Tag Archives: music

Pantera and Z2 Celebrate 30 Years of Vulgar Display of Power with a Graphic Novel

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Z2 Comics reaches “a new level” in 2022 with the release of an ambitious graphic anthology paying tribute to one of the biggest bands in the history of heavy metal, whose innovative fusion of groove and hardcore served as one of the defining sounds of the 1990s: Pantera! The Vulgar Display of Power graphic novel unites famous fans of the band throughout comics and music to team up on adaptations of all eleven of the album’s tracks.

Creators including Alan Robert, Eric Peterson, Keith Buckley, Burton C. Bell, Steve Niles, Tony Lee, and illustrators Brian Ewing, Ryan J. Downey, Erik Rodriguez, Ryan Kelly, Steve Chanks, Kevin Mellon, John Pearson, and Danijel Zezelj will each offer a unique interpretation inspired by the lyrics and music to create a whole new way to experience this landmark work of heavy art. 

Fronting this legacy of admiration and talent, legendary tattoo artist and friend of the band Paul Booth provides the stunning cover art, showing the grisly aftermath of the sucker-punch cover photo from the original album. 

Z2 and Pantera present Vulgar Display of Power in both softcover and hardcover formats, as well as deluxe, super deluxe, and platinum editions packaged with an exclusive vinyl variant LP of the classic album, gallery ready prints by Danijel Zezelj, Erik Rodriguez, and Alan Robert, signed editions from Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, plus more available exclusively through Z2’s webstore! Also available in a limited and numbered edition will be a one-time release of a special Pantera “punch action” resin statue, paying tribute to the album’s iconic cover art.

Rock out with Hendrix: Electric Requiem this May

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Publisher ABLAZE delights and intrigues rock music and comics fans with the release on May 18th of Hendrix: Electric Requiem, a bold new Docu-Graphic novel about the life of iconic rocker Jimi Hendrix, depicted with flair and colorful psychedelic artwork that tells the story of the rise of the music pioneer who made an indelible mark on rock-and-roll and helped to change modern culture forever for future generations.

Hendrix: Electric Requiem explores the life, career and music of a true rock n’ roll god–Grammy award winning musician Jimi Hendrix—who Rolling Stone ranked #1 on their Greatest Guitarists of All Time!

A compelling trip into the mind and world of Jimi Hendrix. Electric Requiem is an exhilarating ride, from Jimi’s difficult beginnings in the South, plagued by racism, through his global stardom and triumph at Woodstock, and the excessive lifestyle of a rockstar. A rockstar who, even with all his experiences, never forgot where he came from. Skillfully written by Mattia Colombara and illustrated by Gianluca Maconi, this gripping tale of music, personal demons and thirst for glory is a must-have for any Jimi Hendrix fan. Includes bonus material on Hendrix’s life.

Hendrix: Electric Requiem

Z2 and Gwar Team for a Graphic Novel and Album

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The comics universe’s favorite Scumdogs will return to the shelves of comic book shops and other such dens of villainy this May in their latest comics incarnation GWAR: The Duoverse of Absurdity! Following up on last year’s celebration of the band’s landmark album Scumdogs of the Universe, with essential anniversary editions and a star-studded tour, the near 40 year running Grammy nominated shock rock collective returns in an all-new comic book!

What can be more horrifying and terror-inducing than GWAR? The moment they must face the vomitous incarnations of themselves from a filthy alternate dimension! They’ve penetrated our world by rupturing the membrane which protected our very existence from these walking horrors. Unleashed in our universe, these dark mirror incarnations are bent on dominating and subjugating all of humanity to the will of The Master. Now… it is GWAR’s throbbing, messy duty to save us all before it’s too late!

GWAR: The Duoverse of Absurdity brings together writers Michael Derks and the Slave Pit’s own Matt Maguire with artists Andy MacDonald and Shane White will be released in multiple editions, with standard soft and hardcover graphic novels available from your favorite comic book, record shop, or bookstore, and exclusive limited editions available only through Z2 and GWAR’s websites, inclusive of gorgeously grotesque prints, vinyl and more. Additionally, Z2 will offer a 1 of 1 edition which will include the original “Beefcake the Mighty” helmet, a Schecter custom Balsac guitar, signed by Balsac the Jaws of Death, and an exclusive NFT of original sketch art by Sawborg Destructo, among other exclusive offerings as featured in the super deluxe tier!

All are available to preorder through the Z2 website now! 

Beastö Blancö Take Readers on a Spacewave Conquest

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From aboard a starship in a Galaxy unknown to man, Beastö Blancö: Spacewave Conquest takes you into a twisted black hole of Rock & Roll and space adventures, available in summer 2022.

Beastö Blancö, the rock band composed of Chuck Garric, Calico Cooper, Brother Latham, Jan LeGrow, and Sean Sellers, has riveted worldwide audiences with its music, creating an immersive sonic experience where everyone is welcome and support is unconditional and authentic. Now, Beastö Blancö is teaming up with unstoppable comics duo Garrett Gunn and Kit Wallis to bring its sensational spectacle to the page.

In Beastö Blancö: Spacewave Conquest, Free Media is dead. The Cosmic Communications Command, infiltrated by Indoctroids from Sector V, is being used to override hundreds of thousands of galactic streaming channels. With hopes of finalizing the upload of a weaponized neural hijacking code to the network, Commander Dix is prepared to make his final stand against the only threat to his evil plan; The Cosmic Pirates known as Beastö Blancö.

Beastö Blancö: Spacewave Conquest is set to debut this summer, but a collectible ashcan preview signed by the members of Beastö Blancö themselves will be released exclusively through Comic Conline this spring.

Metal Band HammerFall Teams Up With Incendium For Comics And Figures

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Templars of Steel, arise! HammerFall and Incendium are teaming up for the launch of an epic high-fantasy adventure comic series that explores the legacy of Hector, the iconic mascot depicted across decades of album sleeves from the legendary Swedish heavy metal band.

Incendium has also announced the first in a line of collectible HammerFall action figures inspired by the bands’ cover artwork and lyrical lore; ‘Hector’ will be available for the first time as a fully articulated 5” action figure with accessories.

Published under Incendium’s music-focused OPUS imprint, HammerFall is crafted by industry veterans: writer Ian Edginton and artist Kevin West , with lettering by Jacob Bascle, and features cover artwork by Ryan Christensen.

In HammerFall #1, a vile blight spreads across the land. When a lone warrior rides deep into the forest to face the savagery and madness head on, his quest for Justice leads him to a figure from his past, the herald to a dark master who cannot be undone by mastery of arms alone.

The first print edition of HammerFall #1 will be released as a prestige-format limited edition collectible comic book, featuring cardstock covers, specialty foil treatments, glossy pages, and individual numbering.

The first printing of the comic will be limited to 1666 copies at $19.99, and is available to order. It is available to order now and ships in March 2022. The Hector action figure is also available to pre-order for $32.95, shipping summer 2022.

Z2 Comics Celebrates 20 Years of Gorillaz with The Gorillaz Art Book with Jamie Hewlett

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The Gorillaz Art Book

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Gorillaz’ eponymous debut album, released in 2001, Gorillaz co-creator and acclaimed artist Jamie Hewlett has invited more than 40 creators to offer new interpretations of 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs in one expansive volume. The first ever Gorillaz Art Book debuts this coming Spring 2022, featuring brand new artwork by Jamie Hewlett and a host of guest contributions from friends and admirers of the band, case bound at 12.6 x 9.2 inches and set across 288 pages of luxury art paper.

Created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, singer 2D, bassist Murdoc Niccals, drummer Russel Hobbs, and Japanese guitar prodigy Noodle, Gorillaz were formed following a collision of mishaps, meetings and pure luck to blow up the real and digital worlds with their colorful backstory and ground-breaking virtual ways. Based at Kong Studios in West London, the band settled into a life of ongoing musical and artistic innovation with an eye-wateringly exciting roster of collaborators, a list that includes musical legends, geniuses, and future stars.

With this latest Z2 partnership, Hewlett is now expanding the band’s collaborative vision to fellow visual artists in The Gorillaz Art Book.

In addition to Hewlett, contributing artists include:

  • Ana Godis
  • Andre Carrilho
  • Andrew C. Robinson
  • Anna Cattish
  • Ben Bocquelet
  • Brendan McCarthy
  • Chloe Nicolay
  • Craig McCracken
  • Dana Terrace
  • Daniela Uhlig
  • Del the Funky Homosapien
  • EPHK
  • Erik Fountain
  • Glyn Dillon
  • Gregory Hergert
  • Holly Warburton
  • J.A.W. Cooper
  • Jack Black
  • Jared Cody Wolf
  • Jean-Baptiste Mondino
  • Jens Claessens
  • Jeremy Enecio
  • Kerbcrawlerghost
  • Kim Jung Gi
  • Laurie Vincent
  • Little Thunder
  • Marella Moon Albanese
  • Marianna Ignazzi
  • Miss Jisu
  • Nicolas Dehghani
  • Robert Smith
  • Robert Valley
  • Ruffmercy
  • Sainer
  • Tara Billinger
  • Taya Strizhakova
  • Tim McCourt & Max Taylor
  • Valeria Ko
  • Vanesa R. Del Rey
  • Venla Linna
  • Vincent Roucher
  • William Wray 
  • Zeen Chi 

The Gorillaz Art Book will be available this Spring 2022 from participating retailers and can be ordered directly from Z2.

Z2 Comics’ Record Store Day and Local Comic Shop Day Releases!

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Z2 continues has revealed its first-ever participation in Record Store Day and Local Comic Shop Day with exclusive products for each!

First up, celebrate 40 years of two of the most iconic singles in rock history with this special one-time book and record set release! This exclusive-colored vinyl single includes rare versions featuring Pat Smear and the Sex Pistols alongside two comic book stories! This special RSD Black Friday package is released in conjunction with Z2 Comics’ complete graphic novel Joan Jett & the Blackhearts- 40 x 40: Bad Reputation/I Love Rock n’ Roll and is inspired by the classic “Read Along Book & Record Sets” also popular in 1981.

The full original graphic anthology pulls together a who’s who list of female creators from the comic book and pop culture worlds, including famed artist Tara McPherson to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 20 classic tracks featured on Joan’s landmark albums Bad Reputation and I Love Rock n’ Roll. 

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts- 40 x 40: Bad Reputation/I Love Rock n' Roll

Rap legend Chuck D makes his graphic novel debut for Local Comic Shop Day marking the 30th anniversary of the Grammy-nominated album Apocalypse 91: The Enemy Strikes Black. Upon release, the album hit #4 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured powerful anthems “Shut ‘Em Down,” “Can’t Truss It” and “By the Time I Get To Arizona,” a fiery retort to the state governor’s refusal to recognize the new Martin Luther King, Jr national holiday.  

Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps 

Featuring an exclusive cover, painted by the legendary emcee himself, Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps begins in 1991 and explodes into far-flung futures with a series of speculative fiction stories by the industry’s leading creators, including Evan Narcisse, Regine Sawyer, Che Grayson, Troy-Jeffrey Allen, and many more. Revolutionaries in every millennium stand up and fight the power.

The Joan Jett and the Blackhearts- 40×40: Read Along Book and Record Set is available only through participating record stores as part of Record Store Day Black Friday in a  strictly limited edition of only 1,981 copies on colored vinyl. Chuck D Presents- Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps features an exclusive cover by Chuck D himself and is available through participating comic shops, in a one time limited edition of 2,000 copies!

As an added holiday shopping bonus, Z2 is offering the last remaining copies of the long sold-out Murder Ballads deluxe edition graphic novel and exclusive 10” vinyl soundtrack by Dan Auerbach and Robert Finley as co-released with Mondo, exclusively through the company’s website. 

Support your favorite local record store or comic book shop this week with exclusive releases from the publisher that has truly perfected the relationship between the two!

Junkie XL is Named Heavy Metal’s Music Czar

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Tom Holkenborg

Heavy Metal Entertainment is proud to announce that multi-platinum musician, composer, and producer Tom Holkenborg, AKA Junkie XL, has been named Heavy Metal’s first-ever Music Czar. In a role created specifically for him, Holkenborg will develop Heavy Metal’s sound through his own work and by helping to guide other composers and musicians on Heavy Metal projects. Holkenborg will continue his successful scoring career outside of his role at Heavy Metal, and is currently working on George Miller’s 3000 Years of Longing and a number of major features slated for release in 2022 and 2023.

Known as a “full-contact composer,” Holkenborg will work directly with Heavy Metal Entertainment CEO Matthew Medney and President and Head of Studio Tommy Coriale throughout Heavy Metal’s divisions, most notably for its recently announced film and television branch, Heavy Metal Studios, which has a slate of projects in motion with producing and financing partner Range Media. In addition, Holkenborg will consult on scoring Heavy Metal’s upcoming screen adaptations of Dan Fogler’s Moon Lake graphic novel series, Blake Northcott’s Arena Mode, and Joe Trohman and Brian Posehn’s The Axe comic series.

Heavy Metal’s music legacy links back to the release of the 1981 animated cult classic film, Heavy Metal, produced by Ivan Reitman. The film’s epic soundtrack has defined Heavy Metal’s sound throughout the ages; the album features original and classic songs from rock legends Don Felder (who sang the theme song), Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath, Journey, Cheap Trick, and many more. 

Super7 Reveals Run the Jewels ReAction Figures

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Super7 is collaborating with Hip-Hop duo Run The Jewels to bring El-P and Killer Mike into its ReAction line of collectible figures. 
 
The first release from Super7 is inspired by the Run The Jewels’ hit song “Walking In The Snow” which was accompanied by a two-time Clio Music Gold winning stop-motion music video featuring El-P and Killer Mike action figures leading a toy room rebellion. Presented in a special 2-pack, these ReAction figures are available for pre-order directly from both Super7 and Run The Jewels from October 22 through November 22 at $45 each, with delivery expected in Spring 2022.
 
The Run The Jewels ReAction 2-pack is expected to be just the beginning of the collaboration between Super7 and Run The Jewels, with additional offerings later in 2022. Pre-orders are now open on Super7.com and RunTheJewels.com.

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