“Labyrinth: Coronation” is sold as a direct prequel to “Labyrinth,” and despite it technically taking place during the movie’s events, it seems to fit that description. The story of Albert, the Owl King, Maria, and her son is at the core of the 12 issues, but the recollection of it presented might not be entirely complete. Throughout the story, Jareth goes back and forth with his goblin servant, Beetlegum, who offers a different perspective on certain events, as he was present for the tale. Thus, readers are left to wonder about how reliable of a narrator Jareth really is.
As if that wasn’t a big enough question to tackle, there’s the matter of the ending. Maria’s tale ends with the Owl king defeated, but she and her son can’t return to the human world. Otherwise, a life of pain and tragedy awaits them. Thus, she and her son enter the magical machine the Owl King planned to use to drain the youth from her son for his own gain. “Labyrinth: Coronation” then ends with Jareth witnessing a dream of Maria, who has remained for centuries with the dream version of Albert from earlier in the story. It’s never explained what became of her son, though it’s heavily implied that he grew up to become Jareth. How this is possible is anyone’s guess, and the Goblin King is quick to dismiss this idea.
Much like the original “Labyrinth,” “Labyrinth: Coronation” leaves big things up to interpretation, making it a fascinating read overall. Perhaps if “Labyrinth 2” ever enters proper development, some of the many questions posed by both will be answered.
