“The Hurt Locker” Meets “The Wizard of Oz” as The O.Z. Launches Its Explosive Series Finale on Kickstarter

What if The Hurt Locker crash-landed in The Wizard of Oz?

That wild, brilliant, “wait… why does this actually make perfect sense?” concept is the beating heart of THE O.Z., the Ringo Award-winning fantasy adventure that is now back on Kickstarter for its giant-sized third-issue series finale. And this time, Dorothy is not clicking her heels and asking nicely. She is leading a resistance.

From acclaimed writer David Pepose (Savage Avengers, Space Ghost, Speed Racer) and superstar artist Ruben Rojas (Proton, Rogues!, Leviathan Labs), THE O.Z. reimagines the classic world of Oz as a brutal, war-torn battlefield where magic, trauma, rebellion, and legacy collide. Fans of Mad Max: Fury Road, The Old Guard, and Fables should already be marching down the Yellow Brick Road with combat boots on.

THE O.Z. follows Dorothy Gale’s granddaughter and namesake, a disillusioned Iraq War veteran whose life takes a surreal and dangerous turn when a tornado drops her into the war-ravaged land of Oz. But this is not the colorful dreamworld audiences grew up with. This is the Occupied Zone, a place scarred by conflict and ruled under the terrifying regime of the evil Scarecrow.

Now, Dorothy must lead the Resistance alongside the Tin Soldier, the Prince of Lions, and Jack Pumpkinhead as they fight to locate the all-powerful Silver Slippers and bring peace back to a land that has forgotten what peace even looks like.

In other words, this ain’t your childhood Oz. This is Oz with scars, strategy, and smoke rising over the battlefield.

“It’s been a long time in the making, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for THE O.Z. to reach its triumphant conclusion on Kickstarter!” said series writer David Pepose. “We’ve been so lucky to have the support of over 1,500 Yellow Brick Road Warriors across our previous two campaigns. That said, Dorothy’s adventures aren’t over just yet — our third campaign promises to be a blockbuster finale, and fans of L. Frank Baum’s classic Wizard of Oz will truly love how we conclude our epic saga of THE O.Z.”

The new Kickstarter campaign will fund the 44-page third issue, bringing this acclaimed indie fantasy war epic to its highly anticipated conclusion. For longtime fans, this is the final mission. For new readers, this campaign also includes catch-up tiers, making it the perfect chance to experience the full journey from the beginning.

Backers can grab rewards packed with behind-the-scenes material, including David Pepose’s script, Ruben Rojas’ raw inks, and Whitney Cogar’s untouched colors. The campaign also features four covers by Ruben Rojas, Maan House, Joshua Hood, and Serg Acuña, along with print and digital tiers collecting all three issues of THE O.Z.

And for collectors who like their Kickstarter rewards with extra sauce, this campaign is not playing around. Backers can find tiers featuring all fourteen covers from the entire series, trade paperback bundles collecting Pepose’s licensed and creator-owned work, retailer-exclusive discounts, a store signing with David Pepose anywhere in the continental United States, and plenty of stretch goals and add-ons.

Those extras include a fully illustrated map of The O.Z. by Kenneth Wagnon, a limited-edition bookmark by Ruben Mocho, Kickstarter-exclusive pins and stickers, and more.

The praise for THE O.Z. has been loud, passionate, and well-earned. Industry heavyweights and major outlets have celebrated the series for its clever concept, emotional weight, and explosive execution.

Scott Snyder called it “Terrific” and praised the concept as clever and well done. Mark Russell highlighted the story’s deeper meditation on trauma and the burdens people carry. Zack Kaplan described it as a high-octane, take-no-prisoners version of Oz that comic lovers have always wanted. Meanwhile, outlets like Comic Book Resources, Syfy, and The Comics Beat have recognized the series as an emotionally engrossing, ambitious, and highly successful indie comic.

That kind of response does not happen by accident. THE O.Z. works because it takes something familiar and twists it into something urgent, bold, and emotionally sharp. Beneath the fantasy spectacle and battlefield energy is a story about trauma, leadership, survival, and what it means to carry the weight of a legacy you never asked for.

Dorothy is not just trying to get home. She is trying to help a broken world remember how to hope.

The third and final issue of THE O.Z. is now live on Kickstarter, and whether you have been riding with the Yellow Brick Road Warriors since day one or you are just now discovering this war-torn reimagining, this is the moment to jump in.

The road to Oz has never looked more dangerous.

And this finale looks ready to drop the house.

Order the 44-page third issue finale on Kickstarter today!

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