And just like that, January is over! Therefore I must review the books I’ve read this month and pick one (just one) outstanding book of the month, which with the volume and tenacity I read, is always too difficult. Alas, it must be done and I’ve chosen one from way back in 2009 because it led me to a second book from way back in 1900 that was also read this month. The original? The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and the retelling Oz: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz graphic novel retold and illustrated by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young, respectively.

What I loved was that the Marvel published graphic novel was so vivid and humorous that it led me straight to the original. I wonder if that should always be the point of any adaptation or retelling? That it will ultimately inspire the reader to the original which is what inspired the writer to create a retelling to start.

Having read them so close together, the adaptation captures the essence of the original and it is bolstered by the artwork which has a whimsy and color so beautiful to see with everything from the yellow brick road to the silver shoes to the emerald of the Emerald City. It was entertaining and adventurous. Emotional and warm as is the original which was surprisingly short.

If you haven’t read the original, do so and then read the graphic novel because both were favorites from the month for sure and continues my dive into reading classics I never read on my own terms.