Dorothy and friends finally arrive at the great Emerald City of Oz.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz #4
Publisher: Marvel
Writer: Eric Shanower
Artist: Skottie Young
Colorist: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
Summary: So you want to see the Wizard? Be careful what you wish for–or you’ll find yourself blackmailed into murdering an old woman in order to get what you want. At least that’s Dorothy’s experience when she and her friends finally reach the Emerald City. And who or what is this Wizard really–a disembodied head, a blazing ball of fire, or something stranger still? You won’t know unless you buy it.
Review: When Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Lion, the Tin Woodsman and Toto approach the end of the yellow brick road, before them towers a massive shimmering emerald wall encompassing their destination city. The terrible and powerful Oz does not see guests often and no one is quite sure of his appearance since there have numerous mismatched reports. As the band of friends hear the conditions for even getting to see Oz, the readers are treated to more spectacular talents of the artistic team when the fantastical merges with steampunk. Even little Toto is forced to wear special goggles which are locked in place with a key. The monochromatic vision is especially magnificent halfway through the issue where a two-page spread shows and amazing view of the Emerald City. The lights are brighter and the shadows are darker than anywhere else.
The team finally makes their way to the very center of the city and into Oz’s palace. Here the story’s action changes dramatically as the reader feels the frustration of all the friends. They have been permitted to see Oz but only one at a time and only one each day. Dorothy goes first and is met with a frightening version of Oz. She gets the bad news that he will only help if she kills the remaining wicked witch. Surely this is an impossible task for such a little girl! The others wait their turns and eventually everyone is given the same condition - their wishes will only be granted if the Wicked Witch of the West is killed. They must head off to the west where the Winkies have been enslaved by the evil witch. The steep $3.99 cover price is still worth it if you like getting a comic on a monthly basis; for others looking for the full story, you’ll probably keep on waiting for the collected book.
May 18th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Gorgeous cover!
May 20th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Those goggles are like, the cutest thing ever.
May 23rd, 2009 at 10:44 am
I need this! I love the Wizard of Oz! Has there ever been an Alice in Wonderland comic in this vain?
May 24th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Randy Queen published an Alice in Wonderland comic called Return to Wonderland. You might google that.
May 25th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Zenoscope’s Return to Wonderland is far more adult than this comic though. If you want something that’s more family-oriented I’d suggest “Wonderland” by Tommy Kovac. I read two issues but I’ve been meaning to pick up the trade that’s out now.