Legends of Oz : The Scarecrow

The first in the collection of planned character studies and standalone vignettes, The Legends of Oz: The Scarecrow is a two issue miniseries devoted to everyone’s favorite mysterious sidekick. Join Big Dog Ink and writer Pat Shand as we delve deeper into the origins of the quirky Scarecrow who’s out to prove that just because she’s a mysterious puppet created by evil magic, it doesn’t mean she can’t be pure good!

It’s not Kansas anymore, although it certainly feels more like it than the classic Oz did.  Regardless of where it really takes place, this Legend of Oz: Scarecrow mini still has the same wonderful mystique of the story we all know so well.  If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of BDI’s twist on Oz, this is a great place to start.

With writer Pat Shand at the helm, we get a wonderful little story that is paced just right for the two issues it was set in.  Whether or not you have actually read Wicked West, you’ll get to enjoy some fun insight into the history of our adorable Scarecrow.  Odds are if you haven’t though, this well written pair of books will wet your whistle enough to make you seek out the rest of the series.

Even having provided such good writing, that could only go so far considering our leading lady can’t talk.  It says a lot about how successful the art is when a mute character can speak volumes with just her body language.  By the end of the story, you’ll be pleased with the job Carlos Rena did in portraying everything the Scarecrow “said” to people.

Although this mini-series can easily stand on its own, you’re not going to want to stop with just these two books.  Taking a classic like Oz and doing it right is risky, but the folks at BDI pull if off oh so well.  Do yourself a big favor and grab The Scarecrow and then check out the rest!

For more information on The Scarecrow or other Big Dog Ink titles, check out Big Dog Ink.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are 100% those of the individual reviewer.

Big Dog Ink Gets Even More Wicked with Legends of Oz

In 2010, Big Dog Ink thrilled the independent comic book market with the release of The Legend of Oz: The Wicked West.  This Wild West retelling of the beloved story of Dorothy Gale and her journey to find the wizard was a hit with fans of the classic tales of Oz and comic book readers alike.  In 2012 Big Dog Ink launched a much anticipated ongoing monthly comic book as a follow up to the critically acclaimed mini-series.  Where the original six issues brought fans familiar characters with a western twist, the ongoing comic delves deeper into the rich mythos of the Land of Oz with new characters pulled straight from the beloved series of children’s books, with a Big Dog Ink style twist of course.

On the heels of this increasingly popular series comes Big Dog Ink’s latest journey into the world of Toto the horse and the Tin Man sheriff.  In Legends of Oz, Big Dog Ink takes advantage of the limited series format to bring you in depth looks at the origins of some of your favorite characters.  The first in the collection of planned character studies and standalone vignettes, The Legends of Oz: The Scarecrow will be a two issue miniseries devoted to everyone’ favorite mysterious sidekick.  Join Big Dog Ink and writer Pat Shand as we delve deeper into the origins of the quirky Scarecrow who’s out to prove that just because she’s a mysterious puppet created by evil magic, it doesn’t mean she can’t be pure good!

Featuring interior art and an “A” cover by the talented Big Dog Ink newcomer Carlos Reno and with colors and “B” covers respectively by regular Legend of Oz: The Wicked West artists Kate Finnegan and Nei Ruffino, these new Legends limited series are a perfect complement to the existing gritty western universe created in the monthly ongoing comic book.  Fans can read The Legends of Oz: The Scarecrow side by side with the monthly title to broaden their Oz universe, or on its own as a standalone story.  The Legends of Oz: The Scarecrow is also the perfect addition to comic book stores shelves to lure new fans into checking out the goodness that is the Wicked West!

The Legends of Oz: The Scarecrow #1 releases in April 2013 and is currently available for pre-order in the February Diamond previews catalog with a retail price of $3.50.

About Big Dog Ink
Founded in 2009, Big Dog Ink is an independent publisher of diverse comic book properties such as PENNY FOR YOUR SOUL, URSA MINOR, CRITTER, KNIGHTINGAIL and REX: ZOMBIE KILLER.  Since its inception, Big Dog Ink has quickly become a top publisher in the industry with its hit series, THE LEGEND OF OZ: THE WICKED WEST, which has consistently charted in the "Diamond Top 300" list.  BDI has gained a loyal fan following due to our high quality art, stories and dedication to elevating the art of small press and creator owned publishing.

The Legend of Oz : Wicked West

Welcome to another comic book review! This one comes to us from Big Dog Ink. I first met these guys at the Detroit Fan Faire back in September and I have to say that they were super nice and friendly. I know what you're thinking.."Of course they were nice and friendly. They were there to promote their product." You would think that'd be the case, right? Sadly, that's wrong. There were a lot of people there who were actually quite rude and others that just weren't great with people. Artist temperaments aside, if you want to sell product, you have to be nice to the people. These guys? Super nice. If you ever get the chance to go to a con that they're at, I highly recommend stopping by and saying hi. Even tell them I sent you..it's become a bit of a running joke to have people name drop my name as if I'm somebody.

Anyway, recently, Tom over at Big Dog Ink agreed to let me review some of their books. While I haven't received anything from their media department yet, I do have a copy of the first issue of The Legend of Oz just waiting for me to read it and since it's a brand new comic, I thought it the perfect place to start! So, let's go!

The first thing I noticed with this book was the heaviness of the cover. As someone who tends to lay things down and then the kids or the cats knocks them somewhere, I really appreciated a more durable cover than you find on some comic books. The colors, done by Kate Finnegan reminded me of the darkness in some of the old western movies. This is rather important as this Oz is just a little different than your Judy Garland Oz. It's not green and lush..it's dark, it's dusty...it's the old west in all it's stereotypical glory. Kate does a wonderful job using just the right coloring to get that feeling across.

I, for one, love this new take on an old classic. Our good friend, Dorothy, is now going strictly by her last name, Gale. Did you know that was her last name? Unless you're a big fan of either the movie or the book series, you may not have. Her faithful friend, Toto? He's now a very handsome horse. Remember the flying monkies? Ok, these ones will scare you far more than the movie ones ever gave me the creeps. Do you remember them? *shudders*  In this series, they're all grown up into shape shifting gorillas! Did I mention their glowing eyes? Some serious bad voodoo going on there, folks.

The story is familiar and yet, totally new. Our heroine is still searching for the Emerald City but this time it's not nearly so easy to find as people..and other things..have been taking the gold bricks from the road. She wanders into one of those classic western towns where the only thing open is the local tavern and that's all I'm going to tell you because I promise you that if you love good comics, good writing, The Wizard of Oz and any combination of the above, this is a series that you're going to want to pick up. The best part? Going strictly by the first issue, this is a series I could let my kids read. Yes, Miss Gale is a hottie, but she's not overtly sexual. Yes, there's some violence but at their ages, my kids have seen far worse in some of the video games they play at their dad's house.

My opinion? You'll want to pick this one up. If you want to order it, you can find it via Amazon, via the Big Dog Ink link above or hunt down these guys at a Comic Con near you. I know they'll be at the one in Mesa, AZ this weekend. Just remember...tell them Katrina sent you. ;)

If memory serves, I bought this copy of this book. All thoughts, comments and general gushiness over an awesome book is totally 100% mine.