Over the past few years Marvel has been trying more and more to bring illustrated works of classic novels to the availability of the nerd-based public. Ranging from the works of Stephen King to the literary legends like Pride and Prejudice (seriously, Marvel, what are you doing?) comics based off of such popular literature have become more and more frequent. After a while it could appear that this is basically coming in as a replacement to the old Classics Illustrated series that would present well-known books and stories in comic book format. However, some examples seem to stand out and look rather good compared to the rest. That’s where The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comes in.
The eight issue series by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young bring L. Frank Baum’s fantasy world to a number of readers who, while familiar with the story, may be too well associated with what they know of the old movie. The story is based off the actual novelized story, meaning some things will be the way they are in the original story: the slippers are silver, not ruby; the flying monkeys are controlled by a magical charm; Dorothy and friends go on the adventures they’re meant to go on. All is well. The story certainly manages to grab your attention and pull you into it, even if you’ve heard it a thousand times. You know Dorothy is going to make it, but in a story that manages to be constructed so well in comic book form, you can’t help but feel those exciting moments and be thrilled that they’re happening.
What’s truly great about the story is that it isn’t the movie, where everything needs to be spelled out for us. No one needs to say “You’ve had brains all along, Scarecrow” because we see that throughout. Scarecrow shows his intelligence, Tin Woodsman shows compassion, and the Cowardly Lion proves his courage. Shanower does a great job of translating the story and Young makes great work with his art, in a style you’d feel existed for the sole purpose of telling stories such as this. The youthful, cartoonish style works very well, making the characters look as though they were test designs for making The Wonderful Wizard of Oz into a Coraline-esque stop-motion film. It has that kind of a feel to it, and it could be so easily done. After all, Disney owns Marvel now.
Having the series collected in a hardcover is a great addition to the bookshelf. For fans of fantasy comics, well-done cartoonish art and just Oz in general, this is something people should definitely pick up. Also, fans of the series should be happy to know that the comic book adaptation of the book The Marvelous Land of Oz will soon be released, also by Shanower and Young, much to my delight. It’s a great presentation of the story and is incredibly enjoyable.
