Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this edition, we’re checking out the latest installment of a Ringo-Award winning comic from the creative mind of David Pepose. If you’re not familiar with Pepose’s work, he is the mastermind behind such books as Scout’s Honor, Spencer & Locke and the upcoming, soon to be your new favorite Marvel comic, Savage Avengers to name a few. However, the book that jumps out on his resume to me is the Ringo Award winning “The O.Z.” Issue #2 by Pepose, Ruben Rojas. Whitney Cogar & DC Hopkins continues this epic fantasy story. Let’s check out what this issue is all about, shall we?

The OZ #2 (Kickstarter - DavidPepose.com)
Creative: David Pepose, Ruben Rojas. Whitney Cogar & DC Hopkins
Photo Credit: DavidPepose.com

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARING ***

The O.Z. centers around Dorothy Gale, a veteran of the Iraq War who is whisked away to a version of OZ that has never been seen before. OZ, as in “Wizard of OZ” OZ & this Dorothy is the granddaughter of the original Dorothy from that classic story. From where issue #1 took us, the landscape has changed dramatically. Former allies are now foes and all bets are off as to who will survive this new world. Issue #1 is a fantastic read & highly recommended.

Issue #2 starts off with Dorothy now leading the charge of resistance against the evil one currently ruling OZ: The Scarecrow! After Dorothy freezes up during an assassination attempt, the resistance has to retreat from their attack and leads the evil forces right to their front door! Just as it looks like our heroes are doomed for, they cross paths with another classic character from the original story, thought VASTLY different than what readers would remember. From this encounter, Dorothy and company make a move towards acquiring a weapon powerful enough to end this reign of terror once and for all. Unfortunately “He who has a brain” has been patiently making moves waiting for them. If this is going to be the final battle for the Occupied Zone, both sides are ready to this to end. Great final page cliffhanger!

WOW! Pepose has created one of the most imaginative re-tellings of a classic you will ever read! Issue #1 laid the groundwork for this new vision, but this issue took things up a few notches. The character of Dorothy Gale is a complex one. While being the soldier that the good fight needs, she struggles with her past actions in our world. It makes for a very compelling lead character for this book. I also enjoyed the interaction between the “Samaritan” & Gale after the failed assassination attempt. He has been a great character to balance her out due to his own past. Juggling around so many of the original story’s key players hasn’t been an issue with this series. Pacing has been solid and all main characters feel they have time to grow and make impacts for the reader to follow.

Rojas has done a stellar job at bringing this world to life. It’s distinctly different from the OZ readers might know. Rojas’ versions of all the main players feel distinct & the action sequences! Every time there i a battle, the creative team shines! From the battle for the resistance headquarters to the quest for the big “weapon”, every panel pops off the page and there is no question readers are glued to their books seeing it. This book is some of the best storytelling in comics you’re ever gonna read.

Overall, The O.Z. continues it’s wildly imaginative story with strong writing and artwork. The World of OZ has never been more interesting! Readers are in for a fantastic treat with the twists and turns happening within these pages. Pepose and Rojas are making an instant classic!. If this isn’t a part of your comic collection, remedy that ASAP! For more info, check out their kickstarter & drop a follow for David Pepose on Twitter!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of “The O.Z.” #2. As always, thanks for reading!

THE O.Z. #2 by David Pepose and Ruben Rojas (KICKSTARTER)

Ken M