Releasing August 25, the Graphic Novel Expands L. Frank Baum’s World through New Threats, New Lands, and a Mythology Still Unfolding
A Special Panel at Emerald City Comic Con on Friday, March 6, will Debut Early Artwork and Details, and Discuss the Evolution of the OZ Canon
The world of OZ is far larger and more dangerous than the road of yellow bricks ever revealed. Following the breakout success of ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: THE LOST LANDS, Artists, Writers & Artisans (AWA) today announced ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: INTO THE OUTERLANDS, the next epic chapter in its visionary expansion of L. Frank Baum’s legendary world. Building on the foundation laid in Volume 1, the new graphic novel spans more than 120 pages of richly layered storytelling and backmatter, plunging readers deeper into OZ’s most perilous realms. Told through an all-new story and striking artwork, Volume 2 reunites beloved characters while introducing new threats, new lands, and a mythology still unfolding.
Oz is once again at the center of pop culture. But as with Volume 1, ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: INTO THE OUTERLANDS looks far beyond the familiar yellow brick road. Rooted in Baum’s original 14 novels and the extensive canon that followed, the series explores the vast, often-overlooked corners of Oz, bringing long-dormant characters, locations, and conflicts into vivid focus for a new generation of readers.
Co-writer Larry King and acclaimed artist Mike Deodato Jr. return for INTO THE OUTERLANDS following the success of Volume 1, this time joined by co-writer Fred Van Lente (MARVEL ZOMBIES, Archie, The Future Is). Together, the team continues the saga with two parallel journeys that will determine the fate of OZ itself.
“What’s so cool about OZ is that it’s really the very first multi-part fantasy franchise, and there’s literally an infinite number of stories to come out of Baum’s work,” said Fred Van Lente, co-writer of ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: INTO THE OUTERLANDS. “In Volume 2, we show that Dorothy and Ozma aren’t just icons; they’re characters shaped by loss, responsibility, and choice. We’re taking the original material and adding even more emotional depth to show what heroism looks like when magic alone isn’t enough.”
In INTO THE OUTERLANDS, Dorothy is washed ashore on the wild coast of Outer OZ and swept into danger once more. With new companions at her side, she must confront Princess Langwidere, the cruel ruler of Castle Ev, before yet another corner of OZ is lost to darkness. Meanwhile, in the Emerald City, Princess Ozma struggles to master her newly awakened magic when Glinda the Good sends her on a perilous mission across the Deadly Desert toward Fire Island. Joined by Scarecrow, Lion, and the Tin Woodman, Ozma faces a rising threat tied to the Nome King’s legacy, and must uncover the deeper power within herself before it’s too late. Separated by distance but bound by destiny, Dorothy and Ozma’s stories unfold on a collision course as ancient evils rise and kingdoms tremble, testing whether hope, courage, and friendship can still shape OZ’s future.
Like its predecessor THE LOST LANDS, INTO THE OUTERLANDS is a meticulously researched, canon-faithful continuation of Baum’s world, blending reverence for the source material with modern storytelling ambition. The new volume will feature a foreword by a soon-to-be-announced cultural figure with a longstanding admiration of OZ – joining Volume 1’s foreword by Elton John – and further underscoring the enduring power and relevance of OZ, a universe whose imagination, theatricality, and vibrant visual splendor have long resonated across generations of readers, creators, and communities.
“Baum didn’t just create a setting; he built a living mythology with room to grow,” added Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer at AWA. “With Volume 2, we’re pushing further into that mythology, following characters fans think they know into places they’ve rarely seen, and asking what OZ looks like when its legends are tested by forces older and more dangerous than anything they’ve faced before. This series is about honoring the depth of Baum’s imagination while letting it evolve in bold, surprising ways.”
In addition to the mass-market edition coming to bookstores later this year, AWA is marking the launch with a Kickstarter campaign for a deluxe collector’s edition, created for the most dedicated OZ fans. Running March 3 through April 7, the campaign will include a cabinet case collector’s edition featuring a stunning wraparound landscape cover by returning artist Esad Ribić (SECRET WARS, ALIENS VS. AVENGERS), along with exclusive merchandise, a collectible puzzle, and additional surprises for super fans.
AWA will celebrate the next chapter of the ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE™ with a major presence at Emerald City Comic Con, including a booth (Booth #27003) and a special panel on Friday, March 6, from 3:00-4:00 pm in room 342 of the Seattle Convention Center. Moderated by popular Chicago-based entertainment critic and Oz historian, Ryan Jay, the panel will feature Fred Van Lente, Larry King, and Axel Alonso, who will debut early art, discuss the evolution of the OZ canon, and reveal new details about Volume 2, including the Kickstarter-exclusive edition launching just ahead of the show.
Available wherever books are sold on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: INTO THE OUTERLANDS is colored by Ive Svorcina (RUMPUS ROOM) and lettered by Steve Wands (BATMAN). Additional volumes in the series will be announced at a later date. For more information on INTO THE OUTLERLANDS and other projects, visit AWA Studios on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and AWAStudios.com.