Talking With Fred Van Lente

Comic book writer Fred Van Lente has built a career blending sharp humor, deep research, and imaginative world-building across some of the industry’s most recognizable publishers. Known for acclaimed runs on titles such as Action Philosophers!, The Incredible Hercules, Archer & Armstrong, and numerous projects for Marvel, DC, and independent publishers, Van Lente has earned a reputation for bringing fresh accessibility to complex mythologies and legacy characters. Now, he turns that storytelling approach toward expanding L. Frank Baum’s legendary fantasy realm in The Ultimate OZ Universe Vol. 2: Into the Outerlands, continuing the evolving saga with a new creative vision while honoring the rich history of Oz. In this interview with Anthony Andujar Jr., Van Lente discusses stepping into the world of Oz, collaborating with the creative team, and shaping the next chapter of this expanding universe.

Fred Van Lente ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE V2  interview by Anthony Andujar Jr 2/16/2026

Interviewee: Fred Van Lente

Interviewer: Anthony Andujar Jr

Q1 What is it about The Ultimate OZ Universe that sparked interest in crafting the second installment, as compared to the previous book, which was written by Cullen Bunn, Larry King, and Mike Deodato Jr?

FVL: When the opportunity arose, I jumped at it. I worked with Mike very briefly at Marvel, so that was a huge plus, and crafting an entire story with him was fantastic. And, to be totally blunt, I didn’t know a single blessed thing about OZ that didn’t involve Judy Garland. It was an exciting opportunity to immerse myself in a whole new world. I’ve done that a lot in my career. Many times, it’s the opportunities that are presented to you that would never occur to you on your own (“OZ comics?!”) that prove the most rewarding. That’s definitely been the case here.

Q2 Given that the first installment of Ultimate OZ was successful, what was the thought process going into Volume 2: Into the Outlands? Were there any inspirations that guided your approach to Volume 2? Were there any consultations with the previous creative team as far as world-building that preserves a through line between the first volume and the upcoming volume?

FVL:  The primary inspiration for INTO THE OUTERLANDS is Ozma of Oz, the third Baum book in the series. Dorothy is swept through a whirlpool to Ev, in outer Oz, where she meets new companions like Billina the Hen and Tik-Tok. She runs afoul of Princess Langwidere, the, uh, head of the kingdom there. (Oz fans know what I mean.) At the same time, Ozma, still getting used to her new role and powers, is on her way to Ev, accompanied by the heroes from the last book: Scarecrow and Hungry Tiger, and more. She faces her own troubles, from the disintegrating sands of the Deadly Desert to Blaze to the sinister Nome despot of Fire Island. All these enemies point to a much bigger enemy, lurking in the shadows.

Q3 Do you listen to specific soundtracks when you write installments for specific series? If so, what did you listen to when creating Volume 2? And how did it inform the direction and tone of the story you wanted to expand upon that complements Volume 1?

FVL: I do! In fact, I find crafting specific playlists for specific projects extremely rewarding. It’s a great way to hack your brain and lock yourself into a particular script, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects at the same time like I am. I should also stress that what the songs are is irrelevant to the playlist, as long as you are thinking about or working on that project. Like, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” and what-have-you is not on my playlist for OZ, just a bunch of music from when I was closer to Dorothy and Ozma’s age, so I can put myself into that mindset. How old am I? Right now, I am playing my OZ playlist, and Fine Young Cannibals just came on. They were big when I was Dorothy’s age. Gen-X represent!

Q4 What is it about working with AWA as a publisher that provided support for you as a creator?

FVL: I worked with Axel closely as an editor back at Marvel, both as my own editor and when he became editor in chief, and it’s great, we still have that trust and continuity from that time to this new venture. AWA, in general, has been great with providing the rest of the creative folks here and me with everything we need to make a fantastic book.

Q5 What has the creative process been like with the creative team compared to this project? How did you and the team execute the ideas and direction of Into the Outerlands that felt satisfactory to everyone in unison?

FVL: The good news for me was that I have two of the best guides ever, co-writer Larry King and OZ historian Julie McNulty, to help me on my journey. Larry comes up with the basic idea for the story, then I flesh it out, with his help, into an outline and a script. We are halfway through scripting Book 3 at the moment, so it’s a process we’re familiar with.

Q6 It’s been announced that you’ll be heading to ECCC with the rest of the creative team. What kind of details will be discussed with the audience about the latest installment in the Ultimate OZ saga?

FVL: That wouldn’t be fair to reveal anything before the people who show up for our exclusive panel in Seattle get it first, would it? Let’s just say, don’t bother using the whole seat when you attend our panel. You’ll only need the edge.

Q7 Where can readers follow up for updates and details on Ultimate OZ Volume 2: Into the Outerlands and upcoming announcements?

FVL:  Well, I am @fredvanlente on all social media. Feel free to follow me, and I’ll keep you up to date on OZ. And all of my other projects, too, come to think of it.