‘Wicked: The Graphic Novel Part I’ Releases in March with a 75,000-Copy Debut

March has brought some exciting news for anyone who can’t get enough of the world of Oz. A brand-new graphic novel, ‘Wicked: The Graphic Novel Part I’, just hit the shelves, and it’s already making a splash with a debut run of 75,000 copies. This isn’t just another spin on the story we know—it’s a bold take that dives deep into the original tale that started it all.

The graphic novel comes from the mind of Gregory Maguire, the same guy who wrote the 1995 book ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’. That novel flipped the script on the classic ‘Wizard of Oz’, giving us Elphaba, a green-skinned outcast who’d later become the Wicked Witch. Now, with artist Scott Hampton bringing the visuals to life, we’re getting a chance to see this darker, more complex version of Oz in full color.

What’s cool about this release is how it ties into everything else ‘Wicked’ has become. The story first blew up as a Broadway musical in 2003, with songs like ‘Defying Gravity’ turning it into a theater legend. Then, late last year, the movie ‘Wicked’ dropped in theaters on November 22, 2024, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. It was a hit, raking in over $738 million worldwide and even snagging some big award nods. Part two, ‘Wicked: For Good’, is already set for November 21, 2025, so there’s more coming.

But this graphic novel isn’t just riding the movie’s coattails. It sticks closer to Maguire’s book, which has a grittier edge than the musical or film. Think less sparkle and more of a raw look at Elphaba’s struggles in a harsh, unforgiving Oz. Hampton’s artwork adds a fresh layer, turning words into striking images that pull you right into the story.

With 75,000 copies out there from day one, it’s clear people are eager to grab this. It launched on March 11, 2025, published by Morrow Paperbacks, and I’d bet it’s partly thanks to the movie buzz that so many are jumping on it. The film’s success—it’s the highest-grossing Oz flick ever—has folks hungry for more, and this delivers in a totally different way.

If you’re wondering how it fits with everything else, here’s the deal. The Broadway show softened some of the book’s darker corners to fit the stage, and the movie followed that vibe. This graphic novel, though, goes back to the source. It’s the first of two parts, so we’ve got another installment to look forward to down the line.

I love how this keeps the ‘Wicked’ universe growing. Between the movie streaming on Peacock starting, and a new book about young Elphaba, ‘Elphie: A Wicked Childhood’, coming March 25, there’s no shortage of ways to dive in. Whether you’re new to the story or have been singing ‘Popular’ for years, this graphic novel offers something fresh—and with that big debut, it’s clear I’m not the only one excited about it.