An Evening With Eric Shanower

Eric Shanower was born in 1963 in Key West, Florida, on October 23rd. He lived a number of places growing up including, CA, MD, VA, WA, and even Cuba! He now lives in California. When he was young he loving drawing and writing. When he was at the young age of just six years old, he started reading the Oz books, by L Frank Baum. He graduated from the Novato High School in CA. He then
attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in Dover, New Jersey.

On the day right after he gradated graduation, he was able to be in VERY first professional comics assignment. He did the lettering on the front page of the comic book "WARP". It was published by, First Comics. Then, in 1986 Vol 1 of Shanower's series of Oz graphic novels came about (in ref to the L. Frank Baum books) The Enchanted Apples of Oz, was then also published by First Comics.

Eric also founded the web site, HUNGRY TIGER PRESS. They also publish a number of older Oz books, CDs, sheet music, etc.

Over the years Eric has published a number of Oz books and has illustrated many as well. In 1998 Image Comics published, "AGE OF BRONZE". This by far is Eric's most popular book and it has since become a wonderful comic book series. It details the wonderful ancient times of the Trojan War retold for the now 21st century! It's very educational to, but also very entertaining as well!

It was a delight and fun experience to talk with Eric about his work and enjoyment on the Oz books. The evening of Saturday November 5th was a quite enjoyable one! Eric also shares with myself (Aaron) about his thoughts on the brand new re-release of "THE WIZARD OF OZ" on DVD. Eric was featured for about a minute or two on his Oz books and work, during one of the features title, "THE LEGACY OF OZ". Eric also tells me (Aaron) about receiving the very special invitation to come to the private screening of the newly restored, "WIZARD OF OZ" and what happened during the reception at the end of October of this year (2005). Towards the end of the interview Eric speaks on his memories of traveling to the LAND OF OZ PARK in Banner Elk, NC and what he remembers during that special day, many years ago in the 1970s. The interview concludes with Eric sharing his personal thoughts and feelings on the newly restored "WIZARD OF OZ" film and what it means to him. I want to thank Eric Shanower for the conversation and answering my questions with such great responses. When we finished with our conversation he told me, "It was a pleasure talking to you Aaron". I agree the same thing, in ref to him! Thanks Eric, so very much! THE FOLLOWING INTERVIEW IS THE LONGEST, VIDEOS FOR THE FAMILY HAS DONE TO DATE! IT'S ROUGHLY ABOUT 45 MINUTES LONG. ENJOY, AND I HOPE YOU LEARN SOMETHING INTERESTING, I KNOW I DID AT LEAST MORE THEN ONCE ! :)

Permission Granted by ERIC SHANOWER for the use of the photos on the web site.

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