If Ever a Wiz There Was

A cultural history of the record-shattering Broadway musical The Wiz, and the beloved movie it inspired, revealing the never-before-told story of the man behind the sensation

Since its release in 1978, The Wiz has become a cultural mainstay. Jam-packed with the top stars of the day, Diana Ross as Dorothy, Richard Pryor as the Wizard of Oz, and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, the film is a joyful classic synonymous with the holidays and good cheer.

In If Ever a Wiz There Was, Caseen Gaines uncovers the dramatic, previously untold story of the making of the Broadway musical that inspired the film. The Broadway show earned seven Tony Awards and went on to become the longest-running musical with an all-Black cast in Broadway history.

The famed show, a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, was produced by Ken Harper, a late-night radio disc jockey with almost no experience in show business, and even less money. Harper’s unconventional efforts, unbridled creativity, and unapologetic Blackness redefined what was considered possible for generations of Black Americans. Fifty years after The Wiz, Black children can see themselves as everything from superheroes to little mermaids.

With new and exclusive interviews, Gaines recounts the roller-coaster journey to get The Wiz to the stage; and Ken Harper finally receives his due as one of America’s greatest showmen and pioneers of racial representation in entertainment.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs