Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, a Graphic Novel Adaptation by Shanower and Young

This graphic novel adaptation from Marvel brings Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz to life for fans of the series.

Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz by Frank L. Baum, adapted by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young. Marvel, 2012. 186 pages.

• Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12
• Recommended For: Ages 10-12

This title is the fourth in Baum’s original series, and according to Shanower’s introduction, the “darkest” of the lot. Our story begins when Dorothy and her cousin Deb fall into a huge crack made by a California earthquake and drift all the way down to the glass city of the Mangaboos. The Mangaboos have no more heart than a rutabaga (because they’re actually people-shaped vegetables), but Dorothy and Company manage to escape to higher ground in the Valley of Joe whose inhabitants are invisible. Next they must climb the Pyramid Mountains, where the dragons seem awfully talky but have sharp teeth nonetheless, and the famed gargoyles are made of wood. It seems they’re never get out from underground until Dorothy calls on Oma, her good friend from previous adventures, who summons them all magically to Oz.

I could never get into the original Oz books—liked the movie version better. Baum had a lively imagination but, to my mind, little depth; the stories seem rambling and episodic and never make you care about anybody. But they do lend themselves well to graphic-novel treatment, and though there are several other graphic adaptations, Shanower and Young, who have worked together on at least five Oz books, are best at creating an appropriate sense of zaniness. I do like this brief exchange, which contains a little food for thought: (Dorothy) Oz is only a humbug wizard, though. (Oma) That’s the safest kind of wizard to have.

Bottom Line: Oz works well in graphic novel format; look for this at your local library if you’re an Oz fan.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Reviews: This review was originally in a round-up (from 2012) with two other “classics in comics” style graphic novels: Romeo and Juliet by Gareth Hinds and Fairy Tale Comics, edited by Chris Duffy.
• Review: The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory Leonardo is a cute tribute to the Oz books.
• Review: Heidi has also been adapted into a graphic novel without disastrous effects!

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