Tag Archives: z2 comics

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

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 BiersackCarla HarveyCristina 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 ArmitanoChristian Woman by author and co-lead vocalist for Butcher Babies Carla Harvey with art by Thomas TenneyWe Hate Everyone written and illustrated by Life of Agony’s Alan RobertBloody 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 hardcoverdouble 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

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 ThornRevelations – 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 DossenaDie With Your Boots On by Emmy-winning director and screenwriter Sacha Gervasi with art by Christian RosadoThe Trooper by Antony Johnston illustrated by Staz JohnsonStill Life by Leah Moore and John Reppion painted by John PearsonQuest for Fire from metal authority Brian Posehn with art by Michael Avon OemingSun 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 MontosGhoulish GarySteve ChanksJan MeininghausKyle HotzJay GeldhofDarin HazmatTravis KnightAkirant 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. JonesAsylum Edition with cover by multiple Society of Illustrators-winner Jason EdmistonDie 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 MumfordJason EdmistonJ.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

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

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

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, GWARAlan 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 AgonyAlan 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

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.

Z2 announces Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound

In 1959, Miles Davis released the best-selling jazz album of all time, Kind Of Blue. Now, on the anniversary of his birth, Z2 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. Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound has a street date of September 26, 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 September 26, 2023 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.

Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound

Preview: Heartstrings: Melissa Etheridge & Her Guitars

Heartstrings: Melissa Etheridge & Her Guitars

Writers: Steve Hochman & Frank Marraffino
Artists: Manuela Pertega, Fred Stresing
Release Date April 18, 2023

Melissa Etheridge’s Heartstrings takes you on a journey through her growth and life as a musician, as it reveals the untold stories behind some of her favorite guitars – each one of them exciting, significant, and dear to her heart and music.

Heartstrings: Melissa Etheridge & Her Guitars

Preview: Judas Priest: Screaming For Vengeance

Judas Priest: Screaming For Vengeance

Writers: Rantz A. Hoseley & Neil Kleid
Artists: Christopher Mitten, Dee Cunniff
Release Date April 18, 2023

500 years from now, a ring of cities will orbit high above the surface of a dead world, controlled by a ruling elite that maintains power through manipulation and brutality. When a naïve engineer inadvertently threatens the status quo with his vital scientific discovery… A BLOODSTONE… he is betrayed by those he trusted and cast out to the broken planet below. In the wreckage and desolation of a broken world where every day is a battle for survival, he must choose between accepting his new life in exile… or SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE.

Judas Priest: Screaming For Vengeance

The Triptych of Terror comes to The Last Comic Book on the Left

The fevered minds behind The Last Podcast on the LeftMarcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, and Ben Kissel, have once more joined unholy forces with Z2 Comics for a third tome in the The Last Comic Book on the Left series. Overflowing with stories equally heretic and hilarious, this new anthology has ensnared a new batch of writers and artists to conjure more macabre and profane sequential art inspired by the podcast, featuring doomed descents into Norwegian Black Metal, the Andreasson Affair, the Hollow Moon, and the Edgewood Arsenal (among others). 

What other degenerates have been recruited into this brochure of the wicked? 

  • Eliot Rahal (Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch, Cheech & Chong’s Chronicles)
  • Bob Fingerman (Minimum WageBeg the Question)
  • Brennan Wagner (Blondie: Against the Odds)
  • Jenna Cha (Black Stars Above)
  • Grim Wilkins (Mirenda, Prophet)
  • Maria Lovett (Faithless, Porcelain)
  • Josh Simmons (Black River, Flayed Corpse)
  • Bayard Morse (The Last Comic Book on the Left)
  • Eryk Donovan (Heavy, Memetic
  • Jade Young 
  • Jensine Eckwall

In addition, Marcus Parks and Henry Zebrowski will step out from the bullpen to write their own stories in this new volume. Legendary creator Matt Wagner (MageGrendel) provides the cover art for the deluxe edition with repeat offender Bob Fingerman returning to provide cover art on the standard edition; Rob Schwager illustrated the hardback. 

Like the first two volumes of The Last Comic Book on the Left, a series of prints will come bundled with deluxe editions of the book. Artists and subjects include:

  • Maria Lovett, Vampires
  • Rob Schwager, The Flatwoods Monster 
  • Jade Young, Curse of the Kelpie 
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