Picture this: In a twist that still baffles comic book enthusiasts, the fierce competitors Marvel and DC Comics dared to unite for their inaugural joint venture back in 1975—a bold move that could have redefined the industry forever. But here's where it gets controversial: This wasn't just any team-up; it was a contentious adaptation of the iconic Wizard of Oz that sparked debates and left fans wondering if rivalry truly trumps creativity. Stick around, because the story behind this forgotten gem is packed with intrigue, and it's one most people overlook in the grand saga of superhero lore.
Marvel and DC stand as the titans of the comic world, even today, dominating with their legendary rosters. Marvel, kicking off its success in the 1960s, boasts unforgettable heroes like the Fantastic Four, X-Men, Spider-Man, Avengers, and even the quirky Awesome Slapstick. On the flip side, DC has been a powerhouse since the 1930s, curating classics such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and the delightfully bizarre Ambush Bug. The endless arguments about which company's characters reign supreme—think heated debates that rival the eternal 'Star Trek versus Star Wars' showdowns—fuel passionate discussions among fans. Given how fiercely protective both publishers are of their intellectual properties, any crossover feels like a rare miracle. And yet, it did happen occasionally, offering glimpses into alternate realities where these worlds collide.
Veteran comic aficionados might reminisce about the groundbreaking 1976 event, 'Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man: The Battle of the Century,' where DC's Man of Steel clashed with Marvel's web-slinger in a no-holds-barred showdown. Intriguingly, this tale unfolds on a shared Earth, without the complexities of parallel universes. The conflict is balanced by a clever high-tech radiation device that slightly diminishes Superman's powers while boosting Spider-Man's, creating an even playing field. This marked the dawn of superhero crossovers, paving the way for periodic spectacles where fans speculate on epic matchups—like whether the Hulk could overpower Superman. These events keep the excitement alive, blending universes in ways that captivate and divide audiences.
But the true origin of Marvel and DC's partnership traces back to 1975, centered on a peculiar and fiercely debated project. Both giants were vying for the rights to adapt MGM's timeless 1939 film, 'The Wizard of Oz.' Instead of one conceding to the other, they forged an alliance, birthing an 84-page epic titled 'MGM's Marvelous Wizard of Oz.' The details of this collaboration emerged in a 1987 edition of The Baum Bugle, preserved by the Oz Club, shedding light on a chapter that's largely faded from memory.
Indeed, 'MGM's The Marvelous Wizard of Oz' has slipped into obscurity, known only to a handful of dedicated collectors. The narrative unfolds through a letter penned by Roy Thomas, who had recently stepped down as Marvel's editor-in-chief. In it, he reveals that both Marvel and DC were simultaneously pursuing comic rights from MGM for the beloved film, which, at just 36 years old, was already a cultural staple—airing on TV and inspiring new takes like the musical 'The Wiz.' Thomas, a die-hard Oz enthusiast, championed the idea, securing permission to incorporate film images and actor likenesses, including Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Margaret Hamilton, Billie Burke, and more.
DC had ambitions beyond comics, eyeing a toy line alongside their adaptation. Yet Marvel clinched the deal, with Thomas collaborating with artist John Buscema to bring it to life. Initially, they sketched original pages with fresh designs for L. Frank Baum's enduring characters, but they pivoted to a faithful recreation of the movie. Without VHS tapes in those days, Buscema relied on MGM-provided production stills. Frustratingly, the studio withheld the script, so Thomas acquired an audio cassette of the soundtrack, transcribing dialogues and describing scenes to Buscema. He even improvised missing lines himself. Fortunately, Buscema's prior viewings of the film (a common experience for many) allowed him to recall and recreate visuals accurately. This process highlights the ingenuity required in pre-digital eras, where creators pieced together adaptations from limited resources—a testament to their dedication.
And this is the part most people miss: How did DC enter the fray? According to Thomas's letter, DC retaliated by launching their own 'Wizard of Oz' project. Since the original novel by L. Frank Baum was in the public domain, DC could legally use the title, though not the film's actor images. Marvel, holding the MGM rights, feared being overshadowed. In a surprising turn, Marvel reportedly panicked and brokered a deal with DC to prevent competing Oz books from flooding the market. The exact motivations remain shrouded in mystery, but the pact led to 'MGM's The Marvelous Wizard of Oz' as a joint Marvel/DC publication. Curiously, DC contributed nothing creatively; it was purely Thomas and Buscema's vision, with Marvel's team handling inking and additional writing. The comic expanded from a planned 72 pages to 84, enriched with movie stills, Oz maps, and a short bio of Baum.
Yet, the project flopped spectacularly. Lacking any promotional buzz, its oversized, thick format deterred casual comic readers. Bookstores, which seldom carried comics back then, refused to stock it, sealing its fate. This historic merger between two comic behemoths should have been a landmark event, but it became a mere oddity—a forgotten footnote in industry history. Today, only avid collectors with spare cash can snag a copy on the secondary market.
Now, here's where opinions diverge: Was this collaboration a missed opportunity that could have bridged the Marvel-DC divide, or a doomed endeavor doomed by corporate egos and poor execution? Some argue it set a precedent for future crossovers, while others see it as a cautionary tale of what happens when rivals force a partnership out of fear rather than synergy. What do you think—should Marvel and DC revisit such joint projects today, perhaps with modern twists on classic stories? Or was the Wizard of Oz collab a relic of an era better left in the past? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own theories on why this comic vanished without a trace!
