Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reviews: OZopolis #2 By Kirk Kushin Productions - Published by Forceworks Productions     - Photos: (Above) - The front cover to 'OZopolis' #2. (Above top left) - Kirk Kushin at the 2010 Long Beach Comic Con, where he first introduced me to his series.

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3465:

This comic book was moved up in my 'To Review' stack due to the fact that I had already read and review blogged issue #1 a while back, as seen here... And that the writer of the comic book series will be at the upcoming Comic-Con International that starts later today, Wednesday the 20th, with Preview Night, from 6PM to 9PM!

Please take a moment and check out what I said about issue #1 of this series... 

Okay, back?

Well, this issue continues with an eye catching front cover.

The inside front cover is the 'credits page', which shows that the interior pages will be 'based on the works of L. Frank Baum.  Which I have to say must be pretty much right on, as Kirk Kushin was a recent attendee of the 2011 Winkie Con, the Official Wizard of OZ convention, and I don't believe they threw him out, LOL!

However, once again the first page, and the additional pages are printed in black & white, which can be a 'turn-off' for some potential readers.  For those of you that have to read your comics in color, and don't want to even peruse non-color comics... You are missing out on a good 2nd issue...

I mentioned before that I have received several Wizard of OZ comics in the fast couple of years.  This series so far ISN'T an adaptation of the series of OZ books just being rewritten into a current day 'grim and gritty' revisionist tale.

Which is just fine with me!

The main characters appear to act 'in character', although its been several years since I read most of the OZ books.

What I like besides Kirk's writing, is that the interior art is illustrated by Gonzalo Martinez which flows with the storyline and dialogue. No writer / artist conflict there.

Yes, the front color cover is painted by Sylwia Smerl, but once the cover grabs the attention of the possible reader / buyer of the comic... The interior art better deliver... This issue does!

Like I said above, its been a few years since I read the series of books, so when this issue #2 starts to introduce more of the gazillion Oz characters, I get a little lost on who is who and what they do (or did) in the book series. 

However, I'm okay with Kirk bringing in Trot, Cap'n Bill, Scraps, and the Scarecrow, even though they seem to me to be with a twist in costuming(?) by Kushin & Martinez in art style. 

What 'centered' this storyline for me, was that the story revolved (pun intended), around Dorothy's old house being converted into a museum.  Again, deja vu one more time... Another tornado whips it up into the air and off everyone goes... So it is a fun little caper, but I won't spoil it further for you!

Like issue #1, this second issue also contains a self-contained story, but I believe that Kirk is formatting it into part of a longer story arc.

It's been a while since issue #1 came out, but this issue #2 was worth waiting for!

I need to cut this review blog a little short, as although it is called 'Preview Night' at today's San Diego Comic Con... Everyone gets down there by noonish to stand in line to get in! 

So, my comic book grade for this comic book is a NEAR MINT (NM) 9.4 out of a possible 10.0 grading scale.    

Here's the link where you can obtain a copy of both issues #1 & 2.

Please note:  As I stated above, Kirk Kushin will be at the San Diego Comic Con International all five days.  He is at Booth Q-14 in the Small Press Area of the Exhibit floor of the San Diego Convention Center.

If you, like tens of thousands others who couldn't get tickets to get in this year, aren't attending the Comic-Con, you can still follow some of his time at the con by 'Liking' his Facebook Fan Page, here.

Thanks again to Kirk for sending me a preview copy in time to review blog for this Comic-Con!  See you there at your booth!      

~Michael D Hamersky

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