Peace is never easy … nor does it ever last.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Dave Franchini
Artwork: Marcelo Mueller
Colors: Marco Lesko
Letters: Saida Temofonte
What They Say:
Oz has been ruled by the Wicked Witches, sieged by The Warlord, and even corrupted by the dark magic of Zamora, yet it still stands. Now the dawn of a new age of Oz has arrived. There is calm in the lands, happiness in its homes, but a shadow is creeping into the hearts and minds of its citizens and with it comes a new evil. Oz must prepare for a battle that will determine the fate of the very soul of the Emerald Kingdom, when The Wizard makes his move!
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
It seemed a normal day in Oz, the sun is shining and Bartleby was regaling the village children of tales long ago – depicting heroic exploits of the one called The Gale. They were all fascinated by the telling, riveted to his every word, not wanting the story to end, that is until they received an uninvited guest … the savior queen herself. After encouraging one ardent admirer, this troubled ruler begins to confide in her former adviser, even as she playfully admonishes him for speaking his mind and the truth. For though his elocution may be blunt, she knows even this scarecrow will have words of wisdom to soothe her troubled crown. As they reminisce about the past and walk amongst ruins of friends long gone, the person once known as Dorothy cannot but recall the companions were closer during times of conflict and this peace now only sets further barriers, forcing their relationships to their limits. And while all prefer these calmer moments, she still misses her friends, both current and past.
However even as her majesty returns from her much needed trip, new trouble begins to brew on the horizon as an unexpected messenger arrives at the castle gates. A lone bedraggled boy struggles with every step, his fragile form finally arriving within reach of relief as guards hurriedly rush him inside to see the queen. Once there he unravels a harrowing tale of what befell his village – a malefic wizard who conjured equally horrific beasts attacked and allowed him to flee to tell of the events, only to learn his family was killed. While Thorne is wary of this story, The Gale rallies the troops to plan a rescue mission, all to preserve hope and save her people. Though she warns her kavari friend to be careful, it cannot be prudent to bare on the side of caution, for you never know what could be waiting within the burning rumble of the unknown.
In Summary:
I have always adored the Oz series and when it finally came to an end, it was a sad day, until we are once again graced by the wondrous adventures of The Gale and her friends. While this may be a one-shot book, writer Dave Franchini does not spare the story of excitement or intrigue which we expect from the title, even if it is slow in advancing a tangible narrative. To recap the past at the beginning was an interesting way to start the story, but it also consumed valuable narrative space which could have been used to develop the two new characters, instead of having us wonder who they are at the end. I can understand the need to keep mystery intact and allow us a want to know who they are, at the same time, the finale lacks any real definition. It seems rushed to finish, and though we are shown Dorothy as this powerful heroine through the recap, she is now easily defeated by The Wizard, with Bartleby once again left behind as she and Thorne flee. Even as this conclusion leaves us wishing for more, at the same time, I also want to see something new instead of our savior running off to fight another day, leaving her people under the ruthless reign of this faux queen.
Everything we miss from the original Oz has returned, under the talented hand of Marcelo Mueller, crafting a new world but with his own meticulous fashion in depicting old friends. But as we are reacquainted with Dorothy, Bartleby and Thorne, it still does not seem like the same world without missing Nicholas, the Warlord or Zamora, even if they are given brief cameos. But as we mourn the loss, you cannot but be amazed by this new story, all held together splendidly via a wondrous landscape and marvelous colors as depicted by Marco Lesko. His command of the palette allows us to dive into the realm, as Mueller portrays the strength of its people with such fantastic detail that you cannot but smile to see prosperity return. However all of this peaceful melodrama is sacrificed for the propensity of violence which cannot be escaped or shunned within these type of stories. It is here where we see the true skill in showing how even as we are shown such horror, these two artists can still depict it without excessive gore or traumatic scenes, just the suggestion is enough to give the audience a need for knowing. But if I did have an objection for an element within this issue, it would be the final reveal of The Wizard, who I quite honestly thought was Merlin from Grimm Fairy Tales. It was not until I asked Franchini to clarify this mix-up did I truly understand this ally of the Order of Tarot did not expend his taint into this realm.
Oz: The Wizard One-Shot has all of the elements to continue a classic story beyond the rainbow, but it still lacks a strong foundation to support how easily The Gale was overthrown by such an upstart. We know nothing of these villains and while the ease was surprising, at the same time the simplicity of their escape is also just as perplexing. And though the narrative does get the reader interested in the story, the lack of information also makes you want for more, all to see if Dorothy can reclaim her realm or if it will plunge back into the murky chaos from so long ago.
Grade: A
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: May 02, 2018
MSRP: $5.99
