Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Road to Oz #6 (of 6)

What a delight to see that, more than 100 years after its first appearance, the magical land of Oz can still captivate audiences.

Of course, most of America is focused on the film Oz, the Great and Powerful - a prequel to The Wizard of Oz that was the top film at the box office this weekend, and promises to spark a series of Oz films.

(I haven't seen the film yet, though several friends tell me it's wonderful - I hope to catch it later this week.)

While this resurgence is going on, how wonderful that the excellent series of adaptations by writer Eric Shanower and artist Skottie Young continues.

This issue wraps up the adaptation of the L. Frank Baum book Road to Oz, a sweet tale about Dorothy's "latest" visit to Oz, and the new friends she makes along the way (including the Shaggy Man, Button-Bright and Polychrome).

But the majority of the issue is all about a birthday party, and the mad variety of inhabitants in Oz, including talking animals, animated candy and animated objects. It's a delight, it's whimsical and just a heck of a lot of fun.

If you want to see the origins of the magical world of Oz, this series of adaptations is a great tribute to their lasting charm.

Highly, highly recommended!

Grade: A

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