Tag Archives: z2 comics

The Illustrated Al: The Songs of “Weird Al” Yankovic is a celebration of Weird Al

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Five-time Grammy Award-winner and legendary musical satirist “Weird Al” Yankovic has written ALL of the greatest songs of both the 20th and 21st centuries. Z2 has gathered some of the top cartoonists to express Al’s “Yankovisions” visually within this book’s pages. The great Al-merican songbook features 20+ classic songs interpreted by a group of amazing artists.

Creators:

Hilary Barta, Jim Wiz, Wes Wong, Rick Parker
Mark Fredericksom
Bob Fingerman
Peter Bagge
Jay Jay Jackson
Bill Plympton
Wes Hargis
Craig Rousseau
Aaron Augenblick
Brent Engstrom

Steve Chanks, Claudia Chanks
Tim Leong
Chris Visions, Nathan Kempf
PJ McQuade
Ruben Volling
Gideon Kendall
Ryan Dunlavey, Adam Guzowski
Brian McFadden
Johnny Sampson
Gary Pullin

Kelly Phillips
Fred Harper, Nathan Kempf
Jeff McClelland, Jeff McComsey, Mark Welser
Jan Meininghaus
Sean Pryor
R. Sikoryak
Mike Kupperman
Felipe Sobreiro, Nathan Kempf
Drew Friedman, Mike Allred, Laura Allred, Jesse Philips, Danny Hellman

Get your copy in comic shops! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Z2 Comics
Bookshop
Amazon

Z2 Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

King Diamond’s Abigail rocks the horror in a beautiful package

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King Diamond’s classic horror story featured on his 1987 concept album “Abigail”, has received a masterful in-depth overhaul and is brought to life in a whole new way in a stunning graphic novel.

Z2 Comics hooked us up with the hardcover edition and album to fully appreciate the rocking story.

Horror fan? You’ll want to check this out!

Original Story: King Diamond
Story: Dan Watters
Art: Damien Worm
Art: Assistant: Aylzia Zherno
Cover: Damien Worm
Letterer: Troy Peteri
Editor: Rantz A. Hoseley

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Z2 Comics
Bookshop

Z2 Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Ice Nine Kills and Z2 Return for more Meta Carnage in Inked in Blood II: Once Upon A Crime

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Z2 has announced Ice Nine Kills—Inked in Blood II: Once Upon A Crime, the sequel to last year’s slasher thriller. This new volume blends the real-world journey of the famed theatrical metal pioneers with a claustrophobic, adrenaline-doused dose of serial-killer slayings. Due in Fall 2023, the direct sequel unites Ice Nine Kills architect Spencer Charnas with co-writer Ryan J. Downey and artists Nino Cammarata and Giorgia Sposito. Mike Cortada, who’s responsible for the evocative album artwork behind Ice Nine Kills’ most recent albums The Silver Scream and Welcome to Horrorwood: The Silver Scream 2, returns to illustrate the cover art. 

Ice Nine Kills—Inked in Blood II escalates the tension from the first volume, introducing Max Charnas—the identical twin brother of INK mastermind Spencer Charnas—who hatches a plan to blackmail, frame, and destroy his sibling. The new volume ignites at The Silver Scream Con, the real-world Massachusetts gathering that debuted last August, where the blood and power chords continue to fly. The resulting thrill ride packs more crunch and hooks than an Ice Nine Kills breakdown, with serial killers and doppelgängers cleaving a bloody path from panel to panel. 

Z2 and Ice Nine Kills present Inked In Blood II: Once Upon a Crime in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions, set to release Fall 2023. The deluxe hardcover will come with a print triptych by Phillip Sevy art prints and two-sided Spencer Charnas collector’s coin. Oversized platinum editions will come signed by Spencer Charnas with an elegant slipcase, the triptych art prints, the double-sided collector’s coin, and the Ice Nine Kills double LP of Welcome to Horrorwood: The Silver Scream 2 in an exclusive purple splatter vinyl variant. 

Z2 Comics and Swedish Metal Titans Amon Amarth Announce New Epic Graphic Novel/Board Game, The Great Heathen Army

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Z2 has announced Amon Amarth: The Great Heathen Army, a new graphic novel and board game collaboration celebrating the heavy metal quintet’s last album of the same name. Channeling the thunderous epic poem winding through these nine tracks, the graphic novel dives into the heart of the Viking Age, as oars propel longships to shores awaiting the brutal collision of steel and bone.

The project unites the band with writer Dan Watters, artist Ario Murti, and cover artists Montos and Tom Thiel.

The pages of The Great Heathen Army unspool throughout a 9th-century battle siege, in which a coalition of Viking warriors from Scandinavia invades England, wreaking unprecedented chaos. The tale dynamically pivots between large-scale dioramas of destruction to the lives of the men and women whose decisions leveled populations, capturing the devastating human cost to both sides of this legendary clash. The book will also include a foreword from professional WWE Wrestling Hall of Famer and Viking devotee, Adam “Edge” Copeland. 

Z2 and Amon Amarth present The Great Heathen Army in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions, set to release in Fall 2023. The deluxe hardcover will come signed with three art prints illustrated by Tom Thiel, a Silver Pennigar Viking Collector’s Coin, and a limited edition board game with an oversized battle map. 

The Great Heathen Army board game will also be available separately. In the deck-building war game, players assume the role of the Vikings on the attacker’s side or that of the Anglo-Saxons on the defender’s side; each side will strategize their own goal to defeat or repel the other in absorbing, hours-long campaigns.

Growing Up Farley chronicles Chris Farley’s childhood journey to superstardom

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Z2 Comics has announced Growing Up Farley, a graphic novel about the comedy icon who stormed 30 Rockefeller Plaza to become Saturday Night Live’s breakout star of the ‘90s. Co-written by Chris Farley’s brother, stand-up comedian and actor Kevin Farley, the story provides an intimate portrait into Chris and Kevin’s youthful adventures—from their performances at Red Arrow Camp to sets at the Arc Theatre in Wisconsin, all the way to famed improv institution The Second City in Chicago. 

Kevin Farley joins co-writer Frank Marraffino and artist Ryan Dunlavey capture the Farleys’ late ‘70s/early ‘80s childhood in Maple Bluff, WI, exploring the unique family dynamic that fueled their creativity and adoration of physical comedy. 

After honing such characters as “motivational speaker” Matt Foley at The Second City Theater Group in Chicago, Chris Farley joined the Saturday Night Live cast in 1990, cementing a golden era of humor alongside Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, and David Spade. He’d soon ascend into the ranks of celluloid comedy legend through releases including Wayne’s World, Tommy Boy, Beverly Hills Ninja, and Black Sheep.  

Z2 Comics presents Growing Up Farley in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions, set to release Fall 2023. The deluxe hardcover will come with three art prints illustrated by renowned underground artists Craig Rousseau, Fred C. Stresing, and Ryan Dunlavey. Oversized platinum editions will come with an elegant slipcase, the art prints, a “Scotch Oil” trucker hat, a “Scotch Oil” pen, and a “Scotch Oil” ballpoint pen. The “Scotch Oil” company of Madison, Wisconsin was famously owned by Chris and Kevin’s father, Tom Farley, and employed many of the Farley family members over the years. Z2 Comics will also offer 100 super limited platinum editions signed by Kevin Farley. 

Growing Up Farley

Poppy and Z2 Comics unite again for Poppy Presents: Tit Tat

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Z2 Comics has announced Poppy Presents: Tit Tat, the third collaboration between the musical auteur and publisher. Whereas the two previous graphic novels starred the breakout metal/punk/pop pioneer as the lead antihero, this new outing features an original story and characters created by Poppy. 

The graphic novel revolves around Lydia, a teenager with mysterious psionic powers. Her only tether to reality is her best friend—amateur rockstar Marigold Sykes, who’s barely better at navigating bullies and boy trouble. But when local girls start disappearing, can Lydia and her freak talents offer new hope? Or will her growing rage burn all bridges, leaving tears and regret?

Due in Spring 2023, the graphic novel reunites Poppy with co-writer Ryan Cady who collaborated with the musician on Poppy: Genesis 1 and Poppy’s Inferno, and Norzine Lama, who provided art on the latter sequel. Norzine also provides cover art.    

Z2 Comics and Poppy present Tit Tat in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions, set to release Spring 2023. The deluxe hardcover will come with three art prints from Alexandria Walsh and Andrea Yewon. Oversized platinum editions will come signed by Poppy and come with an elegant slipcase, the art prints, a charm bracelet, and a personal letter written by Poppy. 

Z2 Comics has announced a New Executive Leadership Team

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Z2 Comics has announced a new leadership team to help usher the publisher into the future. Previous CEO Josh Frankel has stepped down to pursue other ventures. Effective immediately, the new leadership team consists of the following: 

Sridhar Reddy: Publisher
Kevin Meek: Chief Executive Officer, Former CFO and General Counsel
Josh Bernstein: President, Former Senior Vice President
Aleksey Zelenberg: Chief Technology Officer, Former Data Scientist 
Courtney Menard: Creative Director, Former Director of Production

Sridhar Reddy, Kevin Meek, Josh Bernstein, Aleksey Zelenberg, Courtney Menard

Z2 Comics has evolved into one of the premiere publishers of comics and merchandise in the world, collaborating with the most innovative and iconic musicians and pop culture storytellers. The above promotions follow a series of announcements featuring new partnerships with Gorillaz, “Weird” Al Yankovic, Elvis Presley, Ice-T, and Tori Amos, with many more to be announced. The publisher’s catalog features collaborations with bands ranging from the iconic classic rock of The Doors and Grateful Dead to metal trailblazers Mötley Crüe and Anthrax to timeless entertainers like Cheech and Chong and beyond. Since 2020, Z2 Comics has grown from three employees to approximately 30. Former publisher Josh Frankel has resigned from the company.

Z2 Comics and melodic metal icons In Flames announce The Jester’s Curse

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Z2 Comics has announced In Flames: The Jester’s Curse, a graphic novel celebrating the legendary Swedish melodic metal institution. The book expands the post-apocalyptic fantasy behind the quintet’s world, following the band’s grim mascot, Jesterhead, as he emerges from the Wasteland. He soon finds himself trapped in Dead Eternity—a distorted reality where worlds collide and nightmares thrive. The tortured figure attempts to recover his lost memories… but the devious Whoracle Queen wants him first.

Overseen by Blake Armstrong, the graphic novel features writing from Armstrong, Ben Laverock, and Scott Bramble with art from Scott Dewey and Armstrong. 

Founded in 1990 in Gothenburg, Sweden, In Flames has spanned 13 LPs and 3 EPs to become one of the most prolific and innovative metal bands the world over. Consisting of members Björn Gelotte, Anders Fridén, Chris Broderick, Bryce Paul, and Tanner Wayne, the quintet has been nominated for three Grammis, Sweden’s most prestigious musical accolade, and have won two; netting the 2004 award for the Hard Rock/Metal Album of the Year for 2004’s Soundtrack to Your Escape as well as the same award for the LP Come Clarity in 2006. The band has sold more than 2.5 million records over the course of its career.

The group will release its 14th studio album, Foregone, via Nuclear Blast on February 10, 2023. In Flames is currently on tour in America with Meshuggah and will start their European run with At The Gates, Imminence, and Orbit Culture next month. 

Z2 Comics and In Flames present The Jester’s Curse in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions. The deluxe hardcover will come with a print triptych by Blake Armstrong. Oversized platinum editions will come signed by In Flames with an elegant slipcase and the triptych art prints. Z2 Comics will also exclusively release the single “The Great Deceiver” in a crystal-clear 7-inch vinyl with etched B-Side, limited to 500 copies, as well as a limited-edition Jesterhead Action Figure. All of items are set to release in Spring 2023. 

NYCC 2022: Z2 Comics, Ice T, Chuck D, Czarface, and More!

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Z2 Comics

Z2 Comics will storm New York Comic Con with a flurry of talent and panels spotlighting current and upcoming graphic novels. On Friday October 7th in Room 406.2, Z2 will kick off its programming with a panel celebrating the crossover between rhymes and sequential art with When Hip Hop and Comics Collide with Chuck D, Czarface & D.M.C. Join moderator Kory Grow of Rolling Stone as he interviews these musical icons about their foray into comic storytelling in worlds where wrestlers and superheroes traverse multiple realities, including deep dives into Czarface: A Czar Is Born and Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps. 

The following day, iconic MC, actor, and pop-culture luminary Ice-T will accompany N.W.A.’s Arabian Prince, Coco, and Tommy The Animator for Death For Hire: Creating a New Comic Crime Mythology with Ice-T, Coco, Arabian Prince & More. The quartet will introduce their new multimedia crime epic, soon to span comics, animation, and music. 

All of these panelists will partake in signings at the Z2 Comics Booth—4131. (Check the full schedule below for details.) Other signings include:

  • Phillip Sevy (Artist, Ice Nine Kills: Inked in Blood)
  • Chris Miskiewicz (Writer, This Is Where We Fall)
  • Jazzlyn Stone & Liana Kangas (Writer/Artist, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: 40×40)

Z2 Comics’ full New York Comic Con 2022 Schedule

Friday, 10/7/2022

Z2 Comics Presents: When Hip Hop and Comics Collide with Chuck D, Czarface & DMC.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 
Room: 406.2
In the past decade, the worlds of spitfire rhymes and breakbeats have merged with the sequential art flow of panels and word balloons for a new era of hip-hop comics. This panel unites four hip-hop and rap icons who have crossed over to create stirring comic opuses. Join legendary MCs Chuck D (Public Enemy, Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps), Esoteric and 7L (Czarface: A Czar Is Born), and DMC (Darryl Makes Comics) for a can’t-miss panel that spans worlds and media.

FRIDAY SIGNINGS AT Z2 COMICS BOOTH 4131

  • Esoteric & 7L of Czarface (Czarface: A Czar Is Born): 12:30 – 1:20 PM
  • Chuck D (Public Enemy, Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps): 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Saturday, 10/8/2022

Z2 Comics Presents Death For Hire: Creating a New Comic Crime Mythology with Ice-T, Coco, Arabian Prince & More 
6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
Room: 405
Next year, Z2 Comics will debut Death For Hire: The Origin of Tehk City, a new graphic novel series set in the sprawling multi-media world of Tehk City. This brand new mythology will span comics, animation, music, and beyond, overseen by a murderer’s row of rap and silver screen icons including Ice-T, Arabian Prince, Coco Austin, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Tracy Morgan, and more. Join Ice-T, Coco Austin, Arabian Prince, and comic creator Tommy the Animator for a first look at this explosive new world of hustle and warfare.

SATURDAY SIGNINGS AT Z2 COMICS BOOTH 4131

  • Phillip Sevy (Artist, Ice Nine Kills: Inked in Blood) : 11:00 – 12:00 PM
  • Jazzlyn Stone & Liana Kangas (Creative Team, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: 40×40): 1:00 – 2:00 PM
  • Ice-T, Coco, Arabian Prince, Tommy The Animator (Death For Hire: The Origin of Tehk City): 5:30 – 6:20 PM

Alison Wonderland and Z2 Comics Announce Psychedelic, Role-Playing-Inspired Graphic Novel, Loner

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Z2 Comics and singer/songwriter/producer Alison Wonderland have announced a new graphic novel, Loner. Z2 Comics co-founder Sridhar Reddy is co-writing the book alongside Wonderland; Minomiyabi, Alex Heywood, Kelsey Ramsay, BRÄO, and Taylan Kurtulus all provide interior art, with Alex Heywood on cover art. 

The project expands on the themes of isolation and redemption that punctuated Wonderland’s third full-length album of the same name, released last May. After enduring cataclysmic life shifts, Wonderland felt a deep lull that coincided with the global pandemic, ultimately allowing the musician to reflect and find empowerment throughout the following months. 

The Loner graphic novel witnesses the acclaimed DJ and musician channel those themes into a dimension-spanning, psychedelic personal journey of creation and loss. The project explores the waves of panic, grief, and forgiveness that come with the highs and lows of making something beautiful. Ranging from real-life conflicts of bullying and anxiety to otherworldly sci-fi dealing with metaphysical monsters, Loner also features a fully-playable fantasy RPG module complete with character sheets and map.  

Loner will be available in both softcover and hardcover formats. Deluxe editions include a hand-signed edition of the book, four prints, a limited edition CD of the album with exclusive art, and custom pair of Crocs shoewear. Loner will release in winter 2023. 

Loner
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