerade #1.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published June 8, 2021
2 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Sina Grace
227 books145 followersSina Grace’s parents had big plans for their son: Ivy League schooling, professional credentials, a 6-figure income as a doctor– the works! Fortunately for us, he found the wonderful world of comics instead. It was in this world of contradictions that he “matured,” one foot teetering on the edge of academia, the other drawn to the inescapable grasp of an ink-bound fantasy underworld.
At 14, Grace seemingly appeased his parents by interning at Top Cow Productions, under the guidance of Editor-in-Chief Renae Geerlings (his single mother figured at least he was collecting college credit). However the only thing he was collecting (other than comics), was the compulsive habit of drawing unrealistically proportioned, scantily clad women.
At 16, he got a perpetual summer-time job at the Santa Monica landmark: Hi De Ho Comics, where he would be inspired to create Books with Pictures. By 17 he wrote, drew, and self-published his first comic, The Roller-Derby Robo-Dykes versus the Cannibals. His knowledge of disproportionate harlots with weapons came in handy when depicting a story about Robo-Dykes bent on taking over the world. His mother was happy that he was taking interest in girls. The book went into a second printing, and received the praise of Lying in the Gutters critic, Rich Johnston.
Weeks after graduating high school, he was asked by Rilo Kiley front-woman Jenny Lewis to illustrate a limited edition comic book adaptation of their 2004 record, More Adventurous. In the spring of 2006 he was asked to apprentice under comics genius, Howard Chaykin (even though it may not be apparent in Books with Pictures, Grace did learn the function of a ruler and the meaning of a vanishing point).
Between the summers of 2005 and 06, Grace’s partially-biographical indie dramedy, Books with Pictures, went from hand-xeroxed zines to full-fledged, full-sized comic books. Shortly after its debut at San Diego Comic-Con, Diamond Distributors accepted the series into their ordering catalogue, Previews. Grace’s work on the series was met with admiration from bloggers and reviewers alike, and has since taken on several projects for multiple anthologies due in late 2008.
To his parents’ delight, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, receiving an undergraduate degree in Literature, with an emphasis on Creative Writing.
Sina Grace recently self-published an illustrated novel about a sorcerer sleuth in Orange County, aptly named Cedric Hollows in Dial M for Magic, his next project will be providing illustrations for Amber Benson’s novel, Among the Ghosts, through Aladdin Books.
At 14, Grace seemingly appeased his parents by interning at Top Cow Productions, under the guidance of Editor-in-Chief Renae Geerlings (his single mother figured at least he was collecting college credit). However the only thing he was collecting (other than comics), was the compulsive habit of drawing unrealistically proportioned, scantily clad women.
At 16, he got a perpetual summer-time job at the Santa Monica landmark: Hi De Ho Comics, where he would be inspired to create Books with Pictures. By 17 he wrote, drew, and self-published his first comic, The Roller-Derby Robo-Dykes versus the Cannibals. His knowledge of disproportionate harlots with weapons came in handy when depicting a story about Robo-Dykes bent on taking over the world. His mother was happy that he was taking interest in girls. The book went into a second printing, and received the praise of Lying in the Gutters critic, Rich Johnston.
Weeks after graduating high school, he was asked by Rilo Kiley front-woman Jenny Lewis to illustrate a limited edition comic book adaptation of their 2004 record, More Adventurous. In the spring of 2006 he was asked to apprentice under comics genius, Howard Chaykin (even though it may not be apparent in Books with Pictures, Grace did learn the function of a ruler and the meaning of a vanishing point).
Between the summers of 2005 and 06, Grace’s partially-biographical indie dramedy, Books with Pictures, went from hand-xeroxed zines to full-fledged, full-sized comic books. Shortly after its debut at San Diego Comic-Con, Diamond Distributors accepted the series into their ordering catalogue, Previews. Grace’s work on the series was met with admiration from bloggers and reviewers alike, and has since taken on several projects for multiple anthologies due in late 2008.
To his parents’ delight, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, receiving an undergraduate degree in Literature, with an emphasis on Creative Writing.
Sina Grace recently self-published an illustrated novel about a sorcerer sleuth in Orange County, aptly named Cedric Hollows in Dial M for Magic, his next project will be providing illustrations for Amber Benson’s novel, Among the Ghosts, through Aladdin Books.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 27, 2021
Not mad, just disappointed.
Amazingly beautiful cover, though.
Amazingly beautiful cover, though.
February 15, 2025
Exquisite graphics, wonderful stories!
November 18, 2021
I really enjoyed these stories. Wee insight into how some of the main characters from the movie came to be where they were at that time. Masquerade was definitely my favourite of them though. Enjoyable read for sure
January 25, 2024
The first few stories are certainly nice and simple and charming; some surprising backstory about a few of the characters. But by themselves, probably rated 3 stars - it's the last story that really elevates this collection.
July 20, 2021
This wasn't another installment of the LABYRINTH series I've been reading (and forgetting, and being confused by lol), but rather a short collection of stories about various residents of this universe. I enjoyed the first story (about a battle whose prize no one wants) the most, but its art style the least. At least the stories were all self-contained, so I didn't have months to forget what I'd read in the prior installment and attempt to pick up with the new.
May 29, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories related to Jim Henson's Labyrinth film.
I purchased this on a whim while at my local comic store because the cover art was so beautiful. I was surprised and delighted by the four stories and how they provide backstories for two of the characters from the film, one stand-alone story, and the last is entwined with the movie but doesn't step on any toes.
From these, we learn how Sir Didymus earned his role guarding the bridge in the Bog of Eternal Stench and how Hoggle swindled his way into becoming the Labyrinth's groundskeeper. The charming story "NO!" feels as though Henson penned it himself and has a valuable lesson, even if it doesn't relate to the main story but is within the same world. However, the final story "Masquerade" has the most stunning artwork and elaborates on the most iconic scene of the movie.
I highly recommend this book for fans of the film, lovers of Goblin City, or anyone who appreciates creative storytelling from the minds at the Jim Henson Company.
I purchased this on a whim while at my local comic store because the cover art was so beautiful. I was surprised and delighted by the four stories and how they provide backstories for two of the characters from the film, one stand-alone story, and the last is entwined with the movie but doesn't step on any toes.
From these, we learn how Sir Didymus earned his role guarding the bridge in the Bog of Eternal Stench and how Hoggle swindled his way into becoming the Labyrinth's groundskeeper. The charming story "NO!" feels as though Henson penned it himself and has a valuable lesson, even if it doesn't relate to the main story but is within the same world. However, the final story "Masquerade" has the most stunning artwork and elaborates on the most iconic scene of the movie.
I highly recommend this book for fans of the film, lovers of Goblin City, or anyone who appreciates creative storytelling from the minds at the Jim Henson Company.
March 28, 2022
This was an engaging and enjoyable graphic novel collection by several artists that covers some of the backstories of characters from the Labyrinth universe. Sir Didymus, Hoggle, a random outcast of a goblin, and the fallout from the mirrors shattering at Jareth's masquerade ball, these are four self-contained stories that are quick to digest with varying engaging art styles and storytelling structures. A beautiful collection that was fun to read - and I understand the other collection is Jareth's backstory, so I will be checking that out as well... Not something I would go out and buy, but an enjoyable couple hours jumping back into the universe.
August 22, 2022
दुरूह, निरर्थक और असंगत।
January 14, 2023
I have always loved the movie Labyrinth; as soon as I found this book at the bookshop I knew I was meant to find it.
A must read for anyone who loves the OG movie.
A must read for anyone who loves the OG movie.
July 6, 2023
Really nice to see the history of some of my favorite characters and some new stories too.
August 13, 2023
I will lap up any story involving Sir Didymus, but The Eternal Tournament was especially brilliant.
January 6, 2025
A nice little collection of back stories for some well known characters as well as new ones. I especially like sir Didymus story.
July 18, 2022
I would have liked a bit more story though it was wonderful to see Sir Didymus and Ambrosius's origin story, as well as Hoggle's. I really enjoy reading stories about the characters I already know and love. I just wish there was more.
The artwork is incredible. The cover alone is amazing but the further art work in the back of the book is so beautiful, I'd like each one framed!!
I truly love this world and its characters. I will definitely be looking for more stories like this.
The artwork is incredible. The cover alone is amazing but the further art work in the back of the book is so beautiful, I'd like each one framed!!
I truly love this world and its characters. I will definitely be looking for more stories like this.
October 16, 2021
Generally I find the art in graphic novels to be bad. Aesthetically, I don't like most of them. This was no exception, although I did wind up enjoying the last story, "Masquerade," unsurprisingly as that is my fav sequence in the movie.
October 12, 2021
Under the Spell was a nice addition to the original story. Seeing the lives of other characters from the Labyrinth in depth like this was fascinating and well written. The illustrations were colorful and nicely detailed.
January 31, 2022
Labyrinth: Under the Spell returns to the magical world of the Jim Henson cult classic film for more enchanting adventures. An anthology of four tales, the authors explore how Sir Didymus came to be posted in the Bog of Eternal Stench, Hoggle’s obsession with fairies, a goblin’s quest to find his place, and the people trapped in the Masquerade ball. The writing varies from story to story, but they each add something to the mythos of the Labyrinth. Also, the artwork for a couple of the stories is rather weak and goes more for a cartoon aesthetic than the surrealist vision of the film. Yet while Labyrinth: Under the Spell has its flaws, it’s entertaining and enriches the world of the Labyrinth.
June 22, 2021
As a lover of Labyrinth of course I had to have this. Let's start from the cover, absolutely breathtaking, completely captures the beauty behind Labyrinth. The inside artwork is not nearly as gorgeous but better than some of the other work that goes along with Labyrinth. The stories are all prequels leading up to the events in the movie. Some are better than others and some I felt like wouldn't really fit in to the actual story line but they weren't terrible they were still interesting to read.
June 20, 2021
Especially loved "Masquerade"
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews