The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Marvel Classics)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Eric Shanower, and illustrated by Skottie Young Edition reviewed: Marvel hardcover edition, 2009. Why I Picked it Up: I actually wasn’t looking for a comic book at all. I wasn’t even looking at Wizard of Oz related things. I was reading a list of gift ideas for girls, and saw the Marvel version of the Wizard of Oz! Not to say that this is a girly book – it feels very gender neutral to me, which is probably one of the reasons that it was on the list. Anyway, I was intrigued, and looked it up. As soon as I saw the whimsical cover, and that it was a 200+ page hardcover collected the 8 comic book issues, I purchased it right away. My Overall Opinion: This book is not at all what I’m usually into. Perhaps I was inspired by Darth Vader and Son, which I found adorable. But this book absolutely blew me away. Of course, I watched the Wizard of Oz movie starring Judy Garland as a kid. So I knew the basic storyline, but I hadn’t known that the movie had changed so much of the original book. To my delight (in my world, books > movies), this Marvel edition was a direct, visual transformation of the original. Shanower does a great job of adapting the story. It’s easy to read, the plot is clear and concise, and the dialogue fits in perfectly. Another review states that this book is text heavy for a graphic novel. However, I didn’t notice this, so I assume this is only a problem for very young children. It seemed like a perfectly reasonable amount of text to me. I’d like to think that this book transcends all age groups. But where this book really shines lies in the visual aspects. Artist Skottie Young and colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu have made this book an absolute masterpiece. The art is truly wonderful, and the vibrant colors enhance the storyline more than I would have thought possible. I would buy this book just to stare all the beautiful artwork because it really is outstanding. I never knew how much colors could alter the tone of a scene, and Beaulieu is clearly an expert here. Young’s incredibly talented as well, and the bonus material in the back shows his character building process, with various sketches and prototypes. I really appreciated this section, because it really demonstrates Young’s versatility and creativity – I had no idea how much work it took to develop original artwork for characters that readers had already cast in their heads. After reading this, the 1939 movie is no longer the “standard” Wizard of Oz tale to me. If I ever hear of the Cowardly Lion, Skottie Young’s illustration is the one that I will think of. I will think of silver shoes instead of ruby red shoes, and I will see the Tinman with a (awesome) moustache forever. This book is timeless and beautiful, and I would highly recommend for anyone with even the slightest inkling of interest in the Wizard of Oz. I had enjoyed the Judy Garland movie, but it was never one of my favorites. This Marvel edition, however, is now a book that I will recommend to everyone with children. On top of that, this version is just as likeable for adults and teens! So just hurry up and get a copy of this book. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is waiting!

I recently rediscovered this great American classic tale with my daughter, and the journey to Emerald City never gets old. If you’ve seen the movie, then you’re already familiar with the adventure of Dorothy and Toto. While there are slight differences between book and movie, I’d say the movie, which was originally released in 1939, was a pretty good adaptation. Without spoiling anything, the book does have a splash of dark tones, but still very engaging. Two things made reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz very special to me. First, the audiobook, narrated by actress Anne Hathaway, was an absolutely delightful listening experience! L. Frank Baum’s characters in this story are so magical, vivid, and lively. I thought Anne Hathaway flawlessly brought life with these familiar characters in her narration. The cast in the book is large, and there are some minor characters that weren’t portrayed in the movie. She had a different voice for everyone, and her ability to easily change her voice to the character of the moment showcased her excellent acting talents! The other thing that was special to me was listening to this story with my daughter. The audiobook falls just slightly under four hours, so it’s definitely doable for young minds, especially since the story moves along at a nice pace. While I had read the book before, it was my daughter’s first journey to Oz, so to speak. We found ourselves quickly absorbed in the adventure and giggling at certain moments. Ms. Hathaway’s voices for the mice and stork were pretty funny! It was a lovely bookish, bonding experience for both of us, indeed. Whether you’ve seen the movie or read this book before, I still recommend the audiobook. It’s a very entertaining version of a timeless classic! *I purchased the audiobook, and this is my honest review.

I bought this edition for my kids, and we really enjoyed to read it together. It is a wonderful classic with a fun story and memorable characters.The kids especially liked Dorothy (and of course the Scarecrow and the Tin Man). I only wish the book had more pictures.Kids really love looking at illustrations.

When I pulled this book out of the box, my 5 year old daughter exclaimed, "Wow, it's golden!" I realized she was referring to the gold color that trims the outside of the pages, and my 1st thought was, "WOW!" The paper cover was just as beautiful and golden, but I was really excited when I took it off and revealed the front of the actual book. The hardback cover is lime green with the title in red lettering and an illustration of the Cowardly Lion with his cute little bow. It appears like it must be the exact same illustration that was published on the original book cover. The illustration of the lion again, on the inside of the hardback cover, invites the reader in and builds anticipation. I couldn't wait to flip through the pages. The numerous illustrations throughout the inside of the book are the originals, just as L. Frank Baum and artist W. W. Denslow published the book over 100 years ago. I know this because I purchased the collector's edition blu ray and saw the extra footage that showed the original illustrations in all their glory. Another reviewer mentioned there have been many editions and they have had different illustrations. Why, I have no idea. It even has a soft, green ribbon attached for a built in bookmark. Nice touch. I wonder if the original had one as well. This is a true original classic. The best part of all is that my young daughters, 5 and 3, are excited about a book! They are eager and excited for me to read to them every night. They listen intently, but can hardly wait to see what exciting pictures await them to bring the story alive. Third chapter in and they are still excited. My 5 year old even asked if she could take it to school for show and tell. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz 100th Anniversary Edition is exquisite! It is the most beautiful book I've ever owned. It is a MUST HAVE for every true Wizard of Oz fan!

Like most Americans who were raised between the late 1960s-the early 1990s, I looked forward to the annual event of watching THE WIZARD OF OZ on broadcast television. Every year it was shown and it was something I looked forward to seeing each year. Until I was in fifth grade, my only exposure to L. Frank Baum's classic American fairy tale was watching the movie each year on tv. In fifth grade, I read the THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ for the first time and discovered that though the movie was similar in some aspects, it was radically different in others. The premise is the same as the classic film, young Dorothy is transported from her home in Kansas to a magical world called Oz. First she accidently kills a witch and meets the Munchkins. She just wants to get home and she's told that maybe the Wizard of Oz can help her. So, she sets down the yellow brick road to find the Emerald City and meet this great and powerful wizard. Along the way she's joined by a Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, and a somewhat cowardly Lion. The Wicked Witch of the West doesn't really want Dorothy dead, but just wants her captured. There are also a bunch of winged monkeys who have to serve the Witch of the West. However, though the elements are all there, the story is actually quite different from the famed 1939 movie. For instance, unlike the movie, Dorothy really is transported to Oz in a tornado. It's not all just a dream. Or, take the Emerald City, it's not so much green because of all the jewels and actual green color, but more-so because of the green glasses anyone in the city must wear. And the flying monkeys, they only serve the Witch of the West because she is the person who controls a magic cap. Like what often happens with film adaptations, I found the book to be a much better overall story than the famous movie version it's based upon. Though there are some frightening moments in the movie THE WIZARD OF OZ, the original story is much more dark and frightening. Baum had said he wanted to write a truly American fairy tale and THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ is that. For instance, there are some creatures that actually die in the story and at one point Dorothy is turned into a slave. Many people complain about the Dainty China Country section doesn't fit with the rest of the story. While this part of the book is slightly different in tone and mood, I never found it to be offsetting. Dorothy's journey to the Emerald City and then to Glinda weren't completely straightforward so there are all kinds of side journeys she and her companions could take. Originally written for children and conceived as a one-part story, Baum had no idea how much fame, fortune, and success would result from the book. Since the story was so successful, the publisher asked for more Oz books and Baum complied and complied and complied. Sometimes he complied because he needed some more cash. In total, he wrote 14 Oz books. Being the first, THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ is one of the best. It really is an American fairy tale.

Good book! It is different from the movie, and it is a little more violent, but I would say it is better than the movie.

Rating is closer to 3.5 stars. I have parts about this I loved and parts that bothered me so my thoughts a left a jumbled mess. First off, if you do not know this story, go learn about it. Everyone should know the Wizard of Oz and most of us do. Although I think many of us are more familiar with the movie. The story concept is just great and one I have always loved and all that credit goes to the author. Now, I must admit I like the movie more than the book. While the basic story is great and Dorothy being a little girl does put a more child-like quality of the book there is a lot of violence in this story. The Tin Man's story is both sad and horrifying and might be a bit much for a young child to handle. And the neck breaking, limb lopping as they make their way across Oz was harsh. While it is not very graphic in description it is still easy to visualize. So while the story is written in a style for young children, about half the content is on the mature side. This is a short story being between 110-140 pages (depending on the pictures of various editions). The chapters are short and the pace is fast. A lot happens in that time. It is still a fantastical adventure and in some ways getting the back story of the characters added to it's enrichment. There are quite a few differences from the movie to the book. From the house Dorothy green up in, the Ruby vs silver slippers, the Winged Monkeys, The Emerald City, etc. It was very interesting to see and discover the differences. One thing that really jumped out at me was how each character acted versus what they kept saying they wanted from the Wizard. Amusing aspect to the story, making it all the more endearing. Overall enjoyable. I am curious to continue the series yet there is no feeling of needing to rush to the next book. It is a series to read at leisure. I advise caution for young children for this book. If a movie copied the details of the book, it would not be rated G. So just a heads up, I advise you to read it before your child does if allowing them to read this at a young age.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the 1900 children’s classic, was written by L. Frank Baum. It is a masterfully-written tale penned by this beloved American author. The book begins and ends in America’s heartland: Kansas. But have we been cheated? This highly-imaginative 1900 book was later followed by the film version in 1939, which is one of the most successful films ever made. From that point on, the film version began its journey to overtake the written medium. In fact, after the film was produced in BluRay many years later, the scarecrow’s face in the corn field, for example, showed the cross threads in the sackcloth for its head. Such clarity in film frames made watching this version of the film breathtakingly beautiful – and much more preferable to watching any of the other versions. Unfortunately, for both children and adults, watching the film has supplanted even reading the book. But there is more! In total, Baum wrote 14 Oz books! Some of these aren’t based in Kansas; Dorothy is an international globetrotter! (Read the 13 others to find out where she travels.) Theosophist L. Frank Baum seemed to be ‘plugged into’ a realm of searching for deep themes of truth, tapped into by other international groups: the freemasons, many of the religions, metaphysics, all of whom trace their beginnings back to the Egyptian Mystery Schools. Our ancient philosophers, mathematicians, and others (Aristotle, Pythagorus, etc.) also passed through these portals. * Eugene Whitworth has written a book for adults which examines similar themes and truths, Nine Faces of Christ. What are some of the main themes in books from both authors, Baum and Whitworth? 1. STRONG MAN MADE OF METAL – a. Oz: The Tin Woodman/ b. *9 Faces: Man of Tin 2. DIRECTIONS – a. Oz: E & W (Wicked Witches) and N & S (Good Witches)/ b. *9 Faces: Mysteries of the Orient 3. NUMBERS – a. Oz: Dorothy clicking her heels 3X/ b. *9 Faces: # of imitations, genders, opposites, birth and death 4. FLYING/ ASTRO TRAVELLING – a. Oz: the 2 professor’s balloon flights/ b. *9 Faces: Soul Flight (and also the Hijra in Islam in 622 AD) Whether for children or adults, both authors, though, have the same golden thread interwoven throughout their books. Baum used a variety of pen names on his books: males, females, and a military captain! He did this so because in those days, he could write about certain topics from different viewpoints for social and political purposes. He was a writer, newspaper editor, film producer, and actor. A wonderful next step to reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is to read the remaining 13 Oz books, to mine those books for main themes that tie into this book. I highly recommend the following reading tactics: reading silently, reading to children, or having children read the Wonderful Wizard of Oz book to you. Some extensions to this book could be to then go through the remainder of the Oz series books with children. Have them: discuss main themes, draw pictures, create personal ‘books’ with the important parts both drawn and labelled in them, etc. I highly recommend this wonderful book classic as a beginning Oz book for children to read or for an adult to read to children who cannot yet read. (* Eugene Whitworth’s beautiful, deep, sensitive book Nine Faces of Christ is about the metaphysical Christ; it is written for the adult at a higher, more cognitively astute, complex, intellectual level. Like Oz for children, adults might want to read this book to identify the same golden thread interwoven throughout both of them. I highly recommend reading this book, too!)

Leven zonder angst en doen wat er gedaan kan worden. Vriendelijk zijn tegen iedereen, benieuwd zijn naar een ander. En open staan voor alle mogelijkheden. Dat leerden ze je vroeger in kinderboeken. Hoe is dat eigenlijk tegenwoordig?

Mooi!

I've only just read this as an adult. While it is not a very instigating plot for an adult mind, English being my second language, the old language posed a nice vocabulary challenge. It is a quick and sweet read with a language so gentle that us adults are not used to. It did bring out the child in me and I'm glad I added this to my reading list.

Molto carino e semplice da leggere

母に読み聞かせてもらった思い出の作品です。物語が面白く、英語も比較的読みやすいため楽しく読み進められました。キャラクターにも魅力があり、最後まで飽きません。英語学習用としても、名作を楽しみたい人にもおすすめです。