| Title | : | Legends of Oz: Dorothys Return |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1613779054 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781613779057 |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 104 |
| Publication | : | First published June 19, 2012 |
Legends of Oz: Dorothys Return Reviews
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Initial reaction: Very cute, enjoyable story that's meant to be the prequel of the animated movie coming out for "Dorothy of Oz". I did have some qualms in the telling of this story as well as some of the characterizations, but I couldn't help smiling in parts of this because it had some very fun moments, and I liked being able to revisit Oz after quite some time away from it.
Full review:
"Dorothy of Oz Prequel" surprised me in that it was such a totally fun and immersive read. I read it inside of an hour as it was only 96 pages of beautifully animated adventures through the world of Oz, albeit brief it was still a pleasant journey. This prequel is meant to be an accompaniment to the upcoming animated film "Dorothy of Oz". It's the story of what led Dorothy to return to Oz after the tornado that decimated her home in Kansas, leaving her farm to be condemned. Dorothy herself doesn't make but a brief appearance in this comic - but the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion all come to the forefront, and this is mostly their tale to tell.
The brother of the Wicked Witch of the West, the Jester, picks up where his sister left off before she was...erm...melted. Stealing away his sister's broomstick and combining it with a super powerful orb, the Jester starts wrecking havoc on the lands of Oz alongside the Flying Monkeys, including Munchkinland. Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion (who just goes by Lion, 'cause he says he has courage now :P) undertake a journey through Oz to find a way to bring Dorothy back to Oz to stop the Jester. They journey through some very interesting lands, and I definitely appreciated the array of characters they meet along the way as well as the challenges they face. I particularly liked Marshal Mallow's character and hope to see more of him as the story goes along.
I think the artwork in this is so beautiful. The design of the characters, the panels themselves - all are very consistent and vivid to the eye with the coloring, capturing the imaginative locales and the expressions of the characters very well. That impressed me. I did have a few qualms with a few of the written characterizations, but those were more minor nitpicks than anything else, and I don't think they really factored into my enjoyment of the overarching story. I didn't remember Tin Man being such a overly sensitive goof/scaredy cat with his acquired heart, but I think his characterization evened out as the story went along, and there were some genuinely funny and hair raising predicaments that the three get into as they try to find the materials needed for Scarecrow's machine to bring Dorothy back to Oz. Scarecrow was an awesome leader as per usual, and Lion I thought was fine. The Jester had a great introduction and made for an interesting foe, who I think will be one to watch as the story unfolds further.
Humor wise, the story is pretty much hit or miss depending on what you take from it - never too heavy, quite light in nature. On the whole, I thought it was cute and made me chuckle a few times. I think kids/teens will like it as well. It's all light in its overarching delivery, and the pacing, I found, was appropriate considering the age group this is intended for and the nature of the tale itself.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more from this particular adaptation. It's an easy read to pick up if you want something light and funny and certainly for those who like the franchise.
Overall: 4/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher IDW Publishing. -
I'm not a huge Oz fan, mostly because I can't stand Judy Garland (or Leah Michelle, who will be playing the new Dorothy when this particular story becomes an animated film next year) but I did enjoy reading the original Baum books as a child, and I did enjoy this.
For people who are only familiar with the version everyone is familiar with, this "prequel" is a sequel. The events take place AFTER the Wizard of Oz (and we're talking whithin days of that story coming to a close) but BEFORE Dorothy of Oz. The witch is dead, Dorothy is in Kansas and the scarecrow is in charge of the Emerald City. Then a new baddie comes to town: the wicked witche's brother, who is an evil court jester. He plans to use what's left of his sister's broom to rule Oz, so our dinamic trio (Scarecrow, Lion and Woodsman) set off in search of a way to bring Dorothy back to Oz to help save the day.
Featuring brand new character design (everyone has a softer, cuddlier, rounder look) and very nicely done coloring and easy to read lettering, this volume will definitely find a fan base. There are some funny moments with the flying monkeys (monkey doctors running triage is cuter than it sounds) and a lot of brand new characters, who despite being very intersting looking, are unfortunately not really fleshed out. Perhaps this will happen in later volumes.
My biggest gripe about this work is the way that the trio has changed. Scarecrow is still the team's level headed, likeable leader, but Tipton has somehow managed to turn the lion into an unlikeable jerk, bordering on mean (making fat jokes about an overweight owl, for example) and the Woodsman into a weepy, overly emotional, pretty much useless mess of a man. At least the brief glimpse we get of Dorothy seems to hint at a heroine with a lot more spunk that either Baum or Garland have previously credited our girl from Kansas with.
Bottom line, there is a lot of potential here. It's just not quite there yet. -
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The AP Book Club
I have always loved "The Wizard of Oz". Everyone wishes to escape their own life and end up on the other end of a rainbow. Just thinking of the sepia tone farm leading way into the colorful Munchkin city bring a smile to my face. So, when I heard about this new animated movie I was excited, yet hesitant. I have enjoyed past incarnations of Oz, such as Return to Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked(both the book and the musical). I want this movie to capture the magic of Oz. With Lea Michele and Megan Hilty providing their voices, I don't think there will be any problems there.
This comic book takes place after the original Wizard of Oz story. Dorothy has only recently left after reciting her famous lines. The Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man have their new found courage, brains, and heart. Unfortunately for our heroes, a new villain steps in: the Wicked Witch's brother jester. Dorothy's old companions band together with the help of some new colorful characters to try and bring Dorothy back to Oz. That's where I'm assuming the movie, which comes out in 2013, will pick up.
I loved how colorful each of the pages were. The art style is the same as the upcoming movie. Many characters that will appear in that movie are introduced. There is a city full of people made of china, like the plates not the country. There's also a man made of marshmallows and a large owl named Wiser. Each of these characters plays a small part in this prequel and I'm sure they will have bigger roles in the movie.
Although there were many cliches and I am not fond of a sequel villain being related to a former villain this was a very fun read. The actions are childish and the dialogue is playful.
After reading this, I am confident the new movie will uphold the spirit if Oz. I give this prequel comic a 4/5. -
This illustrated story tells of the next villain to plague the colorful lands of Oz: the Jester. He's the long-lost brother of the Wicked Witch of the West (WWotW), and he seeks to rule over the entire land of Oz by controlling the troupe of flying monkeys and threatening the villages across the land. Once the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and (no-longer-cowardly) Lion hear of his evil plan and witness the havoc he's already wreaked, they devise a plan to bring the only thing that could save Oz: Dorothy Gale. They traipse across Oz, encountering new fantastical beings and lands, all while magically surviving attacks and setbacks. It ends with a cliffhanger, a mystery of what will happen to Oz and Dorothy--destined to be revealed in the upcoming animated film.
I think the colorful and minimalist illustrations meld well with the stories of Oz, and capture a small sense of how the mystical world would be, just as the movies and books have. It reminds me of Lisa Frank and the colorful, over-the-top girly-ness of it all. While the dark and evil colors of the Jester's scenes do wonderfully juxtapose the bright and cheeriness of Oz, the Jester's stupidity is slightly off. Since he is the brother of the WWotW, it seems like he would be just as evil (which he is). Yet, on the other hand, he is no where quite as bright. He has a method worked out for his evil plan, but fumbles and makes things almost comical. This is probably a good idea for a children's book--lends to the lightheartedness of it and doesn't seriously scare the living daylights out of a child. Reminds me of an extremely PG version of the Joker from Batman comics. A neat version of the L. Frank Baum stories; I'm definitely looking forward to the upcoming sequel to the story, Legends of Oz. -
Legends of Oz by Denton J. Tipton and Blair Shedd. It will be published on March 18, 2014. This is an advance review of this book. Based on the animated film Legends of Oz! This child’s comics are for all ages. The story follows the characters after Dorothy leaves. The characters didn’t know that trouble was on its way and they would need Dorothy back to help save the day. As the classic characters the Lion, the Tinman and the Scarecrow goes on the hunt to bring Dorothy back. As the wicked witch of the west’s brother, Jester has come and he’s nothing but trouble. The flying monkey and Jester is causing trouble all over as the book takes you to on a journey. Since this is a comic/ graphic book a main part of the story is told just by the illustrations which are a huge part to understanding the story. The illustrations are perfect in this story; brightly colored, emotions in the characters, and has a way how showing what is happing in a way that is wonderful and easy to understand,
I enjoyed this story more then I thought I was. I found giggles here and there as I read it to my brother. I loved the illustrations and how the characters just popped right out. The story line was good; it has adventure but was also quite funny. Any Oz fan of any age will enjoy this new take on an amazing classic.
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Netgalley provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review. -
Background: Dorothy of Oz Prequel, tells the story of how Dorothy is needed back in Oz. The Wicked Witch of the West is still defeated but her evil brother, the Jester has returned to take her place. The Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion must find a way to return Dorothy to Oz to help defeat the Jester and his evil plans.
Review: Super Cute! I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It was an interesting story and the old characters were done justice, while the new characters were funny, adorable, and beautifully drawn. The story included the gangs journey to find a way to bring Dorothy back, and this has them traveling the land of Oz for some help and answers, we meet the Candy Land people-- very reminiscent of the game Candy Land, the Dainty China Country-- full of breakable people, and we get to explore some of the goodies the Wizard left behind.
The art is wonderful, very bright and vibrant, and a cartoon like style-- which makes it more kid friendly and holds to the whimsical-ness of the Wizard of Oz. It was a very quick read, the pictures and bright colors really keep you moving along, and you don't need to know the original story, because they do a good job filling in those holes for non-Wizard of Oz fans.
Copy was received from NetGalley and IDW Publishing in exchange for an honest review. -
There were definitely things I liked about this comic book collection. The art is lovely and colorful setting a fun mood that should appeal to younger comic book readers. I love how the scarecrow was updated; in certain panels you see a computerized display from his point-of-view implying that the "brain" he received from the wizard was a computer. I thought that the name for the operating system in all those panels scOS (scarecrow OS?) was a cute touch. It ends on a cliffhanger leaving the reader wanting to find out more. Since these comics make up a prequel for an animated movie, that cliffhanger is sure to serve its purpose. That being said, it was obvious that the main purpose of these comics is to generate interest in the movie, not to be an entertaining story by themselves. With the art as enjoyable as it is, I was hoping for a little more fun in the story. Overall, a decent comic reading experience, and I'm sure that youger comic book readers will enjoy the updates to the characters and the humor of the Jester, but as a long time Oz fan, I was hoping for a little bit more.
Note: I read this as a free eARC from Netgalley -
'Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return' is a prequel to the upcoming movie. As such, it ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger that is apparently continued in the movie.
When the Jester, the brother of the Wicked Witch of the West, shows up, he is intent on taking over Oz. From floods in Munchkinland to earthquakes in dainty china country, his chaos spreads. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion decide that they need the help of Dorothy in order to stop him, so they have to find a way to bring her back to Oz from Kansas.
The Jester is powerful, but inept and played for laughs, so he doesn't get to scary for the little ones. The Tin Man is also played for laughs. It seems the heart he was given has made him an emotional coward, and I'm not crazy about that change. The art is good and looks like the characters in the movie.
I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book. -
I enjoyed this take on the *Wizard of Oz* story very much. It was in the comic-issue-type of manga, and included all 4 issues. It showcases alot on the other characters, instead of Dorothy. But, all the while, is about bringing Dorothy back to Oz.
It closes with Dorothy's family's farm about to be condemned. A sad fate. Hopefully, in the next volume, Dorothy returns to Oz, and escapes that sad fate.
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This volume was provided to me by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own. -
Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return
by Denton J Tipton
Opening up the story of Oz to a wider audience, this comic book covers the quest of the tin man, cowardly lion, and the scarecrow in their quest to reach Dorthy, and save Oz from the powerful grip of the Jester (the brother of the wicked witch). the tri-o has to battle their will power, courage, and their misunderstandings to find a way to reach Dorthy... -
Jester, the Wicked Witch's brother, has returned to Oz to seek vengeance on all. The Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man are out to stop him. They feel they need to bring Dorothy back to Oz.
They graphics are a bit on the cartoonish side, but this is apt due to the focus age group. The graphics are fun and laced with humor.
The characters are cute albeit simple.
Plot narrative is easy to follow with humor and action.
Overall, a cute read. -
Return to the world of Oz where the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion are desperately trying to get Dorothy back to help when the Jester, a relative of the Wicked Witches, starts to take over. Interesting prequel/set-up to the upcoming film, and well done to the creators for making sure Glinda was the Good Witch of the South, not the North. If the duty of this graphic was the drum up interest in the film, consider me piqued.
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I though this was very fun! I really enjoyed all the subtle hints and references to stories in the Oz world that we don't usually see. I also loved the artwork on this. I'm a sucker for well done illustration and this was a lovely book.
I would buy this for my niece without hesitation, well worth the read and time. -
I really enjoyed this spin off of the Oz myth, and cannot wait to see the film! Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this, it was delightful and very much a contrast to the Grimm graphic series Oz spin off.The colours are very bright and child like and the story is light and accessible.
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Borrowed from NetGalley for an honest review.
I thought was a very fun and delightful book. I'm a fan of the Oz stories and I thought this was a nice take on the story. -
I got this copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review. I loved the art, and the story was pretty good too. Definitely worth a look at if you're into the Oz world.
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Graphic novel for the film to explain why Dorothy must return to the Land of Oz.
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it s good book
