Following the success of Wicked's acclaimed film, the original story is receiving a new comic adaptation to re-imagine Elphaba's journey in a captivating way. A graphic novel has been released that takes the tale the movie is based on and portrays its events in a stunning new format that any fan of Wicked should check out.

Wicked: The Graphic Novel Part I: An Enchanting Graphic Novelization of the Inspiration for the Major Motion Picture takes Gregory Maguire's unforgettable narrative and gives it a visual spin in graphic novel format, as adapted and illustrated by Scott Hampton. The story remains consistent with the 1995 novel, redefining beloved characters such as Elphaba and Glinda with eye-catching art, as seen on the gorgeous cover.

Wicked is currently more popular than it's ever been before, and fans who want to see more of Elphaba won't want to miss this breathtaking adaptation ahead of Wicked: For Good's release next year.

The Original Wicked Story Receives a Stunning Graphic Novel Adaptation

Gregory Maguire's Enchanting Tale Has Been Beautifully Re-Imagined

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West was written by Gregory Maguire as his own subversive take on the backstory of the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz, and the film has since brought attention to the story following its musical reinvention on Broadway. Now, the story has once again been given new life through Scott Hampton's graphic novel, published by William Morrow Paperbacks. This comic follows the same plot beats, and it adheres to Maguire's vision more closely than the musical adaptations do.

While the musical and the movie's adaptation of that musical bring more levity to Elphaba's time at Shiz, the novel is far darker, and Hampton depicts that tone masterfully with his art. The Wicked musicals are full of bright and whimsical flair, whereas the graphic novel retains a more muted - yet no less fantastical - visual style that better suits the source material as it tackles themes of racism and terrorism. Those who enjoyed the Wicked movie but haven't yet experienced Maguire's initial work would benefit from giving this comic a try, as it takes that mature story and makes it more accessible to readers.

Wicked Is Entering the World of Comics Thanks to the Film's Success

Wicked's New Graphic Novel Is a Perfect Adaptation of the Original Story

As beloved as the musical is - particularly the film version, as it has helped Wicked reach unprecedented levels of popularity among the mainstream audience - it's refreshing to see an adaptation of Maguire's work that maintains its dark tone and doesn't shy away from the heavier themes at play. Comics have proven to be the ideal medium to achieve this, as art offers boundless possibilities to bring Elphaba's magical endeavors to life. It's about time Wicked underwent the comic makeover it deserves, and this first graphic novel in the series marks the beginning of a groundbreaking adaptation.

Wicked: The Graphic Novel Part I: An Enchanting Graphic Novelization of the Inspiration for the Major Motion Picture is available now from William Morrow Paperbacks.