The O.Z. #2

Dorothy Gale, the granddaughter of the legendary Dorothy Gale from “The Wizard of Oz,” finds herself in a new and treacherous land called the Occupied Zone (O.Z.), far removed from both Kansas and the fantastical realm her grandmother once explored. In “The O.Z. #2,” written by David Pepose (known for “Spencer & Locke” and “Scout’s Honor”), illustrated by Ruben Rojas, colored by Whitney Cogar, and lettered by DC Hopkins, Dorothy embarks on a mission to join the resistance and save her newfound home from the tyrannical rule of the Scarecrow.

In the previous issue, Dorothy, a former soldier struggling with PTSD from her time in the Iraq War, resides in Kansas with her ailing grandmother. Despite her grandmother’s tales of Oz, Dorothy dismisses them as fanciful stories. However, her own desperate state of mind is interrupted when a tornado transports her to the O.Z., a war-torn land dominated by the Scarecrow following the demise of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Dubbed the Occupied Zone, Dorothy soon realizes that her arrival in the O.Z. has merely substituted one battleground for another. The Scarecrow’s oppressive regime, established based on intellectual prowess rather than compassion, proves to be a disastrous leadership choice. He rules with an iron fist, displaying no hesitation in eliminating any opposition. Yet, hope still resides in the O.Z., as Toto and the Tin Soldier lead a rebellion against the Scarecrow.

Initially hesitant, Dorothy grapples with the decision to join the resistance. Torn between wanting to leave behind the horrors of war and a sense of duty to protect her newfound home, she eventually resolves to fight back in “The O.Z. #2.” Dorothy’s experiences as a soldier in Iraq provide her with invaluable tactical skills, bringing a fresh perspective to the O.Z.’s battles. Nevertheless, the casualties she contributes to haunt her, forcing her to question the righteousness of her actions.

While “The O.Z. #2” delves into the realities of war, it does not romanticize or glorify its horrors. The narrative incorporates introspection, particularly through Dorothy’s dialogue and inner thoughts. Thought-provoking questions arise, such as the concept of winners and losers in war and the criteria that justify engaging in such conflicts.

“The O.Z. #2” offers a compelling war story that explores the complexities of warfare while delving into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. Dorothy’s internal struggle and the rebellion’s pursuit of justice serve as central themes, inviting readers to ponder the true costs and justifications of war.