As was pointed out in the comments, Return to Labyrinth volume 4 is now listed on Amazon with an August 3rd release date. I just want to clarify a few things here:

• The writer has no control over setting release dates on a project like this. Publishers set dates.
• For my part, I’m basically done with this volume. There will be some reviewing and revisions until close to release, but my day job is now focused on making sure that I’ve got  a NEXT project ready to start talking about once RtL4 comes out. In the meantime, I’ll still be running gobblin.net as usual.
• 15 months between graphic novel volumes isn’t ideal (I share in your frustration there as a reader and as a writer who would like more work), but it’s pretty typical for graphic novels done outside of the Marvel/DC/Manga systems.
• Frustration or disappointment about a release date is perfectly understandable and fair, especially when we’re talking about a much-anticipated conclusion to a story we’ve been following for 4 years. But this isn’t a case where fan action can make it happen sooner — it’s not a finished book, sitting in a vault on a whim, but in the middle of its creation. The publisher wants to get it out as soon as possible as that’s when they get paid.
• The only way, hypothetically, to speed up the release, would be to cut corners on art, which no one wants to happen. Volume 1 was rushed a bit towards the end, which resulted in some of the chapters having smudgy tones and inking that didn’t do justice to Chris’ pencils or the series as as whole. The publisher learned a lesson there and the remaining volumes have been much better for it! Bottom line, quality first!

Thanks for your understanding. Right now, I’m just hoping that Tokyopop will have plenty of volume 4 at San Diego Comic-con, as I plan to be there and I hope there will be books to sell and sign!

Gobblin.net will remain THE source for information on Return to Labyrinth news and fun, but if you’re looking for other ways to keep in touch with updates, you can now follow gobblin on Twitter (Retrn2Labyrinth) and on facebook (see the widget in to the right).

Both feeds should be tied to updates here on gobblin. The facebook page also allows for user-driven discussions, so those of you who have been clamoring for forums now have a place to discuss the series outside of the comments.

If anyone has any suggestions on how to improve the integration, let me know, and if you don’t use twitter or facebook, don’t worry — nothing changes here!

The New York Times released their list of best-selling comics for the past week and Return to Labyrinth comes in at #4 on the manga list, topped only by Naruto (which is like the Harry Potter of manga). Incredible! From scrappy underdog with legs to best-seller in just three volumes. Thanks so much for supporting the series, everyone.

Let’s celebrate!

The waiting is over, Return to Labyrinth volume 3 is out, and thanks to all of you, it appears to be quite a hit! For most of the week, RtL3 has been the #1 manga release on amazon.com (it’s neck and neck with the latest Fullmetal Alchemist). It’s so exciting, gratifying and humbling to see this series growing in readership with each volume. It was the great feedback for volume 2 that allowed the series to get a little extra breathing room with four volumes instead of three. Thank you so much, gobblin readers and the anonymous other readers who have kept this series alive and thriving! It is your feedback and support that push me to be a better writer. I couldn’t do it without you!

I also want to thank you all for keeping the series alive between releases, with your videos, artwork, fan fics, costumes and avatars. Hopefully volume 3 has enough new dramatic and visual hooks to inspire more creativity from the Labyrinth community. The Labyrinth film is such a wonderful celebration of creativity — thanks for keeping that dream alive!

Until next time,

Your Humble Gobblin Scribe

Welcome to Gobblin.net – a place for news, commentary, recipes and random curiosities from across geek culture. For the time being, it’s also your headquarters for info on Return to Labyrinth, the manga sequel to the cult classic 80’s movie that I’m penning for Tokyopop with illustration by Chris Lie. There are a lot of great voices out there covering manga & otaku culture – I hope that I can add to that discussion and provide a venue for discussion and debate without being entirely redundant. Any feedback you have to help make the site better is strongly encouraged!

Also, if you’re thinking of ordering Return to Labyrinth or any of the other series I work on as a freelancer, consider purchasing them through the links on the left. The books listed there are ones that I have worked on as writer, editor or contributor. As this work is for-hire, I don’t get royalties from the publisher, so a few extra pennies for your support is welcomed!

Cheers,

Jake