PARTNERS

AWA STUDIOS

Publisher

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 the ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE, AWA brings its industry expertise and creative vision to reimagine OZ for a new generation.

LARRY KING

Producer

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.

KEVIN McCOLLUM

Producer

Kevin McCollum is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer behind Rent, Avenue Q, and In the Heights. His productions include SIX, The Play That Goes Wrong, Mrs. Doubtfire, and upcoming projects like Black Swan and Night at the Museum. He founded Alchemation to develop new theatrical works and previously co-founded The Booking Group and The Producing Office. McCollum was trained at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and earned his master’s degree in film producing from the Peter Stark Program at the University of Southern California. McCollum has shaped modern Broadway with his innovative productions.

JOIE SCOTT

Producer

Joie Scott is an Emmy nominated, #1 hit songwriter. Joie comes from an advertising background at Leo Burnett. Her many successes include Collin Raye’s platinum selling #1 hit and SESAC song of the year, ‘Not That Different’. Shania Twain recorded her song ‘Shoes’ which appeared on the Desperate Housewives soundtrack. She received an Emmy nomination for her song featured on the iconic TV show, The Young and The Restless and has had several of her songs top the International charts. She received recognition for the number two best Melodic Rock song of 2017. Joie has had her songs recorded by Anne Murray, Peabo Bryson, Restless Heart, Western Underground, Michael Peterson, Christie Baranski, Svrcina, Jimmy Van Zant, Riders In The Sky, Trinity River Band, The Michael Thompson Band, Soleil Moon, and many more. Joie’s versatility has been proven in varied genres including Rock, Pop, Indie, film and television, and of course, all forms of Country. Her song ‘Astronomical’ was featured on the TV show Legacies. Joie has a song on the anniversary album of the iconic band, The Ides Of March, written with lead singer, Jim (Eye Of The Tiger) Peterik.

EDITORIAL

JULIE McNULTY

Editorial Advisor

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 the Ultimate OZ Universe.

CREATIVE TEAM

CULLEN BUNN

Co-Writer

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.

LARRY KING

Co-Writer

Larry King is a writer, producer, and musician known for his dynamic storytelling across music, stage, and screen. As co-writer, he brings decades of experience in narrative-driven entertainment, blending his musical sensibilities with a deep love for the world of OZ.

MIKE DEODATO, JR

Artist

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

Colorist

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.

STEVE WANDS

Letterer

Steve Wands is a versatile comic book letterer with an extensive portfolio. His lettering work includes titles like Batman, The Flash, and Gideon Falls. Beyond lettering, he is the author of the Stay Dead series and Trail of Blood (co-written with Keith Latch). When not working, he spends time with his wife and sons in New Jersey.

DAVID AJA

Cover Artist

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

Logo & Book Designer

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.

HISTORIANS

JAY DUNCAN

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.

JULIE McNULTY

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 the Ultimate OZ Universe.

MIKE BUJNAK

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’s played a key role in developing content related to expanding the Ultimate OZ Universe.

MUSIC PRODUCERS

JOHN BLASUCCI

Executive Music Producer

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.

JOIE SCOTT

Music Producer

Joie Scott is an Emmy nominated, #1 hit songwriter. Joie comes from an advertising background at LeoBurnett. Her many successes include Collin Raye’s platinum selling #1 hit and SESAC song of the year, ‘Not That Different’. Shania Twain recorded her song ‘Shoes’ which appeared on the Desperate Housewives soundtrack. She received an Emmy nomination for her song featured on the iconic TV show, The Young and The Restless and has had several of her songs top the International charts. She received recognition for the number two best Melodic Rock song of 2017. Joie has had her songs recorded by Anne Murray, Peabo Bryson, Restless Heart, Western Underground, Michael Peterson, Christie Baranski, Svrcina, Jimmy Van Zant, Riders In The Sky, Trinity River Band, The Michael Thompson Band, Soleil Moon, and many more. Joie’s versatility has been proven in varied genres including Rock, Pop, Indie, film and television, and of course, all forms of Country. Her song ‘Astronomical’ was featured on the TV show Legacies. Joie has a song on the anniversary album of the iconic band, The Ides Of March, written with lead singer, Jim (Eye Of The Tiger) Peterik.