Ultimate OZ Universe: The Lost Lands

by Cullen Bunn, Ive Svorcina (colorist), Steve Wands (letterer)

Oz. You think you know the whole story. You don’t. The Wizard of Oz, that beloved holiday classic, tells only one percent of the story. There is so much more to explore in the universe created by L. Frank Baum—so many regions to visit, so many fascinating characters to meet, so much history to learn, so many stories to tell. With Ultimate OZ Universe, writers Cullen Bunn and Larry King and artist Mike Deodato Jr. introduce you to a version of this amazing fantasy realm you have never seen before—a universe that is deeper, richer, and more exciting than you ever imagined—through modern takes on the classic tales that reintroduce legacy characters—Dorothy, Toto, Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion—and introduce a host of fascinating new characters who will quickly capture your heart—Jack Pumpkinhead, Princess Ozma, Glinda the Good, Tip, Sawhorse and Hungry Tiger.

Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics

144 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Cullen grew up in rural North Carolina, but now lives in the St. Louis area with his wife Cindy and his son Jackson. His noir/horror comic (and first collaboration with Brian Hurtt), The Damned, was published in 2007 by Oni Press. The follow-up, The Damned: Prodigal Sons, was released in 2008. In addition to The Sixth Gun, his current projects include Crooked Hills, a middle reader horror prose series from Evileye Books; The Tooth, an original graphic novel from Oni Press; and various work for Marvel and DC. Somewhere along the way, Cullen founded Undaunted Press and edited the critically acclaimed small press horror magazine, Whispers from the Shattered Forum.

All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.

And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.

Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.

Reviews

[Robert Pierson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is nice and it was interesting to see that they put in characters that a lot of people might not know that are in leader books though that might put some readers off because I’d be unfamiliar with them I’m kind of interested to see where the story goes and how Dorothy is actually going to make her grand entrance now in Oz

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the artwork for this! it was fun to check out all the QR codes, the narrating voice reminded me of Planet Earth but Ozian in this case, for the different habitats/areas. I havent read the original books by L. Frank Baum but this will be a unique look into the world that he's crafted and retrofitted by others. Looking forward to more of the art and storyline!

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a HUGE Oz fan/buff, I absolutely LOVED this. There was so much lore from the original books! I would say 80% of this book is based on the second L Frank Baum book "The Marvelous Land Of Oz" which is one of my favorites. I also really enjoyed the QR Code's scattered throughout the book - which brought some of the panels to life! What a cool touch! The only thing that I didn't care for (and this is just me people) is that they made The Cowardly Lion and The Hungry Tiger "Sexy". I would have been just fine not seeing Lion's V. lol Other than that, this was such a great time!

[Jennifer Baratta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Ozma and Mumbi, read this novel to find out what happens our favorite characters are here too. Wicked fans will enjoy this.

[Nathan Dehoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free preview of this comic at the last OzCon, and I contributed to the Kickstarter. I'm supposed to receive a physical edition, but I've read the digital one already. It's largely a retelling of Land, but with a lot of extra elements thrown in to highlight how much there is in the original series. An Ork, Mrs. Yoop, and the Fiddlestick Forest make appearances. And there's a rolling road. The 1902 stage play is also represented, as Pastoria is presented as a former American streetcar driver who has a relationship with Queen Lurline. Mombi's crush on Cheeriobed from Giant Horse comes into the story, with their having a consensual but ill-fated love affair. The art is very colorful with a lot of action, and some modern redesigns, particularly on the Tin Woodman. Jellia Jamb is drawn with green skin. Glinda's chariot is drawn by a single giant and rather fierce-looking swan. The Special Oz Operations Team is made up of characters from throughout the series, if somewhat changed. For instance, Til Loon just looks human. On the other hand, the Wogglebug still looks pretty goofy. The Cowardly Lion and Hungry Tiger are often shown walking on their hind legs. The comic has a brief forward by Elton John, who apparently read the Baum books as a child. Since they're not as well-known in the United Kingdom, that's cool to know.

[Terrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an afternoon read, and nothing so amazing that you have to rush out and purchase it. I borrowed it from my public library.

Mike Deodato Jr.'s art has what I will refer to as a "superhero" style to it. Not that this is bad, yet I find it an odd choice for a fantasy story.

The script by Cullen Bunn and Larry King doesn't really enhance the original version. It's rather flat and never really explores the Lost Lands that are promoted in the book's title.
This is simply an adaptation of "The Land of Oz".

There are QR codes throughout the book that, when opened, bring you to a website that features a map of Oz with a brief animated sequence that a narrator explains the location on the map.

Two stars for Ultimate Oz Universe: Vol. 1 The Lost Lands
⭐️⭐️ (it's okay)

[andrew y · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I was won over by marketing But I had expected new or expanded or remixed Oz and I got The Marvelous Land of Oz. Which was my favorite of the books! So I’m not sad. But I have a lot of vivid memories of how I envisioned this specific story and no artist could ever recreate any piece of it. So this didn’t look how I had imagined.
Also Tip was way too old. Anyone? He wasn’t 15, was he? I feel 9 year old me would have related far less to an old old teenager.

[Leann Tipton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate this graphic novel. Recapturing my interest of Oz and the books I read to my oldest. I recognize the characters. I love the QR codes that give information. On the different places. I look forward to the next volume.

[Cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the pictures they were so good I can't wait to read the others this one was so good!!!🐵

[Chris Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun take on the world I only sort of knew (through the original book, the 1939 movie, and the Wicked stage play, book and movies). Though I'm not sure how I feel about the "super hero" look of some of the characters, I was drawn into the story and look forward to reading more and getting to know more of the lesser know inhabitants of OZ.