Writer – Bill Bryan, Stuart Kerr
Artist – Bill Bryan
Letters – Gary Bishop

The funny thing about this book is that it could have been just another issue of Dark Oz, from which it is spun. It might have been called Wogglebug and it might feature him but it is not necessarily about him, the focus more on the goblins who have just wiped out most of the Gilikins and the aftermath of that event which sees the titular hero join up with Captain Julian and his band of men who look to continue the fight and reach Ozma before all is lost. For the most part during the events in Dark Oz, Wogglebug was not to be seen and thus probably the reason for this issue, as he did play a much larger part in the Oz book put out by Caliber and being a main player, readers would want to know what was going on with the character. So it is that Bill Bryan takes the reins and lets those who were curious enough to pick up this book, just where it is that Wogglebug had been and where he intends to go. As to the past, it is never expressly shown or even really hinted at though one might make an educated guess as to his actions as he carries the final remains of Jack Pumpkinhead with him, hoping that should he deliver them to Ozma, he might live again. It is a hopeful thing and Jack was sorely missed in the Dark Oz series, but it is not to be as readers will soon come to see. When it comes to the villains of the story, they are full of confidence as everything that has stood in their way thus far has fallen before them and while a couple of them might have complaints, they realize that their time has come and their time is now. All of this leads to what one has come to expect in the Oz books and that is a battle between good and evil and at this point in time, as already evidenced, the goblins are not to be trifled with and as such, it does not turn out to be a good day for the heroes. One of the first to fall is Wogglebug himself and he does so bravely, right to the end and it is sad to see with Captain Julian and the rest of his men following close behind. To put a cherry on top of all this tragedy is the moment when Captain Julian falls and as he does so, the remains of Jack Pumpkinhead spill out onto the ground, more than likely to be lost for all time. This was a great book, again a tale that could have been another chapter in the Dark Oz title and was essentially so and all of it brought to incredible life by Bryan whose work is simply put, wonderful. Excellent stuff through and through.

4 out of 5