The Enchanted Apples of Oz

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Summary: The first volume of an enchantingly great series
Review: Eric Shanower is the best contemporary narrator of Oz and a worthy heir to authorship in the body of works started and defined by L. Frank Baum and John R. Neil. In this series of graphic novels Shanower is at his best! Others have done Oz comics with more edge and in a more contemporary style, but none have been truer to the spirit of Oz. His color illustrations bring the land and its characters to life as no other illustrator has ever done. This volume introduces the Ozophile to four new enchanting inhabitants of this magical land who are truly memorable: Valynn (the Guardian of the Enchanted Apples), Bortag (the love-struck but inept Magician), Drox (Bortag's friend the flying swordfish), and the Evil Witch of the South. How these four interact with other well-known inhabitants of Oz makes for an enchanting story. A special added treat is an introductory essay on the importance of Oz by the master fantasist Harlan Ellison. Get it today; you'll love it for the rest of your life.

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Summary: Graphic novel written & illustrated by Eric Shanower
Review: Introduction by Harlan Ellison. Graphic novel (quality paper, comic book format, colored illustrations).

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Summary: A Very Good Oz Read
Review: Shanower continues in the tradition of Oz writers with a classic adventure story. A woman who guards an apple tree (which keeps the magic of Oz alive - if the apples are eaten, the magic dies) is having trouble protecting it from a man who wants to steal the apples. It is classic Oz, presented in comic book-style, meaning there is less than no subtext. There is only a problem when Shanower tries to work a moral into this magical if not original tale, something that Baum swore never to do. Yet, it is still good, and a nice addition to an Oz lovers book collection.