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Little Adventures in OZ Book 1
In the marvelous Land of Oz, magic is always around the next corner. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and their many friends can't stop plunging into one adventure after another. Wonder and magic abound in this collection of -The Enchanted Apple of Oz- and -The Ice Kind of Oz- by award-winning cartoonist Eric Shanower.
136 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews
May 5, 2011
I thought this was a lot of fun! The continuing stories of Oz are entertaining, and I really like the art. The characters look like they do in the original Oz illustrations, the pictures are bright and fun, and the panels are easy to follow.
March 17, 2023
I read a huge 10x13 hardcover (25cm x 31cm) from IDW Publishing is a 2014 reprint of some color graphic novels by Eric Shanower, originally released in the 1980s. The contents are “The Enchanted Apples of Oz”, “The Ice King of Oz”, plus an extras gallery featuring character designs, short stories, and other pieces. The colors are vivid, and the drawing plainly realistic. There does not seem to be a Volume 2.
The Enchanted Apples of Oz (4 chapters, 1986) tells the story of Valynn, who protects a garden containing an enchanted apple tree, that contains the essence of Oz magic. The magician Bortag steals the apples in attempt to woo the Wicked Witch of the South. The story is pleasant, with a happy ending suitable for the early grades.
The Ice King of Oz (5 chapters, 1987) tells the story of the abduction of Ozma by the Ice King, ruler of a far-away land outside of Oz, that resembles perhaps Antarctica. Glinda sends Princess Dorothy on a rescue mission accompanied by the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and Flicker the human candle. They are cast into grave peril, appealing to the Ice King’s heart. The story is set loosely sometime after the cannon of L. Frank Baum’s Oz books. The story could be scary, but has a happy ending suitable for the early grades.
The Enchanted Apples of Oz (4 chapters, 1986) tells the story of Valynn, who protects a garden containing an enchanted apple tree, that contains the essence of Oz magic. The magician Bortag steals the apples in attempt to woo the Wicked Witch of the South. The story is pleasant, with a happy ending suitable for the early grades.
The Ice King of Oz (5 chapters, 1987) tells the story of the abduction of Ozma by the Ice King, ruler of a far-away land outside of Oz, that resembles perhaps Antarctica. Glinda sends Princess Dorothy on a rescue mission accompanied by the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and Flicker the human candle. They are cast into grave peril, appealing to the Ice King’s heart. The story is set loosely sometime after the cannon of L. Frank Baum’s Oz books. The story could be scary, but has a happy ending suitable for the early grades.
March 8, 2019
This graphic novel contains the stories "The Enchanted Apples of Oz" and "The Ice King of Oz."
Apparently the magic of Oz is due to a tree of enchanted apples. As they are plucked, the magic of the realm decreases. A misguided magician breaks the enchantment on the wicked witch of the South, who then proceeds to consume as many apples as she can before being defeated.
The Ice King of Oz is about the Ice King coming and stealing Ozma to be his bride. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Flicker (a living candle) must go and rescue her.
It was interesting to see Shanower's illustrations, as well as additional stories in the Oz-verse.
Apparently the magic of Oz is due to a tree of enchanted apples. As they are plucked, the magic of the realm decreases. A misguided magician breaks the enchantment on the wicked witch of the South, who then proceeds to consume as many apples as she can before being defeated.
The Ice King of Oz is about the Ice King coming and stealing Ozma to be his bride. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Flicker (a living candle) must go and rescue her.
It was interesting to see Shanower's illustrations, as well as additional stories in the Oz-verse.
January 15, 2019
This was a fun graphic novel featuring The Enchanted Apples of Oz and The Ice King of Oz. These stories very much felt like Baum himself had written them. The illustrations were taken straight from the Oz universe and brought to life in vibrant color. I especially enjoyed the addition of characters like the Wogglebug, Tik-Tok and Jellia Jamb. I'm a huge Oz nerd, so I was glad to have found this graphic novel.
August 1, 2024
If you're looking for a book that has a similar feel to the og Wizard of Oz but more fantastical this is it. It also has that early 1900's feel with the art style and plot which I personally enjoy. It has a older feel to it despite being published in 2010 which as an enjoyer of older cartoons and media (like Fleschier studio) is a major plus for me.
June 27, 2021
I was in love with Skottie Young's Oz drawings when Eric Shanower colloborated with him, but turns out I love Eric's illustrations even more!
I was absolutely in love with these two Oz stories, and Eric's love for that world just shines through his drawings.
I was absolutely in love with these two Oz stories, and Eric's love for that world just shines through his drawings.
May 3, 2019
"The Enchanted Apples of Oz" was a favorite when I was a child. I read it over and over again when I was about 8. As an adult, it's been fun to revisit Eric Shanower's spin on Oz.
September 5, 2022
Oz fanfic. I love the drawing style and the stories are well done and consistent with the Oz universe (it always annoyed me when some of the Thompson ones weren't) so a pleasant short read. I'll look for his other comics.
May 16, 2011
Eric Shanower is clearly an Oz fan that's a given. He is well versed in the universe and it shows in the loving care that he takes to illustrate as well as write these little Ozzy adventures. There have been a lot of people who have taken and expanded on the Oz universe, I would like the privilege someday, but very few have taken it to the comic book page. Most Oz comic books are adaptations ranging from a very badly illustrated volume I found today at the local library which I can't give you more details on because I didn't check it out, to the Eric Shanower written and Skottie Young illustrated Marvel editions which I am currently enjoying as the publisher prints them. But these little adventures venture into new territory taking our beloved characters into new adventures and expanding the Oz universe. They are cute, whimsical stories that I feel capture the nature of Oz, mostly.
The art is detailed and magnificent, the Oz books deserve this kind of treatment. And the stories are lovely and new. My only true criticism is the lack of puns and an occasional tiny detail that is not like the books such as Ozma having the magic belt when in fact it is Dorothy's, and why wouldn't Ozma give it back having used it. And Toto barking instead of talking, which we find out in Tik-Tok of Oz he can do.
The villains are new and of a darker kind than probably L. Frank Baum would have wanted, but I think here it serves the story better because a contemporary audience is more apt to enjoy more dangerous perils for our intrepid heroes.
A lovely book with lovely art, I can only say I wish it were punnier and longer, as it was a lovely trek to Oz and a wonderful addition to the Oz fan canon.
The art is detailed and magnificent, the Oz books deserve this kind of treatment. And the stories are lovely and new. My only true criticism is the lack of puns and an occasional tiny detail that is not like the books such as Ozma having the magic belt when in fact it is Dorothy's, and why wouldn't Ozma give it back having used it. And Toto barking instead of talking, which we find out in Tik-Tok of Oz he can do.
The villains are new and of a darker kind than probably L. Frank Baum would have wanted, but I think here it serves the story better because a contemporary audience is more apt to enjoy more dangerous perils for our intrepid heroes.
A lovely book with lovely art, I can only say I wish it were punnier and longer, as it was a lovely trek to Oz and a wonderful addition to the Oz fan canon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2010
Pretty little thing. Sits well in the Oz universe. It was nice to visit with Dorothy and Belinda and the Scarecrow, Ozma and Glenda and Nick, and to meet some new characters. It probably won't be as widely read as the hugely popular (and gorgeous) Marvel series but this to me was a lovely little read and instantly went next to my Oz books, instead of my graphic novel shelf, where it fits in well.
October 26, 2011
The storylines weren't amazing, as the endings seemed to come to a convenient close, but loved the artwork which is reminiscent of turn of the century illustrations.
February 1, 2014
Brilliant, colorful artwork combined with clever, fast paced writing make this a fantastic read! I highly recommend it!
May 24, 2015
Well, I wanted to like this, but eh, just ok. But I'm not the demographic, either.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews