Hello, Yellow Brick Road: Elton John to Pen the Foreword for Ultimate OZ Universe

By Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE

Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands is a graphic novel set in the wicked world of Oz and is inspired by L. Frank Baum’s original books.

Sir Elton John to write foreword of “The Ultimate OZ Universe: The Lost Lands” — Photo Credit: Peggy Sirota

Citizens of Oz, get ready — there’s another star in your midst.

PEOPLE can exclusively reveal that Sir Elton John, 78, will be writing the foreword of Ultimate OZ Universe: The Lost Lands, a graphic novel set in the wicked world of OZ from Artists, Writers, and Artisans, Inc. (AWA).

“The magic of Oz has been influential throughout legendary musician Sir Elton John’s life, from childhood to inspiring the iconic song Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to now,” a press release from publishers shares.

“Committed to shining a light on stories that champion good and uplift others, Elton John is now helping pave the future of the OZ universe, penning a foreword for the upcoming graphic novel from AWA and a powerhouse team of creators – Ultimate OZ Universe: The Lost Lands.”

Sir Elton John to write foreword of The Ultimate OZ Universe Volume 1: The Lost Lands. Credit : Peggy Sirota; Courtesy of AWA

The multiple Grammy-winner tells PEOPLE exclusively that he was “dazzled” by the 114-page installment in this novel inspired by author L. Frank Baum’s 1900 book.

“Every moment with a book is precious and I was dazzled by the first installment in The Ultimate Oz Universe, celebrating the legacy of Baum’s genius and the heritage of color, unique characters and the triumph of goodness,” John wrote. “I am more committed than ever to shining a light on people and creators who uplift others.”

“It’s wonderful to see the love & attention AWA, [author] Larry King and my close friend [Broadway producer] Kevin McCollum have lavished on the Baum books so few people know,” the musician continues.

The Lost Lands introduces readers to a new protagonist, Tip and brings readers along as he explores the Land of Oz and unravels the mystery of his birth and the magic within him. During his journey, he encounters fan favorites — like the Tin Woodman — and new characters like H.M. Wogglebug.

“Like millions of fans around the world, I’ve watched The Wizard of Oz countless times over the years. But Dorothy’s adventure with the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion is just a small slice of the complex universe that we are exploring through Ultimate Oz Universe,” Axel Alonso, AWA’s chief creative officer and former Marvel editor-in-chief, previously told PEOPLE.

“This is not fan fiction; this is the first of many meticulously researched and canon-faithful stories that show you Oz like you’ve never seen before,” he added.

Ultimate OZ Universe: The Lost Lands bookstore cover by David Aja

Although Baum’s original work has inspired pop culture for decades — including the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, Wicked’s more than 20-year run on Broadway and touring productions around the world, not to mention the blockbuster movie of the same name in 2024 — he wrote more than a dozen subsequent novels after his first book.

King and the book’s publishers are now hoping to expand on those works even further, they previously told PEOPLE.

“I’ve been obsessed with Baum’s work since I was a kid. Getting every detail right was crucial,” Larry King, songwriter and co-writer of The Lost Lands, said in March. “We’re not trying to replace the stories fans love but offer new ways to dive deeper and connect the dots. There are so many Oz stories waiting to be told, and I can’t wait to see how readers react to this new journey.”

Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands comes out from AWA on Nov. 12 and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.