Just got word from my editor that the Return to Labyrinth proofs are in from the pinter. This is the final check that a publisher does before the printer sets up the press to start running the book. Proofs used to come in the form of “bluelines,” an actual printout with blacks represented by blue on special paper (like blueprints). Last time I was working at Tokyopop, bluelines were still fairly standard, so I was hoping I could get them to snap pictures of those bluelines to share. Silly me. I forgot that pdfs have replaced the printed bluelines at this point, so the pictures are just taken from computer monitors. Not quite as sexy.

Here’s the table of contents — the book’s “track list,” if you will.

And a bonus pic from chapter 1:

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!

Comics publisher Archaia today announced a partnership with the Jim Henson Company to release comics based on classic Henson fantasy franchises as well as new Henson-branded series.

The multi-year partnership will draw from The Jim Henson Company’s extensive film and television library, including Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal,Labyrinth, Mirrormask, The Storyteller and other titles. The agreement also allows The Jim Henson Company and Archaia to partner with talent in the comic book, television and film industries to create brand-new stories under a co-branded banner, building on the legacy of quality and creativity of The Jim Henson Company brand and strengthening Archaia’s relationships within the entertainment sector.

I’m not involved with Archaia, so I don’t have anything to add, but since I’ve seen comments here and elsewhere wondering what it means for Return to Labyrinth, the anwser is — nothing. Return to Labyrinth volume 4 is still proceeding with Henson and Tokyopop. As others have speculated, there is a distinction in licensing these days between “comics” and “manga,” so this announcement has no bearing on the series I’m writing.

I do think it’s a very exciting announcement as any comics + Henson projects are bound to yield some amazing stories and art, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with! Feel free to discuss what you’d like to see in a Labyrinth comic series in the comments, but I’ll be sitting this one out until the books come out when I can enjoy them as just another fan.