Ample Artists For A Lasting Look At Labyrinth

by Vince Brusio

It was a great idea, and yet the undertaking would be huge. Who wouldn’t want to do character artwork to commemorate Jim Henson’s Labyrinth? You might as well ask if someone would have taken up the opportunity to meet David Bowie (such a hypothetical is relevant, too, as Bowie was the Goblin King). The goal was to publish Jim Henson's Labyrinth Artist Tribute HC (AUG161305), and BOOM! Studios Senior Editor Sierra Hahn was at the front of the project, narrowing down the roster of professional and fan talent which would make the final cut to appear in the hardcover tribute. In this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview, Hahn explains the mechanics that went into making this book that would long be a coffee table staple for fans of Henson’s legacy.

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PREVIEWSworld: Obviously, Jim Henson's Labyrinth Artist Tribute HC (AUG161305) is in celebration of the film's 30th anniversary. But how did you get so many talented artists on board for this project? The list of big names lending their craft to this book makes one think we're at an all-day music festival. Who pushed the buttons to bring all these people in?

Sierra Hahn: Both Associate Editor Cameron Chittock and I pooled our resources from his time spent at Archaia and my previous years spent both at DC Comics and Dark Horse, where I was lucky enough to forge long-lasting relationships with many of the artists featured in this book. We really wanted to work with artists who are legitimate fans of Jim Henson’s work and Labyrinth. Those artists weren’t too difficult to find and this book gave us the opportunity to work with illustrators I’ve known for ages but never had the right project for.

Another special thing about this book is that we were able to track down some fan art based on the film, and hire those artists to be contributors. Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal have a loyal fan following and this book provided a unique opportunity to include that community through their art.

PREVIEWSworld: What do you think is the appeal of Labyrinth? How do you think this story has held up over the years?

Sierra Hahn: There is endless appeal to Labyrinth. I think a lot of kids relate to that feeling of alienation that Sarah suffers from and the desire to escape into something magical — where the world truly feels as though anything is possible and the only limitations set before you are the limits of your own imagination. As an adult, Labyrinth is a film that gives insight into the struggles of youth, especially if you feel lonely or replaced by a new parent or sibling or job. Sarah is a girl starving for attention or validation, and when she finally gets it she realizes that she can take control of her own destiny. She doesn’t have to suffer in silence, nor does she have to embark on the journey from kid to adult alone.

PREVIEWSworld: Are there any stories about certain creators who went above and beyond the call of duty for this book? Who were the most rabid fans to work on this hardcover?

Sierra Hahn: One of the most delightful artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with is Rebekah Isaacs, whom I worked with on Buffy the Vampire Slayer at Dark Horse. We had bonded over a mutual love of Labyrinth and Bowie long before I joined BOOM!/Archaia. She was one of the first people I asked to be part of this book. Rebekah put together a stunning piece from one of the most iconic scenes in the film (the masquerade ball), but also wrote a deeply personal essay about the film and late music icon, David Bowie.

PREVIEWSworld: The solicitation for this book says that it includes testimonials from "comics luminaries and newcomers alike." Could you expand on that a bit? What kind of editorial can readers expect to see featured in this tribute?

Sierra Hahn: Throughout the book we feature commentary from a mix of artists about Jim Henson and how he inspired a vast group of artists and storytellers working in comics today. With the recent passing of David Bowie, artists were also able to pay homage to his legacy as a storyteller, performance artist, musician, and all-round hero. Mike Allred wrote a particularly moving piece. These testimonials vary in length, and exemplify the experience of this book as a celebration of the film thirty-five years in the making.

PREVIEWSworld: How does this book do justice to the legacy of Jim Henson's film? And would it make Bowie smile?

Sierra Hahn: That is a painfully difficult question to answer! Because the Jim Henson Company had a huge role in helping us put this book together, I will say that, yes, this book does Henson’s legacy justice. That sentiment is captured beautifully in the introduction to the book by Dave Goelz who is the legendary puppeteer behind Gonzo in The Muppets, and Sir Didymus from Labyrinth. It’s a must-read for any Henson fan. Wonderfully moving and it brilliantly touches on what Labyrinth can mean in your youth versus adulthood.

To answer your second question, I do think this collection of art would make Bowie smile. To appear hyperbolic and frank, both Henson and Bowie inspired people in tremendous, life-altering ways. The Labyrinth Artist Tribute embraces and expresses that sentiment fully.