Releasing July 2027, the Sweeping Graphic Novel Draws L. Frank Baum’s Fabled Heroes into a Deadly Game Fueled by Courage, Magic, and Survival
Main Cover by Patricia Martin | Kickstarter Cover by Mike Deodato Jr.
LOS ANGELES, CA – August 18, 2026 – Roquat the Red is coming, and the fabled heroes of OZ–Dorothy, Princess Ozma, and their loyal companions–have reunited in Ev in what could become their greatest victory or a fatal trap. Following the acclaimed release of ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE Volumes 1 and 2, Artist Writers & Artisans(AWA), in partnership with Alchemation and ShaggyMan Productions, today announced ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: GAME OF NOMES, the third installment of its ambitious, canon-faithful continuation of L. Frank Baum’s legendary fantasy world.
Building on the events in Volume 2 (INTO THE OUTLERLANDS), the action-packed graphic novel spans over 120 pages of new story as well as bonus content full of breathtaking artwork. This tale reunites beloved heroes from Baum’s mythology to confront one of OZ’s greatest villains in a high-stakes game where the future of OZ hangs in the balance. Faithful to Baum’s canon, this epic brings readers deeper into the world of OZ and its legendary characters. GAME OF NOMES will conclude the universe’s opening story arc and will set the stage for an all-new adventure, marking both the end of one epic journey and the beginning of the next chapter in the ongoing ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE.
Like its predecessors, ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: GAME OF NOMES ventures beyond familiar paths of the realm. Rooted in Baum’s original 14 novels and vast canon that followed, the series continues to reveal the lesser-known, but wildly captivating, reaches of OZ, bringing forgotten kingdoms, legendary heroes, and defining adventures into vivid focus for a new generation of readers.
Co-writers Larry King and Fred Van Lente are joined once again by acclaimed artist Mike Deodato Jr. for Volume 3. Together, the trio is raising the stakes as Dorothy Gale and Princess Ozma stand side by side for the first time to confront one of Baum’s most iconic villains: Roquat the Red–the all-powerful Nome King.
“One of the joys of Baum’s novels is that they consistently surprise readers by shifting from adventure to fantasy to mystery,” said Larry King, co-writer of GAME OF NOMES. “In Volume 3, we embrace all of those traditions at once. Dorothy and Princess Ozma rally together to fight side by side, but what makes them heroes isn’t simply magic or bravery; it’s the choices they make when every option carries a cost.”
In GAME OF NOMES, Dorothy and Princess Ozma unite to rescue the imprisoned Royal Family of Ev, but their journey leads them deep into the subterranean kingdom of the Nome King. Forced to rely on Princess Langwidere, the default ruler of Ev, as their guide, the heroes soon discover they have been led into a trap set by Roquat the Red, whose underground realm holds dangers unlike anything they have faced before.
With the fate of Ev hanging in the balance, Dorothy and Princess Ozma, alongside their companions, must rely on courage, friendship, and trust to confront an ancient threat whose ambitions reach far beyond a single kingdom. Readers looking to discover how the heroes arrived at this pivotal chapter can follow their journey in Volume 1 and Volume 2, which lay the foundation for the epic events in GAME OF NOMES.
Similar to Volumes 1 and 2, GAME OF NOMES is a meticulously researched, canon-faithful continuation of Baum’s world, honoring the foundation of the original novels while embracing a modern approach to storytelling.
In addition to the mass-market edition coming in 2027, AWA is marking the launch with a special Kickstarter campaign in March 2027. The campaign will offer deluxe editions along with exclusive merchandise for super fans.
“OZ has always been a universe defined by discovery, where even the most familiar characters can find themselves facing something entirely new,” said Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer at AWA. “With Volume 3, we’re taking readers deeper into Baum’s mythology to explore the depth, adventure, and imagination that have made this universe endure for generations. At the same time, we’re bringing forth a central, overarching villain who will become the driving force of the larger saga. It is the beginning of a much bigger story, with each volume expanding the universe and revealing new connections building toward an epic adventure. This series continues to honor Baum’s vision while building upon it with new stories hidden within the world he created.”
Available online and wherever books are sold on Tuesday, July 20, 2027, ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: GAME OF NOMES is colored by Ive Scorcina (RUMPUS ROOM, BLACK TAPE) and lettered by Steve Wands (BATMAN, CAMGIRL). Additional volumes in the series will be announced at a later date. For more information on GAME OF NOMES and other projects, visit AWA Studios on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, and AWAStudios.com.
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