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

By Colson Thayer, PEOPLE

“There are so many Oz stories waiting to be told, and I can’t wait to see how readers react to this new journey” says author Larry King.

Take a step into the wicked world of Oz with Artists, Writers, and Artisans, Inc. (AWA)’s upcoming book: Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands.

This 144-page graphic novel, set for a Nov. 12 release from AWA and distributed by Simon & Schuster, takes readers through the unexplored corners of Oz. Throughout the novel, audiences will encounter familiar faces and plenty of new ones to love just as much.

“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,” said Axel Alonso, AWA’s chief creative officer and former Marvel editor-in-chief.

“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.

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.

Author L. Frank Baum first introduced readers to the magical land with the release of The Wonderful World of Oz in 1900. The introduction catalyzed fixtures in pop culture like the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, Wicked’s more than 20-year run on Broadway and of course, the blockbuster movie of the same name in 2024 — with a second part coming in 2025. But what audiences might not know is Baum expanded on the universe with 13 subsequent novels.

“I’ve been obsessed with Baum’s work since I was a kid. Getting every detail right was crucial,” said Larry King, songwriter and co-writer of The Lost Lands. “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.”

The new series is over 10 years in the making. To ensure the books remain true to the author’s original vision, the team collaborated with Baum historians Jay Duncan, Julie McNulty and Mike Bujnak. To add to the novel’s intricacy, QR codes are scattered throughout, directing readers to video footnotes and commentary with original music, maps and behind-the-scenes features to enrich their experience.

“Ever since Baum wrote his original stories, they have become the definition of pop culture, reflecting our human aspirations of achieving our best self against all odds,” said Broadway producer Kevin McCollum who also produced The Lost Lands. “Oz is not only a place, it’s a universe. The stories from the early 1900s mirror the idea we are all fighting for today, that we can’t give up and must keep trying to find a place where all creatures can live peacefully. It’s a dance between nature and humanity.”

Fans who can’t wait until the Nov. 12 release will have an opportunity to learn more about the series on March 8 during a special panel at the Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle.

Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands will be available from AWA on Nov. 12 and is available for proreoder now, wherever books are sold.