ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE : THE LOST LANDS #1 (Cullen Bunn, Larry King / Mike Deodato Jr)

[Le_Doc]

Univers toujours aussi populaire (voir le succès de la comédie musicale Wicked), le monde d’Oz créé par l’écrivain L. Frank Baum aura droit à de nouvelles histoires dans la collection Ultimate Oz Universe publiée par AWA Studios.
L’éditeur privilégiera le format album et tout commencera dans un volume de 144 pages prévu pour la fin de cette année. The Lost Lands est écrit par Cullen Bunn et Larry King et dessiné par Mike Deodato Jr.

AWA Studios is taking readers to the Land of Oz in Ultimate OZ Universe, a new series that stays true to L. Frank Baum’s canon.

Everything kicks off in November 2025 in the pages of The Lost Lands, a 144-page graphic novel by Cullen Bunn, Larry King, and Mike Deodato Jr.

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.”

Premier aperçu :

[FrEaK]

Ce découpage de cases, j’ai beau ne pas être un connaisseur de BD, est quelque peu dérangeant à mon goût

[sylvain_cordurie (sylvain cordurié)]

Dérangeant, ça l’est, parce que ça n’est qu’un artifice.
Ça n’apporte rien sur le plan structurel, à part de la distraction pour l’œil, c’est sans intérêt d’un point de vue narratif…
C’est juste le gimmick d’un gars qui s’est dit « tiens, mais ça rend bien ça ! »

Je crois qu’il a commencé dans Original Sin.
Une fois, ça aurait pu être une très bonne idée.
Mais le décliner dans toutes ses séries…

C’est d’autant plus dommage que c’est un bon dessinateur.
Ce qu’on voit là, c’est plutôt inspiré.

[FrEaK]

J’ai l’impression de voir mon logiciel de création de livre-photos avec des quadrillages pour mettre les photos verticales ou horizontales et fusionner certaines cellules du quadrillage entre elles, bref ça n’apporte rien à la lecture, voir ça gêne plus qu’autre chose je trouve

[Fredo_Fontes]

Deodato Jr, depuis qu’il bosse en numérique, joue avec ses logicielles. Ça nuit considérablement à la forme, je ne comprends pas qu’il persiste dans cette direction, tellement ça ne me semble pas du tout être maitrisé.
Bon, pour les découpages à la con et des tentatives de moderniser les gaufriers, on a quand même eu un Hitch sur les FF qui m’avait complètement perdu à l’époque.

[Le_Doc]

Written by Cullen Bunn and Larry King
Illustrated by Mike Deodato, Jr.
Colored by Ive Svorcina
Cover by David Aja

OZ. You think you know the whole story. You don’t. What you’ve seen in the movies is only a small percentage of the story.
There is so much more to explore in the universe created by L. Frank Baum—so many regions to visit, so many fascinating characters to meet, so much history to learn, so many stories to tell. With Ultimate OZ Universe: The Lost Lands, writers Cullen Bunn and Larry King and artist Mike Deodato Jr. introduce you to a version of this amazing fantasy realm you have never seen before—a universe that is deeper, richer, and more exciting than you’ve ever imagined— through modern takes on the classic tales that reintroduce legacy characters—Dorothy, Toto, Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion—and introduce a host of fascinating new characters who will quickly capture your heart— Jack Pumpkinhead, Princess Ozma, Glinda the Good, Tip, Sawhorse, and Hungry Tiger. A new chapter begins. The secrets of OZ await

ON SALE: NOVEMBER 12
FANTASY / ACTION-ADVENTURE
MATURE READERS
$19.99
144 PAGES

Explore the untold depths of Oz—a vast, immersive fantasy universe where beloved characters return, new heroes rise, and the magic is more powerful than ever.

With a heartfelt foreword from Elton John, this graphic novel marks a dazzling new step for the OZ universe.

"Every moment with a book is precious and I was dazzled by the first instalment in the Ultimate Oz Universe, celebrating the legacy of Baum’s genius and the heritage of colour, unique characters and the triumph of goodness.

I am more committed than ever to shining a light on people and creators who uplift others. It’s wonderful to see the love & attention AWA and Larry King and my close friend Kevin McCollum have lavished on the Baum books so few people know – and that they are building on Baum’s legacy with a new canon of stories like the one you have in your hands." — Elton John

In this captivating first volume, Tip embarks on a transformative journey through the Land of Oz, uncovering the truth about his origins and the magic within him. As he sets out on a wild adventure, he encounters both familiar faces—like the Tin Woodman—and new characters and locations like H.M. Wogglebug, T.E. and Fiddlestick Forest.

Through thrilling twists and unexpected revelations, Tip unravels the mystery of his birth and discovers his true identity and destiny. Steeped in rich lore and imaginative storytelling, this reimagined Oz adventure expands the universe L. Frank Baum created, blending nostalgia with fresh perspectives for fantasy lovers and longtime Oz fans alike.

Crafted by an all-star creative team, including bestselling comic writer Cullen Bunn (Harrow County, The Sixth Gun), acclaimed musician and producer Larry King, and legendary comic book artist Mike Deodato Jr. (Wonder Woman, The Amazing Spider-Man, Not All Robots), this bold new take on Oz brings the beloved world to life with stunning visuals and masterful storytelling.