AWA Studios is a creator-driven entertainment company developing bold, original stories across comics, film, television, and more. Led by former Marvel editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, AWA champions boundary-pushing storytellers and groundbreaking worlds. As a partner of Ultimate OZ Universe, AWA brings its industry expertise and creative vision to reimagine OZ for a new generation.
Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer at AWA Studios, is one of the most respected and high-profile figures in graphic fiction. He has been at the forefront of producing work that has shaped culture via publishing, film, TV, merchandise and digital formats. As Editor-in-Chief at Marvel Comics, he oversaw the revitalization of some of its biggest franchises, including Deadpool, Spider-Man and X-Men. His visions for Black Panther, Captain America, Ms. Marvel, Thor and other stories refl ected the richness and diversity of society and led to billions in box-offi ce revenue.
ShaggyMan Productions developed the Source Material to provide a simple and quick reference for developing the “Lost Lands of OZ” materials, products, and properties. The information was compiled from the first 15 Oz books published by
Riley & Lee and authored principally by L. Frank Baum. Information was gathered from ShaggyMan writers and Oz Historians.
Larry King is a writer, producer, and musician with a career spanning commercial jingles, film, and original music. He is the founder of The Larry King Orchestra and the lead vocalist for Soleil Moon and Michael Thompson Band. His work includes collaborations with brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, as well as artists like Lionel Richie and Cheap Trick. As a managing partner at ShaggyMan Productions, he co-develops The Ultimate Oz Universe.
Received the Tony Award for Best Musical for Rent (1996), Avenue Q (2004) and In the Heights (2008). Current: SIX (Broadway, North American tour); Oh Mary! (Broadway); The Devil Wears Prada (West End); Mrs. Doubtfire (West End); The Play That Goes Wrong (Off-Broadway). Past Credits Include: The Notebook (Broadway); Days of Wine and Roses (Broadway); Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Broadway); Mrs. Doubtfire (Broadway); Motown: The Musical (Broadway, West End, U.K. and U.S. tours); The Drowsy Chaperone (Broadway, UK and US Tours); and Something Rotten! (Broadway, U.S. tour). West Side Story film (2021) directed by Steven Spielberg. Upcoming: Black Swan, Night At The Museum, 42 Balloons.
Axel Alonso, Chief Creative Officer at AWA Studios, is one of the most respected and high-profile figures in graphic fiction. He has been at the forefront of producing work that has shaped culture via publishing, film, TV, merchandise and digital formats. As Editor-in-Chief at Marvel Comics, he oversaw the revitalization of some of its biggest franchises, including Deadpool, Spider-Man and X-Men. His visions for Black Panther, Captain America, Ms. Marvel, Thor and other stories reflected the richness and diversity of society and led to billions in box-office revenue.
Larry King is a writer, producer, and musician with a career spanning commercial jingles, film, and original music. He is the founder of The Larry King Orchestra and the lead vocalist for Soleil Moon and Michael Thompson Band. His work includes collaborations with brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, as well as artists like Lionel Richie and Cheap Trick. As a managing partner at ShaggyMan Productions, he co-develops Ultimate OZ Universe.
Received the Tony Award for Best Musical for
Rent (1996), Avenue Q (2004) and In the Heights (2008). Current: SIX (Broadway, North American tour); Oh Mary! (Broadway); The Devil Wears Prada (West End); The Play That Goes Wrong (Off-Broadway). Past Credits Include: The Notebook (Broadway); Days of Wine and Roses (Broadway); Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Broadway); Mrs. Doubtfire (Broadway and West End); Motown: The Musical (Broadway, West End, U.K. and U.S. tours); The Drowsy Chaperone (Broadway, UK and US Tours); and Something Rotten! (Broadway, U.S. tour); West Side Story film (2021) directed by Steven Spielberg. Upcoming: Black Swan, Night At The Museum, 42 Balloons, Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York).
Julie has a distinguished 30-year career as a writer and producer for ABC, FOX, and CBS. She covered major events such as the Oklahoma City bombing, the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, and Hurricane Katrina. Earlier, she managed accounts at top advertising agencies and wrote for a syndicated show on the Discovery Channel hosted by Pat Summerall. Currently, Julie serves as a historical and editorial advisor, researching the Oz canon and writing a sourcebook for Ultimate OZ Universe.
Cullen Bunn is an American writer renowned for his work in comics and graphic novels. He has penned notable series such as The Sixth Gun, Harrow County, and Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe. Beyond his writing career, Bunn has held various unique jobs, including professional wrestling manager and sasquatch wrangler.
Mike Deodato Jr. is a Brazilian comic book artist celebrated for his dynamic and photo-realistic style. He gained prominence with his work on DC Comics’ Wonder Woman. At Marvel Comics, Deodato illustrated major titles like The Amazing Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, and Dark Avengers. With AWA, Deodato worked on hit series Expecting the Unexpected, Bad Mother, and the Eisner winner, Not All Robots. His versatile artistry has made him one of the most sought-after talents in the comic book industry.
Ive Svorcina is a distinguished comic book colorist known for his collaborations with artist Esad Ribić on Marvel’s Thor: God of Thunder and Secret Wars. At AWA Studios, Svorcina has lent his vibrant coloring to titles such as The Joneses, Black Tape, and Rumpus Room. His work continues to captivate readers, bringing depth and emotion to each page.
David Aja is an Eisner Award-winning artist best known for his bold, minimalist style and storytelling mastery. His work on Marvel’s Hawkeye with Matt Fraction redefined superhero visual language and earned widespread acclaim. Aja brings his signature design-forward approach to the cover of Ultimate OZ Universe: The Lost Lands, blending timeless fantasy with modern elegance.
Tom Muller is an acclaimed graphic designer and creative director known for his innovative work in comics, branding, and publishing. He has crafted iconic visual identities for titles like X-Men, House of X, and The Department of Truth. As the logo and book designer for Ultimate OZ Universe: The Lost Lands, Muller brings his signature precision and modern aesthetic to the timeless world of OZ.
Jay has spent 40 years in the marketing communications industry holding senior management positions at five ad agencies before founding Duncan & Hill, an integrated marketing company. Over the last 12 years, Jay has been developing The Lost Lands of OZ intellectual property. He is the consummate marketing man with excellent strategic planning skills and “Big Idea” creative solutions.
Mike Bujnak is an emerging writer based in St. Louis, MO. As a specialized ghostwriter, Mike has contributed to highly ranked podcasts, books, commercials, voiceovers, audio courses, social media marketing, and motivational teachings — helping clients shape their voices and share their stories with clarity and impact. For more than 10 years, Mike has collaborated with ShaggyMan Productions, where he has played a key role in developing content related to expanding the Ultimate OZ Universe.
John Blasucci is a veteran music producer and songwriter whose work has shaped the sound of numerous chart-topping records and cinematic projects over the past three decades. He has written and produced more than 10 Billboard Top 10 hits and five #1 songs on the Contemporary Jazz chart and has collaborated with major artists including Richard Marx, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Bolton.
