—The Dark Side of Oz—

Oz for mature audiences

Artwork by John R. Neill.  The Dark Side of Oz chronicled by Joe Bongiorno. Used only by permission.

1978 

Note: Written in the style of an 18th century novel, this book about the adventures of a roving band of decadent time-traveling aristocrats in search of a green dolphin is likely one of the more off-putting “Oz” books written (although Oz doesn’t even come into it until the very last few chapters).  Sexual undertones (including brief allusions to bestiality, incest and pedophilia) render this title inappropriate for youngsters.  For a chronological list of Laumer’s other Oz stories, see the section, Beyond the Deadly Desert.

1979 

Note: Science fiction adventure featuring time travel and universe hopping.  The characters land in a reasonable facsimile of Oz, where they spend some time and learn that there is a “no birth” rule in effect.

1982 

Note: Adult fantasy that takes only Baum’s first book as having occurred.  In it, an older Dorothy living in Kansas has a son that stumbles into Oz and falls in love with Glinda.  This book has garnered both excellent and terrible reviews and may be worth a look.  Not for the kiddies.

1991 – 1993

Note: Due to problems with the publisher (which also resulted in certain pages being printed out of order), this issue (which would have constituted issues 5 and 6) is now considered non-continuity. It has been revised and published in The Complete Annotated Oz Squad: Volume One (published by Lulu.com)

1992 

Note: Intriguing and dark psychological tragedy about a Dorothy Gael who is sexually abused by her Uncle Henry and in later life turns to prostitution.  Baum himself is cast in the role of a teacher who attempts to save her life.  Obviously not for younger readers or those looking for the Baumian vision of Oz.

1994 – 1998 Caliber’s Oz and Dark Oz series

Note: Fascinating and well written, this acclaimed comic book series features a much darker, grimmer version of Oz that utilizes Baum’s characters and locales but in far different ways.  For a PG-13/ R rated version of Oz, go here.

Note: Well written, these action-packed one shots and mini-series based on the Oz comic book series from Caliber Press, feature a much darker, grimmer version of Oz than what most are used to.  Worth a look as they utilize characters from most of Baum’s books (although in altered form) in an epic saga of good vs. evil.

Note: Aptly titled and well done sequel to the Oz comic book series features a much darker, grimmer version of Oz than what many are used to.  Still, a fascinating take on Baum’s vision that utilizes many of his characters and locales, although in somewhat altered form.

Note: Interesting sequel to the Dark Oz comic book series that features a darker version of Oz than what many are used to.  This series is the least dark of the three so far, approaching a more ‘traditional’ spin on this story arc.

1995 

Note: Though nothing to do with Baum’s vision of Oz or its history, this interesting adult novel is a retelling of the Wizard of Oz with a twist on the well known characters, particularly the Wicked Witch of the West, who’s portrayed as a misunderstood misanthrope who cares for animals.

1998

Note: This short-lived comic series has been called “ridiculously violent” and a “disgusting misuse of both Peter Pan and the Oz characters."

1999 

Note: This book serves as more of a dissertation on metaphysical and New Age teachings than a straightforward Oz book and may be considered offensive by some readers.  There may be another version of this published without any of its occult elements.

2000 

Note: In the year 2007, travel to Oz from Earth is a regular occurrence.  Replete with violence, sexuality and a swear word on every page, this modern take on Oz follows the adventures of Gen-Xrs Gene and Aurora as they strive to conquer a new enemy to Ozma and the throne.  This one is definitely NOT for younger audiences and even older ones may find much to be offended by.

Note: This is an online roleplaying game setting compatible with White Wolf’s World of Darkness campaign, particularly “Changeling: The Dreaming”.  Baum’s books up to Patchwork Girl of Oz are considered historic.  Following this, Ironheart, a Nocker King from the Far Dreaming, has taken over the land.  Many of the Ozian heroes are dead and Ozma is missing. 

Note: This is strictly X-rated slash/porn.  Three different Ozmas embark on an orgy with the hero's of Dave Hardenbrook's Unknown Witches of Oz, Charles Phipps' Wooing of Ozma, as well as Conway's own protagonist.

2005

Note: Using color photography and stunning computer animation effects, the team of Masterton, Mannino and Panousopoulos have produced a unique and very interesting modern fantasy based on the Oz mythos.  Teenage Dorothy (a pissed-off, pierced & post-modern version) sets off for adventure only to find herself in a bizarre world where robot dogs and hungry dragons reside.  An ugly good witch gives her a tip, but Dorothy decides to carve her own way in this version of Oz you've never seen before.

2006

Note: Softcore porn from the UK.  "Lord Kir, Ruler of Emerald City, and Lord of the cave-dwelling mountain wolves, finds a treasure on his yellow brick road. She's beautiful. She's confusing. She's absolutely maddening."

 

Bloodstained Oz

Christopher Golden/ James A. Moore

Earthling Publications

Note: Ghastly vampiric horrors from Oz come via storm to Kansas and wreak havoc on a local community.  Lion, Scarecrow and the Tinman attempt to help in small ways as the array of gruesomes (including demonic winged monkeys, living dolls, emerald eyed zombies and munchkin vampires) attack and destroy.  For lovers of Hammer and the Romero films.  Illustrated in grand guignol style by Glen Chadbourne.

 

Lost Girls

Alan Moore/ Melinda Gebbie

Top Shelf

Note: Sexually explicit three volume graphic novel series featuring Dorothy Gale, Wendy (from Peter Pan) and Alice (of Lewis Carroll fame).  Described by PublishersWeekly.com reviewer as "bluntly pornographic, with explicit sex scenes on almost every page. Beyond couplings of every combination of women and men, the story involves fetishism, incest and even a touch of bestiality, as well as a whole lot of sexual activity involving minors..."