Broken Frontier - Review of Chapter 7

http://www.brokenfrontier.com/

Dorothy #7

Story Title: Red in Tooth and Claw

Review by Sam Moyerman, posted March 20, 2007

And suddenly there is a frightening monster attempting to scare everyone, and we have finally completed our menagerie.

Dorothy, along with her own Tin/10 Man, Scarecrow, and Toto, continues her trek through Oz. But as she is traversing the land with her little crew, she learns that she is going to have to start understanding them quicker if they are to evade all the trouble that awaits them. Because as they are traveling over the land that used to belong to the Porcelain people, she learns just how evil the Queen can be. Not to mention a seemingly ferocious monster that has not only been following them, but also seems poised to strike. Meanwhile, the Queen continues to make her own plans for how to deal with Dorothy, even if it is creating a rift in her ranks.

For an updating/re-imagining, Dorothy seems poised to reach the artistic heights of its predecessors. The writing of Mark Masterson has remained brilliant. He somehow captures the voice of a teenage girl, a formerly brilliant scientist who has lost his mind and become a "scarecrow," and a robot who has been endowed with the knowledge and memory of his creator. He creates a good sense of tension and humor in his dialogue. There is proper foreshadowing in the writing, and best of all, his pacing has remained brilliant throughout. While the story may be familiar, the way Masterson puts it together makes it all seem new again.

And, to be honest, when putting this review together I’m not sure I can come up with any more adjectives to properly describe just how impressive the artwork is. As good as Masterson’s scripts are, the artwork of Greg Mannino and Ray Boersig tops even that. The page and panel design never overshadows the brilliance of the artwork, as these guys know just what they want to show. The designs of all the characters are incredibly inventive and the story just seems to come to life under their direction. Most impressive of all is how it is all put together. It would be very easy, while using this technique, to just put all the parts together and hope they fit. But these designers go the extra route to make sure that it all fits together and that nothing stands out.

If there were one negative about this book is that due to the effort put in, one can never know when to expect a new issue. But at least the wait is always worth it.

Hero Spy - Review of Chapter 6

http://www.herospy.com/

Dorothy #6

Written By: Mark Masterson
Art By: Ray Boersig
Directed By: Greg Mannino
Published By: Illusive Arts Entertainment

Reviewed By: Shawn Swanson

The chronicles of Oz continue with issue number six of Dorothy. We have already become acquainted with our star and been introduced to the Scarecrow. Now it is time to meet the Ten Man. I know what you’re thinking; you’re thinking I misspelled the name aren’t you? It’s supposed to be the Tin Man isn’t it? Not in this Oz.

I don’t want to spoil the twist in this issue by going into detail or by recanting the origin of a character we all thought we knew so well. But I will give you the basic lay of the land. The Scarecrow, Toto and Dorothy are on the yellow brick road, off to see the Wizard. Along the way they run into the Ten Man, who is… lets say rusted and lifeless. Don’t be alarmed, for our fearless Dorothy revives him. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? I promise you it’s not.

Once again the ultra imaginative team of writers, photographers and computer wizards at Illusive Arts have sat down and created another fantastic looking comic book. The story is slick, relevant and the perfect rethinking of a classic. The characters have a very real feel about them even though they are surrounded by a world with so few ties to reality. In any comic, dialog can make or break your make believe realm. I can’t tell you how many books I have read that looked beautiful but would not allow the reader a single opportunity to be absorbed in the storyline. Bad dialog is a lot like bad acting. Mr. Masterson has done an exceptional job with this book. Dorothy speaks very much like you would expect her to; I never once felt like she was being forced, she flowed.

The photography and CGI was also nicely laid on the page. The photography and artwork within most panels are flawless. If L. Frank Baum were still alive I think he would love this version of Oz. “Dorothy” has managed thus far to be as imaginative and innovative as the original stories were, oh so long ago. I have to tell you that originality is a feat in this day and age, especially when you are working with a tale that has been around long before the invention of dirt. That’s right! Oz was written way before dirt was ever invented, but don’t quote me on that.

All and all I am recommending this comic and giving it a four star rating. It’s a great read and a worthy book for any comic collection. I would suggest though that you go back and buy the first five issues, if you haven’t already read them. Talk to your local comic book store clerk and have him get that order in post haste.

Here is a little side note: If you make it to this years International Comic-Con in San Diego, you can visit this cool team of writers and artists. In fact you could pick up all six issues right there on the spot, I’ll bet they’d even sign a copy or two. You’ll find them hanging out at booth # 2203

Review by Eric Valentine of Mediasharx.com

http://www.mediasharx.com/

Dorothy Chapter One: The Cyclone

Published By: Illusive Productions
Written By: Mark Masterson, Greg Mannino
Starring: Catie Fisher
Art By: Greg Mannino, Theo Panousopoulos

What It's About:

Dorothy Gale is just your average Kansas teenager until a twister thrusts her into the strange world of Oz. Sound familiar? It's not.

Review:

Judy Garland, she ain't. Sixteen year old Dorothy Gale laments the loss of her parents and being trapped in Kansas with her pill-popping aunt and strict farmer uncle. Desperate to get away, she soon gets her wish in the form of a massive tornado. She awakens in Oz. No prancing down the yellow brick road or cackling witches, we're talking extra moons and robots.

Using photography and computer graphics isn't really new to comics. Greg Horn built his career on it, and even JH Williams III and Alan Moore used it in Promethea to illustrate advanced states of consciousness. Both instances worked well, but no one's really successfully matched up a good story with photographic sequential art and made them a complete storytelling entity rather than simply a gimmick. Until now.

Masterson deserves a lot of the credit, mostly for shaking the inherent stigma of approaching a photo comic - particularly one where the concept of the story is so deeply entrenched in the public conscious - and churning out something new. Dorothy is a modern woman, but still a teenager. She's quick tempered, with a touch of that post-adolescent childishness that most teenagers don't even know they have. The dialogue, while maybe not engrossing, is realistic and provides more than just a look into Dorothy's head, it reveals vast helpings of the girl's personality and maturity. Masterson and Mannino play around with the typical image of Dorothy, updating her as a troubled teen who drinks and smokes and does drugs. And of course, the literary symbollism is a little more obvious. After all, Dorothy wants to get far away from Kansas.

DOROTHY, however, will sell on the art. On the one hand you have a pretty lead actress/model in Catie Fisher, sailing through most of this first book with a detached apathy that masks a kind of vulnerability. The computer alterations, however, add a very striking level of atmosphere. Everything is gray in Kansas (a fact pointed out in the dialogue), and when a big gray cyclone tears into town, Dorothy barely survives the experience. The shift is noticeable, and while only included for a couple of pages, the design of the villains are intriguing.

There's a touch more of an element of art to DOROTHY, utilizing the photography as a storytelling medium and still requiring a great deal of work to make it look right. It's a tricky and brave move, and while it could have appeared cheap, it instead stands out as something completely different.

So the Wizard of Oz as a sci fi trip? Not surprising. That it works? Excellent.

You'll won't be able to find this one in your local comic shop or bookstore, you'll have to order directly from the company at DorothyofOz.net. While pricey, I'll point out that the quality of the comic itself is on the high end, and my copy took no damage in shipping. At thirty-six full color pages, no ads, and durable paper (my copy took several reads and dropping it a couple of times to show even the slightest bit of wear), it's not a bad deal. If you need further convincing, browse around DororthyofOz.net for a while.

The Comic Treadmill - Review of Chapter 1

http://www.comictreadmill.com/

August 19, 2004

Dorothy #1

Starring Catie Fisher; written by Mark Masterson; directed and produced by Greg Mannino.

Let's get my biases out of the way:

1.    I have never read any of L. Frank Baum's Oz books. All I know about the Wizard of Oz is from the movie and the soundtrack I bought my wife many years ago. So, I have no emotional investment in the characters, meaning there's little chance I'll get bent out of shape by the crew's take on Oz.
2.    I don't recall ever enjoying a photograph based comic. Ever. I especially dislike fumettis (not that Dorothy is a fumetti; far from it).
I'd even say that I don't really like comic covers with photographs on them: the style just bothers me. I think it's because the photo seems out of place on a comic book.
Why I am telling you this? Because Dorothy (Illusive Productions) accomplishes two improbable things. First, it's interesting enough to make me want to check out the Baum books from the library. It was the scenes--all three or four pages of them--that take place in Oz that did it. The setting and characters simply look great: I want to find out what those scenes might be based on, or, at least, what might have inspired them. The look of the book leads to accomplishment number two: I enjoyed a comic based on photography. Again, it was the Oz related pages that grabbed me; the other pages, where Dorothy is running away from home, were good, but the few normal (white with black type) word balloons just don't blend with the rest of the art. The captions and non-standard balloons looked good, though. (And, yes, I do know I'm being picky.)

One thing that makes the book really come alive: Masterson and Mannino keep a journal about the book and their thoughts. It's a great way to get a few previews as well as some insight into the creative and production processes that go into making Dorothy.

More story details and other reviews of Dorothy are available here. This issue came out in May; part two of the series is scheduled for release in September, which is a too long to wait for the next installment of what looks to be a quality series. Just call me impatient.

The Comic Treadmill - Review of Chapter 2

http://www.comictreadmill.com/

November 08, 2004

Dorothy of Oz Chapter 2: Lost (2004)

Starring Catie Fisher. Written by Mark Masterson. Directed and Produced by Greg Mannino. Illusive Productions. Image stolen right from the Dorothy of Oz homepage.

The story works on its own for me. As I said before, I'm not familiar with the original book(s), so I have to judge this story on its own merits. And have merit, it does. Let's start with the flying killer monkey: mmm, killer monkey. I'll be adding one to the Treadmill arsenal as soon as possible. I'd post an image, but then there'd be one less reason for you to go out and buy the book. And a robot Toto shows up, too. Flying monkeys and robot dogs don't make a plot, but they're a good start as far as I'm concerned. There's more, of course: Masterson and Mannino spend a good deal of time visually introducing the Land of Oz to us, while also setting up the main conflict. And we get some more insight into Dot's circumstances and personality.

The striking thing about the book is the art, especially the color. The outdoor color jumps off the page: I don't think I've ever seen anything so green as this. But I'm still not sure that the Dorothy in the grass panels feel integrated enough to be truly believable to me: they're interesting, but the images' edges and perspective seem a touch off. On the other hand, the scene between the Gray Man and the Queen left me with a proper sense of dread; I thought it was the visual peak of the book.

As far as I know, Dorothy of Oz is unlike anything else on the market now, which is almost reason enough to buy it. Since it has a solid story and looks great, I recommend it. Illusive Productions is currently offering both books for eight bucks. It's bargain and an opportunity to support a unique project.

Posted by Mag at November 8, 2004 09:30 PM

Comments:

even at 5 bucks a pop (which is what I paid for the first 2 issues -- OUCH!), this is a fun read.
it moves a little fast for my tastes...not much story for the buck. but the visuals do a good job of making up for it. and I agree the perspective, or something, was off in a few of the panels, but it didn't bother me too much. I just hope they get enough sales to finish off the series. I'd hate to be left hanging.

Posted by: tony z at November 17, 2004 06:40 PM

Arizona Daily Star - Comic wizard local artist takes on 'Oz'

Arizona Daily Star

Greg Mannino, 28 years old Produces and directs the independent comic book "Dorothy of Oz", Maintains Web site www.dorothyofoz.net.

His 'Dorothy of Oz' photo comic is a dark, modern remake of classic children's tale.

By Phil Villarreal, ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Open up a copy of 28-year-old Tucsonan Greg Mannino's cutting-edge independent comic book, "Dorothy of Oz," and it may hit you like a whirlwind and leave you feeling a little like Dorothy.

We're not in the world of traditional comics any more.

Using a blend of photography, comic panels and computer-aided design, Mannino's pages pop with alarming clarity.

"It's amazing," said the comic's writer, Mark Anthony Masterson, who lives in Fullerton, Calif. "A lot of people have done photo comics before. Italians have done it, and it's really big with the Japanese as well. But what Greg is doing here is also sort of stylized. He really just makes it vibrant."

"Dorothy of Oz" tells the serialized story of L. Frank Baum's novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," updated to modern times. Dorothy, played by 18-year-old Tucsonan Catie Fisher, is a burnt-out, alienated raver chick.

In the first issue, "Chapter 1: The Cyclone," Dorothy is running away from home when a twister sends her to Oz, which in this take on the fantasy is a dark, brooding world washed with foreboding browns and blacks, akin to Mordor in "The Lord of the Rings."

The resemblance, Mannino says, is not coincidental.

"It started when I went and saw "The Two Towers" in the theaters, and I got home and 'The Wizard of Oz' was on TV. I thought I could make a cool, dark, revamped version of 'The Wizard of Oz.' That's what started it, and it snowballed from there."

Mannino, who works for Tucson's Newspapers, the Star's business agent, funds the project on his own and sells the comics through his Web site. He has sunk $4,000 into production and has cleared about $600 so far in sales revenue.

"I just feel happy to do this, and I think about maybe being able to do it for a living someday," Mannino said. "Ever since I was a little kid, I've loved telling stories. I love the fact I'm able to tell a story and have people actually listen to it."

Mannino, who plans an initial 17-issue series run, with each issue being published a few months apart, has sold about 200 copies so far.

The comic book is available for $5 at local comic book shops R-Galaxy, 2420 N. Campbell Ave., and Heroes and Villains, 4533 E. Broadway, as well as online at www.dorothyofoz.net, where the book carries an additional shipping and handling charge of $2.50.

Mannino, who is not married, plans to release the second issue in September. He'd like to be able to work faster, but with a full-time job and a 3-year-old son, Brandon, who lives with his mother, Mannino can only dedicate 15 to 20 hours a week to shoot the photos, build the models and lay out the pages.

He does find ways, though, to mix time with his son with working on the comic. Mannino said his son is one of the biggest fans of "Dorothy of Oz."

"He loves it," Mannino said. "He wants to be an artist himself. I'll be storyboarding the book, telling him how to do a comic book, and he does his own comic book on his Magna Doodle, of 'The Flash.' He made up his own monster, made a page, erased it and made the next page."

Mannino said he's in talks with Diamond Comic Distributors, which potentially could get "Dorothy of Oz" into comic shops nationwide. Until then, "Dorothy of Oz" is a low-budget, no-pay production. Fisher and Masterson work for free, although Mannino says he will pay his collaborators when he starts to make a profit.

With no money to advertise, Mannino has relied on word of mouth. He has set up booths at comic book stores and film festivals, and the eye-catching cover has drawn in the curious and turned them into believers.

That's something Fisher has seen in action.

"When we went to the film festival a while ago, a man came up and said he had never read comic books, but this is so cool," Fisher said. "He said he started reading comic books because he liked it so much."

Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or pvillarreal@azstarnet.com.

Review at Laura Gjovaag's Bloggity-Blog-Blog-Blog

realtegan.blogspot.com

Monday, June 21, 2004

Rapid Reviews - Dorothy of Oz

Hubby-Eric's new comic book version of Oz has arrived, and I think it's worth reviewing...

Dorothy: As I mentioned when I first brought this up, it's a dark version of"The Wizard of Oz". A very dark version. Dorothy is a sixteen year-old girl with a slightly goth look who hotwires a truck in the first few pages. This is not Baum's vision, but that's ok. It's a vision all its own, and I actually like it quite a bit. The comic is made up of studio photos enhanced and turned into artwork, which is jarring in some places at first. The model playing Dorothy fits the role nicely. Once you get used to the style, the art works very nicely and enhances the mood of the story better than traditional art might. It's got a very slick, very cool look to it. All of that wouldn't be worth a nickel if the story wasn't also strong... which isn't a problem. The story is a nice twist on the original tale, with the whole tornado thing happening and everything. But there's no good witch awaiting Dorothy's arrival, and things in Oz seem a bit amiss. I can't recommend this to hardcore Oz traditionalists, but any Oz fan with an open mind and just about any regular comic book fan ought to enjoy this book. If you're on the hunt for something different, try it. Recommended.

A couple more notes: the comic book has a warning label on the cover,"Contains Strong Language and Drug References". I like that the label is on the cover. It makes it pretty clear off the bat that despite the setting, this is no children's book.

I mentioned hardcore Oz fans would not like this. I mean it. I know of at least one hardcore Oz fan who would likely have a hissy fit if he saw this. That's his problem. I liked it. But don't get it for your favorite Oz fan unless you know ahead of time that they don't mind alternate versions of Oz. I know there's a word for the use of photos in a comic book form, but I can't for the life of me remember it. This isn't simply photos, though, the photos are enhanced with backgrounds added. I particularly like the enhancement of the color on Dorothy's eyes. Very nicely done.

I absolutely love the next line after the good old I-don't-think-we're-in-Kansas type line. That and another scene got a good laugh out of me. If you want to see a good page on Oz, go visit The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Website, aka hubby-Eric's passion.

Review at Dorian's PostmodernBarney

www.postmodernbarney.com

Dorothy #1 by Mark Masterson and Greg Mannino, starring Catie Fisher:

This is a great, intelligent, original updating of the Wizard of Oz story told with a mix of CGI and photography. It's clever, funny, and gorgeous to look at. Here Dorothy is a precocious goth/punk girl running away from her dull dirt-farming Aunt and Uncle in a lterally gray Kansas. Oz, from the brief glimpse we see, has clearly seen better days but still manages to retain some of it's alien mystique that made Baum's books so appealing. Previews and copies avaiable from the web-site, and I'd suggest you grab it.

posted by Dorian  # 11:14

Review from Dobry Komics

Witaj w krainie Oz

Informacja z dnia 10.09.2004, godz.07:00

Z pewnoœci¹ s³ysza³eœ o "Czarnoksiê¿niku z krainy OZ" L. Franka Bauma lub chocia¿ ogl¹da³eœ najlepsz¹ filmow¹ adaptacjê tej dzieciêcej ksi¹¿ki - "Czarnoksiê¿nika z krainy OZ" z 1939 roku, gdzie w postaæ Dorotki wcieli³a siê Judy Garland (jednym z najbardziej kultowych momentów filmu jest ten, w którym aktorka odœpiewuje "Over the Rainbow"). Oto Greg Mannino, grafik komputerowy i prawdziwy artysta na miarê XXI wieku, postanowi³ na swój szalony sposób nadaæ historii futurystyczne szlify. Z pomoc¹ scenarzysty Marka Mastersona przeniós³ Dorotkê, Toto i resztê zabawnego towarzystwa w realia XXI-wieku, kiedy œwiat nie jest ju¿ tak sympatyczny i kolorowy, a wrêcz przeciwnie - mroczny, surowy i pe³en niebezpieczeñstw. Co ciekawe, koncept komiksu narodzi³ siê u Grega po obejrzeniu "W³adcy Pierœcieni: Dwie Wie¿e", kiedy to w g³owê autora wbi³a siê rewelacyjna postaæ Golluma. Greg po powrocie z kina z przyjació³mi w³¹czy³ telewizor, a tam lecia³ w³aœnie "Czarnoksiê¿nik z krainy OZ". Wtedy autor wiedzia³ ju¿ co bêdzie jego kolejnym projektem... To co zdumiewa ju¿ na pierwszy rzut oka to rewelacyjna szata graficzna - mieszanina malarstwa, fotografii i techniki cyfrowej, w której specjalizuje siê autor. Znacz¹c¹ rolê przy powstawaniu komiksu odegra³a ponadto Catie Fisher - urodziwa blondynka, która jako modelka pozowa³a w charakterze komiksowej Dorotki. Zapewne dlatego wra¿enia wizualne, jakie wywiera komiks, s¹ a¿ tak pora¿aj¹ce (w pozytywnym sensie, rzecz jasna). Wydawc¹ serii "Dorothy" jest Illusive Productions. Obecnie jest w sprzeda¿y pierwszy numer "Dorothy, Chapter 1: The Cyclone", 25 paŸdziernika pojawi siê kolejny "Dorothy, Chapter 2: Lost" Wiêcej o projekcie dowiecie siê z

Dorothy, Chapter 1

TheComicFanatic.com

You just thought you knew the classic Wizard Of Oz! Well, you ain't seen nothing yet! Illusive Productions' Dorothy is one of the most imaginative spins on L. Frank Baum's classic tale ever! Featuring a beautiful, lovable heroine and some of the most breathtaking images to ever grace a comic book page, Dorothy is a comic book that will send you over the rainbow - and back for more!

I am just one of millions of Comic Fanatics who grew up watching the classic "Wizard Of Oz" on television each year. I was also of the era that got to see the Motown musical "The Wiz" when it was first released. As such, I have always been a fan of writer L. Frank Baum's classic story. It's that imaginative, fantastical tale that spawned a love of fantasy for this one time strictly a superhero and horror genre Comic Fanatic.

I have recently been revisiting Baum's Wizard Of Oz thanks to my five year old son. My wife has been a huge fan of The Wizard Of Oz, and a much bigger fan of the movie than me. So, as a Christmas gift, she bought our son the movie to convert a new fan to this classic tale. Combine that movie with the superb fantasy saga by writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Mike Ploog called Abadazad, and my son has now become a huge fantasy fan. Now, I'm constantly on the lookout for the next big fantasy tale. Enter Illusive Productions' Dorothy!

I came across Dorothy by sheer chance. A member of The Fan Man's Forum posted a thread talking about ordering the debut issue of Dorothy and asked if anyone else had checked it out. After a quick visit to Dorothy Of Oz.Net, I knew this was something that I just couldn't pass up! But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this comic book would be this amazing!

Dorothy is a modern day retelling of the well known classic Wizard Of Oz. Even if you are familiar with the classic story, don't assume you already know the whole story of Dorothy! This is an altogether different Dorothy, all the while maintaining that same fantastical feeling of the original tale with an added touch of sci-fi.

After the death of her parents, 16 year old Dorothy Gale is stuck in Kansas on the farm belonging to her pill popping Aunt Em and her strict Uncle Henry. After her aunt and uncle come down on her hard one night for drinking, Dorothy decides to sneak out in hopes of finding some "real people" who will help her live her "real life."

Despite Uncle Henry's warning about the Weather Channel's storm alert, Dorothy sneaks out of her room, hot wires his pickup truck and heads to Topeka. As she begins her drive, Dorothy laments the fact that Uncle Henry's truck radio only picks up country music and bible shows. Dorothy also comes to the conclusion that she doesn't belong there…or anywhere. A fast approaching funnel cloud seems to agree…

Uncle Henry's truck and Dorothy are sucked up in the tornado and tossed around and about. When she finally escapes the truck, Dorothy manages to catch a glimpse of the truck exploding just before blacking out. When she comes to, Dorothy finds that she's not in Kansas anymore…and she doesn't find any Yellow Brick Road, either! Dorothy finds herself in an Oz directly out of a science fiction movie! And her arrival hasn't gone unnoticed, either…

The story by writer Mark Masterson and artist Greg Mannino manages to take a familiar tale and breathe exciting new life into it. Written by Masterson, the tale depicts a modern day Dorothy who is obviously a troubled teen. Depressed over losing her parents, Dorothy also deals with the strictness of her aunt and uncle. Stuck on a farm, Dorothy wants to spread her wings and party. And you get the sense of this girl's desperation and confinement throughout this story.

Masterson and Mannino could have gone the easy route and just tweaked the classic Wizard Of Oz, but they have made this tale seem all new and even more exciting. Definitely not a children's tale, Dorothy is a sophisticated story that promises to be so much more. This first issue will whet your appetite for more like no other comic you have ever read!

One of the many strengths of this first issue is how much it feels like a motion picture. Part of that can be attributed to the story, but the majority of that Hollywood blockbuster feel has to be credited to the art. Mannino and Theo Panousopoulos have created one of the most breathtaking comic books you will ever have the pleasure of looking at!

Rather than your ordinary, run of the mill comic book art, Dorothy consists of photography and computer graphics. You've heard the expression "the action leaps off the page"? Well, in this case that expression couldn't be more true! While many others might have relied on this medium as a gimmick to sell a project, Mannino and Panousopoulos use this photographic sequential art to weave a complete story that is not only intriguing and exciting, but also truly satisfying and easy flowing.

The photographic sequential art accurately depicts the mood of Dorothy, from capturing her apathetic nature to the gray skies of Kansas. And Mannino and Panousopoulos create an Oz that is simply stunning. Forget the Yellow Brick Road! This Oz is a sci-fi sight never scene before. And, although they only appear briefly, the villains are truly original…and even creepy!

A rave about this comic book would not be complete with bragging about the star of the book: Dorothy Gale. This Dorothy is most definitely not Judy Garland, but in this case that‘s a good thing! Actress/model Catie Fisher plays the part of Dorothy. Fisher portrays a beautiful, stunning Dorothy, and manages to bring a certain toughness to this good girl character. Fisher's Dorothy has multi-colored hair and multiple piercings. And when she is sucked up in the tornado, this Dorothy doesn't turn into a frightened little girl. This Dorothy gets mad!

Despite the gruffness of this character, Fisher brings something to this Dorothy that makes me want to know what happens to her next. For every Comic Fanatic who was once a rebellious teenager, this character will appeal to that part of you. While that part of you will understand what this teen is going through, another part of you will feel sympathetic toward Dorothy - quite an accomplishment for the first issue of a brand new series. Plus, it doesn't hurt that this loveable character is very easy on the eyes!

Dorothy is so amazing, I even have to brag about the quality of the book itself! Dorothy is a 36 page, full color comic book with no ads. This book is printed on high quality, thicker paper similar to what CrossGen used to use. Very impressive for a debut comic book from an independent publisher!

One of my greatest fears as a writer and a reviewer is that I will fail to get across my feelings and opinions in mere words. So if you don't read anything else in this review and take it to heart, read this: DON'T MISS THIS BOOK! Visit Dorothy Of Oz.Net, order a copy and wait impatiently by your mailbox for this book! Tell your friends - even those who don't read comics! Heck, be a Comic Ambassador and order extra copies to pass out to your friends and coworkers! Dorothy is THAT good! If there was ever gold at the end of the rainbow, Dorothy is definitely it!

Dorothy Chapter One: The Cyclone contains strong language and drug references. For the time being, Illusive Productions' Dorothy Chapter One: The Cyclone can only be purchased at Dorothy Of Oz.Net. Planned as a 17 chapter story, Dorothy Chapter Two will be available online on September 25, 2004.

Dorothy, Chapter 2

TheComicFanatic.com

If you were one of the lucky Comic Fanatics who picked up Dorothy Chapter 1 and you thought that book was impressive, you ain't seen nothing yet! Illusive Productions has just released the second chapter of this modern spin on the classic "Wizard Of Oz" and the title "Lost" is all too appropriate! With stunning visuals featuring "real" characters and a compelling story, it's all too easy to get "Lost" with Dorothy Chapter 2!

Illusive Productions' Dorothy is a unique and amazing creation. I can't begin to tell you how many comic books land on my desk each week, so it is rare for any series or miniseries to stand out from the pack and stick in my memory-addled mind. It's even more rare when a comic book does that based on one single issue…like the first chapter of Dorothy.

Like many folks my age and like many folks of different ages, I grew up watching the classic "Wizard Of Oz" on television each year. While I was never a huge fan of L. Frank Baum's classic tale, for some reason I could never pass up watching that movie. After years of looking back, I realize that it wasn't the tale of a girl longing to go home that brought me back to that movie year after year. Instead, I was hooked by the fantastical world of Oz and the even more fantastical creatures found in that world…especially those cursed flying monkeys that gave me nightmares for many, many years.

Thanks to the folks at Illusive Productions, those whimsical feelings - and with this issue, the nightmares of winged monkeys come rushing back!

The latest chapter of Dorothy finds our heroine - played so convincingly by model/actress Catie Fisher - smack dab in the middle of a strange new world. Realizing that she isn't in Kansas any more, Dorothy Gale tries to take in her new surroundings…only to be attacked by one of the most hideous creations ever brought to a comic book page…a Greg Mannino created flying monkey! If the original flying monkeys gave you nightmares…wait until you get a load of this! And, yes…you're gonna have to buy the book to see it! Well worth the price of admission in itself!

Dorothy's introduction to the residents of Oz doesn't end there. With fresh, new scratches on her face courtesy of the winged terror, Dorothy trips over a strange little robotic dog that informs her via its "eyes" that its name is TO-2, a simply brilliant creation by Mannino! However, TO-2 isn't the strangest creature that Dorothy meets in this issue!

Dorothy stumbles across a strange dying creature and manages to save this being with the last of her bottled water. This creature repays Dorothy by giving her an item that the creature claims has been hers all along, even though she has never seen it to her knowledge. Elsewhere, the most evil force in Oz - and almost as terrifying as that flying monkey! - is in search of Dorothy's new acquisition…

If you are reading this thinking that you already know how Baum's "Wizard Of Oz" plays out, think again! Writer Mark Masterson delivers a masterful retelling of that classic story that can only be described as a story inspired by the original!

Masterson takes this well known tale into exciting new territories brought to amazing life by the photography of Mannino and Theo Panousopoulos, along with Mannino's creative computer visualizations! In this issue alone, we discover how Dorothy came to live with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas…and it's not a happy tale! The opening sequence of this issue is a real heart-wrenching tear jerker!

Dorothy is blessed with having a group of storytellers bringing this ambitious project to life. Sure, you have Masterson's writing, but you also have to give a huge storytelling assist to Mannino. Calling Mannino a "visionary" is selling this creative force short! If you thought the world of Oz and its fantastical creatures were something in the classic movie, you ain't seen nothing yet!

One look at what Mannino brings to the printed page in this issue - especially that dang flying monkey! - and you will be left wondering if this creator is a madman, a twisted genius or someone who should be bringing this adventure to the big screen via Hollywood! One look at the vibrantly colorful pages in this book and you will be asking yourself if this is real! Want to be truly amazed? Check out the Behind The Curtain portion of Dorothy Of Oz.Net and see for yourself how some of this issue was brought to life!

While we are talking about storytellers, you have to shine a spotlight on Fisher. This 18 year old beauty brings the 16 year old Dorothy Gale to incredible life, making the reader truly believe that this is a troubled, yet fiercely determined teen lost in a strange land. And it doesn't matter if she is grimacing from a flying monkey attack or grinning from a robotic dog licking her face, Fisher lights up every panel she appears on, making the reader truly care about this character and her fate…and brining you back begging for more!

Don't let the $5.00 price tag scare you away. This comic book would be a bargain at TWICE that price! Comic Fanatics get 36 pages of full color sci-fi/fantasy adventure with no ads, one of the highest quality comic books in the industry from the story and "art" to the actual book itself…and let's no forget a touch of flying monkey horror!

If you haven't hopped aboard the Dorothy bandwagon yet, make the leap now! I cannot stress this enough - BUY THIS BOOK!! 2005 will see Dorothy solicited through Diamond, and soon everyone will discover what I already know - Dorothy is the most incredible motion picture that has never appeared on any screen! And it's only getting better!

Dorothy Chapter II - Lost - as well as Dorothy Chapter I - The Cyclone - can be ordered right now online at Dorothy Of Oz.Net.