OZ: RETURN OF THE WICKED WITCH #1, from Zenescope Entertainment on November 2nd, 2022, shakes the foundations of Oz as an ancient evil resurfaces, bringing destruction and strife in its wake.
The Details
- Written by: David Wohl
- Art by: Guillermo Fajardo
- Colors by: Walter Pereyra
- Letters by: Josh Reed
- Cover art by: Jeff Spokes (cover A)
- Cover price: $5.99
- Release date: November 2, 2022
Is It Good?
OZ: RETURN OF THE WICKED WITCH #1 returns to one of Zenescope’s magical realms with a thorough introduction to the strife affecting the tribes of Oz after Ozmo’s reign of terror was defeated. Wohl sets up a land struggling to regain a fragile normalcy with expansive world-building, consistent pacing, good dialog, and a respectable amount of suspense.
Wohl’s script takes on the unenviable job of developing a multitude of tribes and cultures to underscore how difficult life in Oz has become after the last adventure. From the Oogaboos to the Boggers to the Kavari have several moments to show the reader who they are and what makes them tick, and Wohl pulls it off admirably in a mere 36-page issue.
As admirable as Wohls world-building is in this issue, the amount of information about the tribes and character interactions brings the pacing down to a steady lull. Wohl’s pacing is consistent but low, and the level of dramatic tension is equally so. For some, the slower pace may tip towards dull.
As a positive, Fajardo’s art is exquisite. The line work is clean and richly detailed. Panel compositions are almost cinematic. And Pereyera’s coloring is gorgeous. This is one of the best-looking comics we’ve read from Zenescope since the Man Goat & The Bunnyman series.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a tribe of Corumbians living a quiet existence in the wilds of Oz. One day, their village is destroyed by an earthquake that splits the ground. Fleeing villagers are snatched up by energy tentacles emerging from the cracks in the ground.
Later, Dorothy Gale and her friends are busy doing good deeds for people they encounter on their travels. Thorne receives a remote message that his fellow Kavari allied with the Oogaboo to raid villages for food and supplies, motivated by starvation. Dorothy, Thorne, and Bartleby head to the next village under threat to stop the hostilities.
Dorothy and her friends arrive at a Bogger village already under attack. We conclude the issue with hostility, diplomacy, and investigation led by a good witch.
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Final Thoughts
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OZ: RETURN OF THE WICKED WITCH #1 is a slow but steady introduction to life in Oz after the defeat of Ozmo. The world- and character-building aspects are excellent, and the art is pristine, but some readers may find the pace lacks energy.
Related Information
Why is the land of Oz abandoned?
The Land of Oz, an amusement park in North Carolina styled after the famous series of books, was closed down in 1980 due to low ticket sales and excessive maintenance costs.
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