Following Wicked's Success, The Wizard of Oz Is Ready to Expand Its Lore In a Brand-New Way
AWA is releasing a new series of graphic novels that should be a real treat for Wicked and The Wizard of Ozfans. After the massive success of the Wicked film adaptation this year, fans have been yearning for a chance to explore the origins of Oz even further. AWA's Ultimate Oz Universe plans to do just that.
Written by Cullen Bunn and Larry King, with stunning artwork by Mike Deodato Jr., The Lost Lands kicks off The Ultimate Oz Universe series, offering a fresh and exciting look at L. Frank Baum’s beloved world in a series of graphic novels. According to ICv2, this series is a carefully crafted exploration of Baum’s creations, with a focus on bringing fresh, canon-faithful adventures that will open up Oz like never before.
This graphic novel goes beyond the familiar characters and settings fans know from Wicked and the original Oz movie (and books) to explore lesser-known corners of Oz, diving deep into new lore that will keep even the most dedicated fans intrigued. AWA’s Ultimate Oz Universe isn’t just about retelling stories—it’s about expanding the world of Oz in bold, imaginative ways.
The Ultimate Oz Universe Plans to Explore Oz’s Untold Stories
A Deep Dive into Oz’s Hidden Lore
The Lost Lands is a thrilling dive into the forgotten and unexplored parts of the Wizard of Oz's universe. While the classic Emerald City and its iconic characters are still at the heart of the story, this graphic novel introduces new heroes, villains, and magical locations. It’s a chance to see Oz in a whole new light, offering deeper lore and fresh perspectives that Wicked fans are sure to love. By expanding the world of Oz, the series introduces places and people that add new layers to the mythology Baum created. It's a journey into the very fabric of Oz itself, where new adventures and ancient mysteries await.
Fans will be able to dive deeper into the lore and backstory...
One of the most interesting features of The Lost Lands is the inclusion of QR codes throughout the graphic novel. These codes link to extra content like video footnotes, commentary, original music, and maps, adding a whole new interactive layer to the Oz experience. Fans will be able to dive deeper into the lore and backstory, with multimedia content that enhances the world of Oz beyond the pages.
AWA's New Graphic Novels Will Be a New Way to Experience Oz
Interactive QR Codes Bring Oz to Life
This innovative storytelling approach combines traditional graphic novel elements with modern technology, making it more than just a reading experience — it’s an immersive adventure. With QR codes unlocking additional content, readers will feel like they're stepping into Oz itself, discovering hidden secrets and new insights along the way.
10 Wizard Of Oz Moments That Are Completely Different After Watching Wicked
Wicked completely rewrites certain aspects of The Wizard of Oz, giving some scenes entirely new meanings that change the original story massively.
For fans of Wicked, theUltimate Oz Universe series could be the redemption they need after Wicked's defeat at the Oscars. With The Lost Lands, fans will experience a bold new expansion of the Oz world, filled with fresh characters, deeper lore, and interactive features that make this graphic novel something special. Perfect for both The Wizard of Oz enthusiasts - or a new fan thanks to Wicked - this graphic novel series will have something that keeps readers coming back for more.
The first volume in The Ultimate Oz Universe series, The Lost Lands, is available November 12th, 2025 from AWA.
Source: ICv2
The Wizard of Oz
- Created by
- L. Frank Baum, Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, Edgar Allan Woolf, Victor Fleming
- Upcoming Films
- Wicked
- Cast
- Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan, Margaret Hamilton, James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz
- First Film
- The Wizard of Oz
- Latest Film
- Oz the Great and Powerful
- First TV Show
- The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz franchise is one of the most iconic and enduring in entertainment history, beginning with L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The 1939 film adaptation directed by Victor Fleming is perhaps the most famous, known for its groundbreaking use of Technicolor, memorable characters, and musical score. Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include multiple films, television series, stage adaptations, and a wide range of merchandise. The story revolves around Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas, who is swept away to the magical land of Oz, where she embarks on an adventure to return home.
Wicked
- Created by
- Gregory Maguire, Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman
- Upcoming Films
- Wicked, Wicked: Part Two
- Cast
- Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh
- Movie(s)
- Wicked, Wicked: Part Two
- Character(s)
- Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, The Wizard, Madame Morrible, Nessarose, Boq
The Wicked franchise is based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. It explores the untold story of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl who would later become known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and her complicated friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. The franchise began as a highly successful Broadway musical and has since expanded into global stage productions, a forthcoming two-part film adaptation, and various other media.
