Tag Archives: z2 comics

Preview: Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project #2 (of 10)

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Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project #2 (of 10)

(W) Bruce Dickinson, Tony Lee (A) Staz Johnson, Piotr Kowalski (CA) Bill Sienkiewicz
In Shops: Mar 20, 2024
SRP: $10.00

Why would an organization determined to control of immortality utilize someone as reckless and dangerous as Necropolis? Some of the answers are brought to light as the past and present collide, revealing the shocking secrets of Necropolis’ childhood, and how those moments led to him becoming a part of the Mandrake Project.

Bruce Dickinson's The Mandrake Project #2

Preview: Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project #1

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Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project #1

(W) Bruce Dickinson, Tony Lee (A) Staz Johnson (CA) Bill Sienkiewicz
In Shops: Jan 17, 2024
SRP: $10.00

Over the last decade, Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson has crafted the story behind THE MANDRAKE PROJECT, the 12-issue quarterly comic series accompanying his upcoming solo album of the same name. Now, accompanied by the creative team of writer Tony Lee and artist Staz Johnson, Bruce is releasing century-spanning generational war between the forces of science and mysticism for control of immortality through Z2 Comics. With covers by Bill Sienkiewicz, this is an epic tale that you won’t want to miss.

Bruce Dickinson's The Mandrake Project #1

Preview: Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project #1

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Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project #1

(W) Bruce Dickinson, Tony Lee (A) Staz Johnson (CA) Bill Sienkiewicz
In Shops: Jan 17, 2024
SRP: $10.00

Over the last decade, Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson has crafted the story behind THE MANDRAKE PROJECT, the 12-issue quarterly comic series accompanying his upcoming solo album of the same name. Now, accompanied by the creative team of writer Tony Lee and artist Staz Johnson, Bruce is releasing century-spanning generational war between the forces of science and mysticism for control of immortality through Z2 Comics. With covers by Bill Sienkiewicz, this is an epic tale that you won’t want to miss.

Bruce Dickinson's The Mandrake Project #1

Z2 and Bruce Dickinson Collaborate on a 12-Issue Limited Comic Series: The Mandrake Project

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Z2 is collaborating with legendary rock and roll frontman Bruce Dickinson for an original comic series tied to his upcoming solo album The Mandrake Project, being released by BMG on March 1, 2024. Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project #1, arrives in comic shops and at Z2comics.com on January 17, 2024! The 12-issue limited series is an epic saga of opposing forces battling to use the powers of science and magic to gain control of immortality. It’s a story developed by Bruce over the last decade, and The Mandrake Project is brought to life through his creative partnership with iconic team of creators – including script by Tony Lee, art by Staz Johnson, lettering by Troy Peteri, coloring by Gabo, covers by multiple Eisner-winner Bill Sienkiewicz. Edited by Eisner and Harvey-winner Rantz A. Hoseley, Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project 12-issue comic series is a vital component of Bruce’s narrative and music experience. The excitement kicked off with the release of the single “Afterglow of Ragnarok” on December 1, which contained an eight-page comic prologue, followed by the release of the first issue of the comic to retail shops on January 17th.

Z2 is making 666 editions of Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project Signed Bundles available to fans. This uniquely curated collection comes with one (1) The Mandrake Project Foil Collector’s Card, signed by Bruce Dickinson; One (1) Felt Trading Card Pouch; One (1) Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project, Issue No. 1; One (1) The Mandrake Project 1st Printing Certificate of Authenticity; One (1) Bill Sienkiewicz illustrated The Mandrake Project Art Print and will be sold as a set for $100 USD, only at Z2comics.com.

The Mandrake Project events continue with a comic preview inserted in the special deluxe CD version of the album with promotional appearances for the comic series as well as extensive worldwide touring through 2025.

The battle for immortality begins with Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project #1 available at comic retailers and direct from Z2Comics.com on January 17, 2024. The large-sized 9.35” x 9:35” 36-page single issue with cardstock cover is priced at $10 and arrives in a sealed bag with a first-printing certificate of authenticity – the first of a 12-issue run arriving quarterly over the course of the next three years, including annual trade paperbacks every fall. Release dates for 2024 and 2025 as follows:

  • The Mandrake Project #1 – January 17, 2024
  • The Mandrake Project #2 – March 20, 2024
  • The Mandrake Project #3 – June 26, 2024
  • The Mandrake Project #4 – September 25, 2024
  • The Mandrake Project Annual Trade paperback #1 – November 6, 2024
  • The Mandrake Project #5 – December 18, 2024
  • The Mandrake Project #6 – March 19, 2025
  • The Mandrake Project #7 – June 25, 2025
  • The Mandrake Project #8 – September 24, 2025
  • The Mandrake Project Annual Trade paperback #2 – November 5, 2025

Type O Negative and Z2 celebrate the 30th anniversary of Bloody Kisses

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30 years ago a dark presence moved into music history when Type O Negative released their third studio album, Bloody Kisses, bringing a goth metal voice to the masses. Listed at #53 on Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time, Bloody Kisses was an instant classic paving the way to the music charts with the incredible vocals by the late Peter Steele, drums by Johnny Kelly, guitars by Kenny Hickey, with keyboards by Josh Silver. Z2 commemorates the 30th anniversary of Bloody Kisses with a stunning volume of art and stories from rock star contributors Andy Biersack, Carla Harvey, Cristina Scabbia, and Burton C. Bell – as well as many more! This anthology captures both the haunted edge and the dry satirical humor that defined what many consider to be the definitive gothic metal album. The collection is slated for publication in late spring 2024 and will include, for the first time ever a double-picture disc vinyl set of Bloody Kisses, featuring art by Alan Robert.

Type O Negative: Bloody Kisses is a collection of eleven stories based on tracks from the original release in 1993 along with the song “Suspended in Dusk” from the Suspended in Dusk alternative version (1994). Featuring cover art by Life of Agony and Z2 creator Alan Robert, an introduction by Biohazard’s Billy Graziadei, a collector’s card by Anthrax/Pantera drummer Charlie Benante, and inspired stories including Too Late: Frozen by founder and frontman for Black Veil Brides Andy Biersack with art by Paolo Armitano, Christian Woman by author and co-lead vocalist for Butcher Babies Carla Harvey with art by Thomas Tenney, We Hate Everyone written and illustrated by Life of Agony’s Alan Robert, Bloody Kisses by Lacuna Coil frontwoman Cristina Scabbia with art by Seth Adams, Blood & Fire by Grammy-nominee, photographer, producer and Fear Factory co-founder Burton C. Bell with art by Marco Finnegan, and Black No. 1 by New Years Day lead singer, actress, and creator Ashley Costello with art by Steve Kurth.

Z2 and Type O Negative present Bloody Kisses in hardcover and as a deluxe edition including the hardcover, double picture disc version of the album on vinyl featuring each of the four members of the band and collector’s card by Charlie Benante, a super limited edition including the hardcover, double picture disc version of the album on vinyl featuring each of the four members of the band, and collector’s card by Charlie Benante – limited to 666 units and finally a VERY limited number of the rare REPULSION demo cassette, thought to be lost forever, and uncovered recently in a Brooklyn attic.

Type O Negative: Bloody Kisses will be available in hardcover via Z2 distributed by Simon & Schuster for a list price of $40 (ISBN: 979-8-88656-064-0) at retailers everywhere in Spring 2024. Preorder Available Now.

Type O Negative: Bloody Kisses

Iron Maiden and Z2 Join forces to celebrate the album Piece of Mind

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40 years have passed since the release of Iron Maiden’s groundbreaking fourth studio album, Piece of Mind. Released in 1983, Piece Of Mind was the band’s first album to enter the U.S. Billboard Top 20, peaking at #14, achieving RIAA platinum certification in the U.S. More than an album, it was a thunderous statement of intent by a band whose meteoric rise from the East End of London would thrust them into the realms of legend. This fall the metal pioneers have partnered with Z2, the award-winning publisher, to bring the multi-platinum album Piece of Mind to book form. Available Tuesday, November 21, Iron Maiden: Piece Of Mind, is a stunning love letter to fans from one of the most celebrated metal bands in music history. Opening with an introduction titled “Piece of Mind at 40” by ever-present manager Rod Smallwood, this commemorative book is packed with comics, art, and testimonials from acclaimed writers, artists, actors and musicians, as a powerful celebration of the living legend that is Iron Maiden.

A jaw-dropping work that pushes the boundaries of print production and presentation, The Oversized Deluxe and Asylum Editions of Iron Maiden: Piece Of Mind are encased in an asylum clamshell with locking mechanism. Maiden’s iconic mascot Eddie growls and snarls from behind the die-cut bars on the asylum doors, but the sliding bolt is designed to keep him safely confined! However, when the reader dares to unlock the book, they will be delighted as Eddie breaks free of his chains and straitjacket!

Assembling an all-star team to create new interpretations of the most important metal album in music, Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind features original stories for each of the nine album tracks including Where Eagles Dare – written by Steven Grant illustrated by Carson Thorn, Revelations – fittingly crafted by Bruce Dickinson with Tony Lee and illustrated by Damien Worm; (“Revelations” being the first track in Maiden history to be solely-credited to Dickinson), Flight of Icarus by Eisner nominee Ivan Brandon illustrated by Francesco Dossena, Die With Your Boots On by Emmy-winning director and screenwriter Sacha Gervasi with art by Christian Rosado, The Trooper by Antony Johnston illustrated by Staz Johnson, Still Life by Leah Moore and John Reppion painted by John Pearson, Quest for Fire from metal authority Brian Posehn with art by Michael Avon Oeming, Sun and Steel by multiple World Fantasy Award-nominee Chris Roberson with art by Danijel Žeželj, and To Tame a Land, written and illustrated by Alison Sampson. In addition, between each story, the book is packed with original pieces of art by acclaimed illustrators, including Montos, Ghoulish Gary, Steve Chanks, Jan Meininghaus, Kyle Hotz, Jay Geldhof, Darin Hazmat, Travis Knight, Akirant and Nat Jones.

The impact of Piece of Mind and Iron Maiden across the creative community is reflected by the star-studded testimonials contained within, including Simon Gallup, AEW legend Chris Jericho, MMA Superstar Josh Barnett, multiple Grammy-nominee and Lifetime Achievement Award-honoree Chuck D, Grammy-winning director Jonas Akerlund, and multiple Grammy-nominee Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian.

With Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind, collectors will have five variants available to purchase, including: The Trooper cover by multiple Eisner-nominee J.G. Jones, Asylum Edition with cover by multiple Society of Illustrators-winner Jason Edmiston, Die With Your Boots On cover by UK Iron Maiden illustrator Dan Mumford, and The Flight of the Icarus cover by Eisner-nominee Martin Simmonds with an additional The Trooper Cutaway cover by famed poster artist Travis Knight.

Z2 present multiple collector editions of Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind – perfect for the diehard fan’s bookshelf:

  • The standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Dan Mumford ($40.00).
  • The FLIGHT OF ICARUS Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Martin Simmonds – limited to only 3,000 copies and exclusive to Independent Comic Shops ($40.00).
  • THE TROOPER Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by J.G. Jones – limited to 500 copies and exclusive to Project M/Revolver Magazine ($40.00).
  • THE TROOPER Cutaway Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Travis Knight – limited to 666 copies and exclusive to Rockabilia.com ($40.00).
  • THE TROOPER Foil Card in sealed Collector’s Case, art by Travis Knight – limited to 666 cards ($35.00).
  • DELUXE Edition including the oversized graphic novel (HC) w/bonus pages and a POP-UP insert featuring cover art by Jason Edmiston encased in the Piece of Mind Asylum Clamshell box with locking Cell Door Action and three (3) Piece of Mind Art Prints Triptych set by Hydro 74, ($150.00) – website only.
  • And for the true collector, Z2 offers THE ASYLUM Edition which includes the oversized graphic novel w/bonus pages and a POP-UP insert featuring cover art by Jason Edmiston, encased in the Piece of Mind Asylum Clamshell box with locking Cell Door Action, three (3) Piece of Mind Art Prints Triptych set by Hydro 74, one (1) 1983 Piece of Mind replica concert ticket, one (1) Die With Your Boots On Art Print, signed and numbered by Dan Mumford (only available to the first 500 orders), four (4) Iron Maiden Collectors Cards in a display case featuring the works of Dan Mumford, Jason Edmiston, J.G. Jones, and Martin Simmonds ($300.00). Additionally, The Asylum Edition includes one (1) Eddie Asylum Model Kit, which will be shipped separately. 

Miles Davis and the Search for Sound arrives from Z2 this November

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Z2 Comics has announced Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound, an innovative and stunning exploration of the musical pioneer’s winding, exhilarating life and the intoxicating music that followed. The graphic novel will be released on November 7th, 2023.

The graphic novel chronicles Davis’ journey from his childhood in Illinois to mastering jazz improvisation throughout the ’40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. These formative experiences led him to redefine the form again and again, culminating into the psychedelic frontiers of afro futurism throughout the ‘70s and beyond. Cartoonist Dave Chisholm, who received his doctorate in Jazz Trumpet from the Eastman School of Music, takes readers on a meticulously researched odyssey charting this dynamic figure’s musical evolution. Throughout, Chisholm centers on the one obsession threaded throughout Davis’ sprawling career: a restless search for the sound. A search that shattered and redefined the limits of what jazz—and music—could be.

Featuring narration adapted from Davis’ own words and a shifting palette of visual styles that mirrors Davis’ famously varied oeuvre, this 150-page graphic novel follows Davis through four decades of musical innovation and ever-escalating obstacles.

Chisholm frames the narrative around Davis’ recovery from a stroke in 1982. With Davis unable to play his trumpet, his medical team urged him to regain coordination by scratching out patterns and scribbles with a pencil on paper. From there, the story hurdles back in time to the icon’s quest to find a mysterious tone he once heard on a moonlit country road in his childhood.

Z2 Comics will release Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound on November 7th in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions. The deluxe hardcover will be packaged with three art prints illustrated by Dave Chisholm and a limited-edition Miles Davis split 7” of Miles Runs The Voodoo Down and Spanish Key, with new art by Dave Chisholm. The Gold editions will be signed and numbered by Dave Chisholm and come with a set of accordion-style postcards with original paintings from Miles Davis and the split 7” of Miles Runs The Voodoo Down and Spanish Key will feature an exclusive colorway. Finally there will be only 10 of 10 Platinum editions of Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound and these will come with a 360° spinning Miles Davis Limited-Edition 3D sculpture, a Miles Davis T-shirt designed by Dave Chisholm and a split 7” of Miles Runs The Voodoo Down and Spanish Key on clear vinyl.

NYCC 2023: Z2 reveals its signing schedule

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Z2 Comics

Z2 will host some of metal’s heaviest hitters at their booth (#4509) for signing sessions this October at New York Comic Con. Z2 will have on hand advance copies of deluxe editions of Dee Snider: He’s Not Gonna Take It and Pantera: Vulgar Display of Power. Creators include legendary Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, Halestorm, GWAR, and and Alan Robert of Life of Agony, with more to come. See the confirmed schedule below.

Friday, October 13th

12:00pm – 1:00pm: GWAR

4:00pm – 5:00pm: DEE SNIDER

5:00pm – 6:00pm: HALESTORM

LOCATION and Time TBA – GWAR Concert 

Saturday, October 14th

2:00pm – 3:00pm: HALESTORM

3:00pm – 4:00pm: ALAN ROBERT (Life of Agony)

Sunday, October 15th

2:00pm – 3:00pm: “WEIRD AL” CREATORS

3:00pm – 4:00pm: ALAN ROBERT (Life of Agony)

NYCC 2023: Z2 Rocks with Rock & Roll’s Heaviest Hitters

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Z2 NYCC 2023

Z2 is set to raise their fist in celebration of their music creators this October at New York Comic Con with plans to host multiple signings at their booth, debut new titles, and participate in panels.

Z2 Comics will invade New York Comic Con in October with an array of talent appearing in support of current and upcoming graphic novels. While days and times are yet to be finalized, among those confirmed includes Halestorm, GWAR, Alan Robert of Life Of Agony, and Dee Snider of the legendary Twisted Sister.

The entire band of Halestorm, including Lzzy Hale, will appear at NYCC 2023 in support of their graphic novel entitled Hyde Manor released in late August 2023. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2012 EP Hello, It’s Mz Hyde and its ensuing LP, The Strange Case Of…, the Hyde Manor graphic novel depicts the members of Halestorm encountering sinister doppelgangers of themselves. Within the decrepit halls of Hyde Manor, mirror reflections independently talk back and photographs transform to reveal sordid prophecies, leading the band to slowly succumb to madness while recording a new album. The tale creaks and twists with doom-filled revelations, perfectly tied to Halestorm’s scorching discography. Twins Brittany and Brianna Winner (the Twin Soul series), artist Sara Scalia, cover artist Alison Sampson, and colorist DJ Alonso weave a tale of the celebrated group as they seek refuge in the titular Hyde Manor—a sprawling gothic estate perched on the remote end of the Oregon Coast. 

GWAR will also be attending NYCC to promote In the Duoverse Of Absurdity released earlier this year. The story follows the band into the multiverse where they encounter alternate versions of themselves from another dimension, forcing GWAR to defend their universe from the intruders. If unleashed upon the universe, these dark mirror incarnations would dominate and subjugate all of humanity to the will of The Master. In the Duoverse Of Absurdity is co-written by GWAR rhythm guitarist Michael Derks and singer Matt Maguire, with art by Andy MacDonald (2020 Machine Man) and Shane White (Negative Burn).

The legendary Twisted Sister frontman, Dee Snider will be on hand to support He’s Not Gonna Take It set to be released in late November. This new graphic novel will follow the impact of Dee’s battle for freedom of expression in the arts throughout his life. From a childhood where he was frequently silenced, through the early efforts to stifle his band’s music, to the open warfare of the PMRC hearings in Washington DC, and his current efforts on social media. He’s Not Gonna Take It tells the story of why free speech is so important to this man who has fought for it…even when it endangered everything that was important to him. 

Comic creator and bassist for the heavy metal band Life of Agony, Alan Robert will be signing copies of his just released Pantera: Vulgar Display of Power graphic novel exclusive cover at the Z2 booth. He’s created popular graphic novels such as Wire Hangers, Crawl to Me, and Killogy, as well as a horror-themed adult coloring book series called The Beauty of Horror. 

Finally, on Sunday, over a dozen contributors of the 2023 Eisner-winning and 2023 Ringo-winning The Illustrated Al, will be in attendance at the Z2 booth signing the “Weird Al” Yankovic art book for fans for the first time ever. Guests include Billy Plympton, Steve Chanks, Ryan Dunlavey, Patrick McQuade, Sean Pryor, and project editor, Josh Bernstein.

GWAR: In the Duoverse of Absurdity is now available as a Deluxe Edition for a list price of $99.99 (includes Deluxe Edition Graphic Novel Oversized HC with Slipcase, an audio version of the book as read by members of the band, and an exclusive vinyl variant of The New Dark Ages LP in color variant Sunbolt with art by Alex Horley), hardcover for a list price of $29.99, and paperback for a list price of $24.99 (ISBN: 978-1-94087-8-799) – available at retailers everywhere now. Link to order.

DEE SNIDER: He’s Not Gonna Take It will be available as a Deluxe Edition for a list price of $99.99 (includes Deluxe Edition Graphic Novel Oversized HC with Slipcase, Signed by Dee Snider, Commemorative Coin, and three Retro Dee Snider Commemorative Art Prints), hardcover for a list price of $29.99, and paperback for a list price of $24.99 (ISBN: 979-8-88656-030-5) – available at retailers everywhere on November 21, 2023. Preorder link.

HALESTORM: Hyde Manor is now available as a Deluxe Edition Oversized Hardcover (includes Graphic Novel Slipcase, Lzzy Hale / Ms. Hyde two-sided coin, Lzzy Hale / Ms. Hyde Collector’s Card in plastic frame, 3-Piece Exclusive Art Print Set – limited run of 999) for a list price of $99.99, Super Deluxe Edition (includes Oversized Hardcover Hand-Signed by the members of Halestorm, Graphic Novel Slipcase, Lzzy Hale / Ms. Hyde two-sided coin, Lzzy Hale / Ms. Hyde Collector’s Card in plastic frame, exclusive Halestorm Deck of Cards, 3-piece exclusive Art Print Set – limited run of 500) for a list price of $199.99, hardcover for a list price of $29.99, and paperback for a list price of $24.99 (ISBN: 978-1-95492-853-4) – available at retailers everywhere now. Link to order.

The Illustrated Al: The Songs of “Weird Al” Yankovic is now available as a Deluxe Edition Oversized Hardcover (includes Graphic Novel Slipcase by Josh Bernstein, 3-piece Art Print Set by Jesse Phillips, and “Weird Al” Yankovic wax pack of Al’s collector’s cards by Danny Hellman – limited run of 1999) for a list price of $99.99, and hardcover for a list price of $29.99 (ISBN: 978-1-95492-864-0) – available at retailers everywhere now. Link to order.

PANTERA: Vulgar Display of Power is now available as a Deluxe Edition Oversized Hardcover (includes Graphic Novel Slipcase, Limited Edition Vinyl LP in ‘Blood Splatter’ with Sleeve Artwork Inspired by the Paul Booth Graphic Novel Cover Artwork, and 3-piece Art Print Set by Erik Rodriguez, Danijel Zezelj and Alan Robert – limited run of 1999) for a list price of $99.99, Platinum Edition (includes Oversized Hardcover Hand-Signed by the members of Pantera, Graphic Novel Slipcase, Limited Edition Vinyl LP in ‘Blood Splatter’ with Sleeve Artwork Inspired by the Paul Booth Graphic Novel Cover Artwork, and 3-piece Art Print Set by Erik Rodriguez, Danijel Zezelj and Alan Robert, Punch-Action Pantera Resin Statue, and Pantera Sticker Set – limited run of 500) for a list price of $199.99, hardcover for a list price of $29.99 (ISBN: 978-1-95492-857-2) – available at retailers everywhere now. Link to order. 

ILLENIUM presents Starfall this November from Z2 Comics

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Z2 has announced ILLENIUM Presents: Starfall, a collaboration with the musical mastermind that channels the infectious energy of his five-album career into a new, neon-splashed graphic novel.

In a cold totalitarian society where only the fittest survive, Nick has embraced a new world order of violence and brutality, blindly following his overseers’ wishes no matter how much blood stains his hands. To meet these vicious ends, Nick relies on an addictive Substance—a potent elixir that his malignant overlord rations out to the loyally subservient.

But a mysterious woman named Ash soon challenges his worldview, unlocking a potential of harmony rooted in a winding mythology of phoenixes and fire. To transcend the dystopia he helped create, Nick will have to battle demons of addictions and unearth the secrets of ILLENIUM.

ILLENIUM joins writers Frank Marraffino and artists Pablo Andrés and Luis Expósito Hernández for this gripping new sci-fi venture. Emilio Adrias provides cover art. 

Z2 Comics will release ILLENIUM Presents: Starfall on November 21, 2023 in standard hardcover, deluxe hardcover, and super deluxe editions. The deluxe edition will feature an oversized hardcover book in a custom slipcase and come packaged with three art prints illustrated by Alex Moore. The super deluxe edition, which contains the same contents as the deluxe edition, is limited to 100 copies signed by ILLENIUM and also includes a limited edition holographic collectors card in a magnetic case and an enamel pin.

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