Releasing on November 12, the First Volume in this New Universe Opens Up
Frank Baum’s Iconic World Like Never Before As OZ-Mania Soars
During a Special Panel at Emerald City Comic Con on Saturday, March 8,
Fans Will Have a First Peek Behind the Curtain at the Breathtaking World
LOS ANGELES, CA – February 25, 2025 – Think you know OZ? Think again. While The Wizard of Oz and Wicked have captivated audiences, they’re just a sliver of the vast, enchanting world L. Frank Baum created across 14 books. Artists Writers and Artisans(AWA)—renowned for crafting bold, original tales—today announced ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE, a visionary expansion that stays true to Baum’s rich canon. Launching November 12 with the first volume, THE LOST LANDS, this isn’t just another trip to Emerald City—it’s an odyssey into unexplored corners of OZ, bringing to life long-overlooked characters, hidden histories, and untold adventures, all deeply rooted in the lore that started it all.
OZ is having a moment—again. Wicked has dominated Broadway for over 20 years with sold-out shows—and made a massive impact on the big screen in one of 2024’s biggest films—while The Wizard of Oz remains an enduring classic. Yet, these stories only scratch the surface. ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE dives deeper, exploring uncharted regions, uncovering lost lore, and introducing a new generation of fans to the limitless magic of Baum’s creation. Available in trade paperback and hardcover, the series includes QR codes throughout its pages that link to video footnotes and commentary with original music, maps, and behind-the-scenes features for a truly immersive experience.
Co-written by award-winning writer Cullen Bunn (RED ZONE, X-MEN, DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE) and songwriter and Baum enthusiast Larry King, with artwork by Mike Deodato, Jr. (EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN), the initial book–the 144-page THE LOST LANDS graphic novel–is a visually stunning and narratively rich odyssey. With industry-leading collaborators including King’s ShaggyMan Productions and esteemed Broadway producer Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Six), ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: THE LOST LANDS is an expansion, a bold reimagining, and a meticulously researched celebration of Baum’s original vision, updated for today’s audience. This first story is just the beginning—more books, music, and even big-screen adventures are already on the horizon, ensuring the magic of OZ shines brighter than ever.
Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer at AWA said, “Like millions of fans around the world, I’ve watched The Wizard of Oz countless times over the years. But Dorothy’s adventure with the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion is just a small slice of the complex universe that we are exploring through ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE. This is not fan fiction, this is the first of many meticulously researched and canon-faithful stories that show you OZ like you’ve never seen before. Beginning with THE LOST LANDS, we’re transporting readers back to the Emerald City and then way beyond for an adventure that reunites fan-favorite characters and introduces a variety of new faces that fans might not know. Expect heroes, villains, powerful artifacts, exotic locations, and mind-blowing transformations.”
Beginning with THE LOST LANDS, ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE is a meticulously researched saga that explores the hidden corners of the continuity established in Baum’s original 14 books—and the dozens of others from his successors. Larry King, a decades-long Oz obsessive, collaborated with Baum historians Jay Duncan, Julie McNulty, and Mike Bujnak to master every intricacy of this beloved world. Together, they ensured that every panel, character, and storyline honor the spirit of OZ while pushing the boundaries of modern storytelling. Blending reverence with innovation, this series offers a fresh, visually striking, and immersive experience for both devoted Oz fans and newcomers alike.
“I’ve been obsessed with Baum’s work since I was a kid,” added King, songwriter and co-writer of THE LOST LANDS. “Getting every detail right was crucial, which is why working with Jay, Julie, and Mike, three of the world’s most brilliant Oz historians, has been a joy. We’re not trying to replace the stories fans love but offer new ways to dive deeper and connect the dots. There are so many Oz stories waiting to be told, and I can’t wait to see how readers react to this new journey.”
During Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, attending fans will have the opportunity to learn more about ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE via a special panel on Saturday, March 8th from 1:45-2:30 pm in Room 320 (Level 3). During the discussion, panelists Mike Deodato Jr., Cullen Bunn, Axel Alonso, and Larry King will share a first peek at the new AWA universe and its debut title, ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: THE LOST LANDS.
If you dare to venture beyond the Emerald City, the secrets of Oz await. Launching Wednesday, November 11, ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: THE LOST LANDS is colored by Ive Svorcina (RUMPUS ROOM) and lettered by Steve Wands (BATMAN), and will be available both online and in stores wherever comic books are sold. Additional volumes in the series will be announced at a later date.
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