Lyman Frank Baum, a known American, wrote especially The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) and 13 other stories, including Ozma of Oz (1907). Lyman Frank Baum, an author, actor, and independent filmmaker alongside illustrator William Wallace Denslow best created the today simply most popular books in literature of children. A plethora of other works include sequels, nine other fantasies, and 55 novels in total, 82 short prose, more than two hundred poems, an unknown number of scripts, and many miscellaneous, and he made numerous attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen.
A lively and charming adaptation of the quintessential American fairytale. Caballero's black-and-white art uses clean lines, bold blacks and pleasingly variegated panel layouts to breathe fresh vigor into Baum's timeless classic. The storyline moves briskly while staying mostly faithful to the original text, though purists might cavil at the telescoping of Dorothy's admittedly redundant journey to Glinda's castle. The real delight here is the re-imagining of beloved characters for the 21st century, ironically reminiscent of Baum's own prairie populism. These Munchkins are no outre Art Deco midgets, but as friendly and familiar as Wal-Mart shoppers. The Tin Man becomes a genial robot with a buzz-saw appendage, and the Scarecrow a likable homeboy. Generous, openhearted Dorothy herself is clearly on the cusp of adolescence, spunky and self-reliant in her boot-cut jeans and Wonder Girl bracelets; and her magical silver shoes (no glittery ruby pumps here!) look comfortable and sturdy, far more sensible for the long trek down the Yellow Brick Road. By no means a substitute for the original, but certainly a worthy companion, and well able to stand on its own. (Graphic novel. 8+) (Kirkus Reviews)