Mirrormask Manga
With thanks to Steve and Eden for both bringing this to my attention.
From TOKYOPOP:
The Jim Henson Company, TOKYOPOP, and Neil Gaiman Set to Bring “MirrorMask” and Classic Fantasy Titles to Manga
Original Graphic Novels Based on “MirrorMask,” “The Dark Crystal,” and “Labyrinth” Scheduled for Fall 2006 Release
LOS ANGELES, CA — (MARKET WIRE) — 07/15/2005 — The Jim Henson Company has partnered with TOKYOPOP Inc., the #1 publisher of manga in the U.S., in an exclusive manga publishing deal to bring three of its fantasy titles to fans. Most notable among them is “MirrorMask,” the feature film from Dave McKean and Neil Gaiman due for release on September 30th of this year. TOKYOPOP’s “MirrorMask” prequel manga will be plotted by Gaiman, the award-winning writer of the highly successful “Sandman” comics as well as the novels “Good Omens” and “Coraline.” Also included in the deal will be all-new original graphic novel series for the immensely popular properties “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth.”
The “MirrorMask” prequel will tell the story of the princess’ escape from the Dark Palace and how she came to acquire the MirrorMask.
TOKYOPOP also plans to release a sequel manga to “Labyrinth,” which first hit the big screen in 1986, remained a fan favorite over the years and also served as an inspiration for “MirrorMask.” Its manga version will follow 13-year-old Toby as he journeys back to the Labyrinth to assume his role as the heir to the Goblin Kingdom. Manga writer Jake Forbes will pen this series.
The final title will be a prequel to 1982’s “The Dark Crystal,” the classic tale of good versus evil that broke ground as the first fully animatronic feature. Henson also recently announced that it is in preproduction on a sequel theatrical film of this cult classic.
Gaiman said, “As soon as I heard that Henson wanted to do manga versions of ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘The Dark Crystal,’ I immediately wanted to include ‘MirrorMask’ as well. Having the leader of manga handle all three titles seems like the perfect way to present them to readers around the world.”
“TOKYOPOP has consistently had innovative publishing and entertainment programs,” said Michael Polis, Senior Vice President of Marketing for The Jim Henson Company. “Knowing the devoted followers these different titles have had over the years, we are thrilled to more fully explore these much-loved worlds with all-new manga series.”
‘The Dark Crystal’ and ‘Labyrinth’ movies are so loved and iconic, and I have no doubt that ‘MirrorMask’ will achieve the same status — so it’s a joy for me and for TOKYOPOP to be able to work with The Jim Henson Company and Neil Gaiman on these great titles,” said TOKYOPOP editor Rob Valois.