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saroz162's review against another edition
3.0
It's a shame that the Eric Shanower / Skottie Young series of Oz comics adaptation ends where it does - especially as it means we'll be denied Young versions of Oz fan favorites like the Patchwork Girl, the Woozy, the Frogman, and the Tin Soldier, all of whom would surely have been a treat. It's not too surprising, though - The Emerald City of Oz is the last in a trio of middling novels, and it is, at least, an appropriate place to leave off. If there has to be a premature end, it might as well be here.
Fortunately, some of Young's finest work is to be found here, although I think it's a little bit undercut by Shanower's adaptation. I've griped a little bit before that I feel like Shanower is occasionally just too authentic to Baum, especially in terms of his dialogue, when just a little modernization (contractions, damn it!) might scan better for modern readers. Here, that's turned up a few notches, because Marvel has reduced the issue count from eight to five. Shanower simply tries to cram in too much of Baum's book, and I'm not entirely sure why. Unless it was the specific remit to only alter Baum when absolutely necessary - and based on choices made in earlier volumes, I don't think that's the case - there's stuff here that simply needed to go. I would gladly have given up the five pages of Rigmaroles and Flutterbudgets if we could have spent a little more time in Bunnybury and allowed Baum's gag about the dithering king, happy to give up his crown if he can just keep his stuff. With the space concerns, that joke never completely lands. Neither does the gag about Aunt Em giving the Cowardly Lion "the eye." We don't really grasp the sheer terror of the Phanfasms, originally revealed in one of Baum's rare truly creepy chapters, or witness the strange eulogistic vigil held by the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Jack Pumpkinhead and Tik-Tok the the morning of the invasion. There just isn't time for everything - occasionally, it must be said, resulting in some strange gaps. (Why do Billina and Toto disappear in Bunnybury? Because they weren't let in, in the novel.) Faced with these page restraints, I personally would have preferred a more character-led, less incident-filled adaptation.
Despite all of that, what's here is remarkably entertaining, even if it occasionally feels rendered to shorthand. The opening sequence in the Nome King's caverns is a total delight, and General Guph - who resembles nothing so much as a disgruntled Lorax, all hair and squint - must be one of Skottie Young's most wonderful creations. What I'd give for a Tik-Tok of Oz from this man, with the dragon Quox descending from the Other Side of the World and the Great Tititi-Hoochoo to wreak vengeance against the Nome King and his furball army! Alas, 'tis not to be.
Fortunately, some of Young's finest work is to be found here, although I think it's a little bit undercut by Shanower's adaptation. I've griped a little bit before that I feel like Shanower is occasionally just too authentic to Baum, especially in terms of his dialogue, when just a little modernization (contractions, damn it!) might scan better for modern readers. Here, that's turned up a few notches, because Marvel has reduced the issue count from eight to five. Shanower simply tries to cram in too much of Baum's book, and I'm not entirely sure why. Unless it was the specific remit to only alter Baum when absolutely necessary - and based on choices made in earlier volumes, I don't think that's the case - there's stuff here that simply needed to go. I would gladly have given up the five pages of Rigmaroles and Flutterbudgets if we could have spent a little more time in Bunnybury and allowed Baum's gag about the dithering king, happy to give up his crown if he can just keep his stuff. With the space concerns, that joke never completely lands. Neither does the gag about Aunt Em giving the Cowardly Lion "the eye." We don't really grasp the sheer terror of the Phanfasms, originally revealed in one of Baum's rare truly creepy chapters, or witness the strange eulogistic vigil held by the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Jack Pumpkinhead and Tik-Tok the the morning of the invasion. There just isn't time for everything - occasionally, it must be said, resulting in some strange gaps. (Why do Billina and Toto disappear in Bunnybury? Because they weren't let in, in the novel.) Faced with these page restraints, I personally would have preferred a more character-led, less incident-filled adaptation.
Despite all of that, what's here is remarkably entertaining, even if it occasionally feels rendered to shorthand. The opening sequence in the Nome King's caverns is a total delight, and General Guph - who resembles nothing so much as a disgruntled Lorax, all hair and squint - must be one of Skottie Young's most wonderful creations. What I'd give for a Tik-Tok of Oz from this man, with the dragon Quox descending from the Other Side of the World and the Great Tititi-Hoochoo to wreak vengeance against the Nome King and his furball army! Alas, 'tis not to be.
sqeeker's review
4.0
- I really love the art style of these books. The artists fits the tone and whimsy of the characters and books perfectly.
- The Whimsies freak me out! Ugh! Those big heads are things of nightmares.
- Baum had an amazing imagination. He created some interesting things.
- Why can't Toto talk? It bugs me. All the animals in Oz can talk except for Toto.
- I like that Aunt Em and Uncle Henry got to visit Oz. I wish they had a larger role in the book though.
- Not a lot of plot to this story. The characters mostly travel from one strange town to another, and the ending is weird, but it works.
- I love how they explained why this was the last Oz book. Ha!
- The Whimsies freak me out! Ugh! Those big heads are things of nightmares.
- Baum had an amazing imagination. He created some interesting things.
- Why can't Toto talk? It bugs me. All the animals in Oz can talk except for Toto.
- I like that Aunt Em and Uncle Henry got to visit Oz. I wish they had a larger role in the book though.
- Not a lot of plot to this story. The characters mostly travel from one strange town to another, and the ending is weird, but it works.
- I love how they explained why this was the last Oz book. Ha!
ageorges's review
3.0
Shanower's art is amazing as usually. The problems I have with the story came straight from the original text.
gohawks's review
4.0
The final episode to the Oz graphic novels ends the series on a high point. Skottie Young's art is a revelation as always. Of particular joy is a series where Dorothy and Co. visit a town of silverware and then a village of pastries. His ingenuity and talent for anthropomorphism is nothing short of miraculous. Shanower does a great job once again of editing this tale, and more importantly, Baum writes this one with more of a consistent story line. So much of these Oz tales seem to be like Lewis Carroll lite. Weird little vignettes of visiting different silly races, but without the satire Carroll aimed for in his tales.
The plot of this one links to Ozma of Oz. The Nome King plots to regain his magic belt and invade Oz. Dorothy shows her displaced aunt and uncle around Oz, so there is still a bit of that "let's wonder around looking at the goofy creatures." But preparations for the mission and defense of Oz are prevailing here which keeps the story and the reader focused up to the very end. Shanower also adds a great meta touch to the ending.
The plot of this one links to Ozma of Oz. The Nome King plots to regain his magic belt and invade Oz. Dorothy shows her displaced aunt and uncle around Oz, so there is still a bit of that "let's wonder around looking at the goofy creatures." But preparations for the mission and defense of Oz are prevailing here which keeps the story and the reader focused up to the very end. Shanower also adds a great meta touch to the ending.
strawberryteeth's review
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
booksonstereo_o's review
1.0
Oz introduces far too much content that fails to add relevant to an already captivating story resulting in a drawn narrative.
rouver's review
3.0
The Nome King plans to invade the land of Oz and not only take back his magic belt, but plunder the entire kingdom and enslave its people. He summons a huge army of new & horrible creatures who are eager to visit pain upon the happy people of Oz. Meanwhile, Uncle Henry & Auntie Em are going to lose the farm due to their inability to pay the mortgage. Dorothy offers for them all to simply go and live in the Emerald City, where she has been named a princess by Queen Ozma. They are instantly transported to the Emerald City with the use of the Nome King's belt, and spend the majority of the book visiting new cities and lands within Oz. All the while the Nome King is tunneling under the dessert to conquer the Emerald City. Even though Ozma learns of the invasion, she is a true pacifist and refuses to fight the approaching armies. Thanks to the Scarecrow's brilliant mind, Ozma is able to defeat her enemies without any loss of life. And everyone lives happily ever after.
I'm thankful that I've been given a shortened version of Baum's works in these graphic novels. It's been interesting to see his creations, as well as learn more about Baum & his works in the foreword written by Shanower.
I'm thankful that I've been given a shortened version of Baum's works in these graphic novels. It's been interesting to see his creations, as well as learn more about Baum & his works in the foreword written by Shanower.
emilyyjjean's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great end to the series of graphic novels by Eric Shanower. It was really nice to see the Land of Oz brought to life through pictures. I enjoyed the artwork and the different stories so much.
This last installment is about how Dorothy brings her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry to live in the Emerald City. Dorothy and her friends travel around Oz visiting the other kingdoms, while the Nome King plots to take over Oz and get back his magic belt.
The books in the middle of the series started to get repetitive in the plotline: (Review of previous book: Road to Oz). But this one had a unique plot that I felt was very refreshing and interesting!
I am sad that I have completed the series, because I liked reading more about the Land of Oz since I was initially only familiar with The Wizard of Oz. But I am also glad that it is over. I feel like if they would have continued the series it would have gotten more and more repetitive, and I would have slowly lost interest. So I am glad that the series ended the way it did!
This last installment is about how Dorothy brings her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry to live in the Emerald City. Dorothy and her friends travel around Oz visiting the other kingdoms, while the Nome King plots to take over Oz and get back his magic belt.
The books in the middle of the series started to get repetitive in the plotline: (Review of previous book: Road to Oz). But this one had a unique plot that I felt was very refreshing and interesting!
I am sad that I have completed the series, because I liked reading more about the Land of Oz since I was initially only familiar with The Wizard of Oz. But I am also glad that it is over. I feel like if they would have continued the series it would have gotten more and more repetitive, and I would have slowly lost interest. So I am glad that the series ended the way it did!
michelle_neuwirth_gray9311's review
4.0
This is the sixth and last book in Eric Shanower's graphic Oz collection. I definitely look forward to his next book in general because I have really enjoyed these.