Tag Archives: josh bernstein

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. 

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.

Ice-T, Arabian Prince, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Treach, and Z2 Comics Unite for New Gangster Graphic Novel, Death for Hire: The Origin of Tehk City

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Z2 Comics has announced Death for Hire: The Origin of Tehk City, a new hard-crime graphic novel prelude to a massive IP universe that will span animation, music, toys, NFTs, and beyond. Created by iconic musician and actor Ice-T, founding NWA member Arabian Prince, and Award-Winning artist Tommy The Animator, the graphic novel introduces a brutal ensemble of pushers and murderers in a world where the line between anti-hero and arch-villain blurs quickly. Death for Hire: The Origin of Tehk City is edited by Z2’s Rantz Hoseley, with Josh Bernstein of Z2 Comics and Shannon Eric Denton of Monster Forge Productions serving as executive producers. 

Within these pages, crooked Mayor Chuck Davis (Ice-T), his deadly female assassin Rhonda Knuckles (Coco), and right-hand-man Maniac Max (Treach) navigate the savage law of the street. With his hands busy in everything from money laundering to hired hits, Davis tries to stay one step ahead of the competition in the Round Table Gang—Benny Tang (Ben Baller), Azul Michoacan (Emilio Rivera), and Vinny “Pipes” Roselli (Jeffrey Peterson)—who have controlled the black market undercurrent of Tehk City for years. But information comes at a price, especially when purchased from Pretty Black (Snoop Dogg), whose black market network feeds him intelligence from the furthest reaches of Tehk City. Davis and his crew will soon learn that grabbing power from the top dog can take you sky high or drag you to the grave. 

A murderer’s row of rap luminaries and pop culture icons will serve as the likeness and voices within the upcoming Tehk City animated series. In addition to iconic producer Dr. Dre providing an original score for the animated series, each rap artist will write and perform a custom theme for their character. The following talent will be involved and voice a character in the animated series:  

  • Ice-T as Mayor Chuck Davis
  • Coco as Rhonda Knuckles
  • Snoop Dogg as Pretty Black
  • Tracy Morgan as Thirsty Mike
  • Busta Rhymes as Killa Whale
  • Mike Epps as Louiie
  • Treach as Maniac Maxx
  • Arabian Prince as Kenyatta Prince 
  • Peter Scanavino as Slimm Roselli 
  • Roxanne Shanté as Officer Petty
  • Ben Baller as Benny Tang
  • Styles P as Barkim
  • Tone Trump as Bones
  • Emilio Rivera as Azul Michoacan
  • Tommy The Animator as Tommy Chrome
  • Shannon Eric Denton as Dropout

Death for Hire: The Origin of Tehk City is created by Ice-T, Arabian Prince, and Tommy The Animator, with a script by Gary Phillips and illustrations by Montos.

Death for Hire: The Origin of Tehk City will be available in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions. The deluxe hardcover will come with movie poster art prints and collector’s cards. Oversized platinum editions will come signed by Ice-T, Arabian Prince, and Tommy the Animator and come with an elegant slipcase, classic movie poster-style art prints, collector card packs, an ultra-rare Mayor Chuck Davis foil card, and the first-ever Tehk City NFT collection featuring a Chuck Davis NFT. Death for Hire: The Origin of Tehk City will release in summer 2023. 

Z2 Comics and Dee Snider Capture the Rocker’s Fight Against Censorship and the PMRC in the Original Graphic Novel, He’s Not Gonna Take It

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More than 35 years ago, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider marched into the United States Senate’s Committee on Commerce in a jean jacket and tank top to confront a band of concerned Washington housewives hellbent on silencing the howl of metal and beyond. Co-founded by Tipper Gore, a committee of politicians’ spouses labeling themselves the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) had lobbied to plaster “Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics” labels on any music that conformed to their definition of sexual, violent, or drug-endorsing. Partnering with Z2 Comics, Snider’s war to preserve the first amendment will be immortalized in He’s Not Gonna Take It, a graphic novel charting the rocker’s passionate battle against censorship alongside writer Frank Marraffino and artist Steve Kurth. 

The following journey would forever forge the name Dee Snider alongside the battle for freedom of expression—in the arts and beyond. This new graphic novel charts that one-man war throughout Dee’s 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 perpetually fought for it—even when it endangered everything that was important to him.

Z2 Comics and Dee Snider present He’s Not Gonna Take It in both softcover and hardcover formats, as well as oversized hardcover deluxe, and an oversized hardcover deluxe hand-signed edition. Erik Rodriguez and Josh Bernstein provide cover art. Deluxe editions include retro-comic art prints from Roy Burdine, Javier Aranda, and Carlos Olivares, as well as a Dee Snider commemorative coin.

Z2 Comics and Anthrax’s Among the Living is Out in July

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Since the first announcement of the upcoming graphic novel inspired by the titans of thrash metal’s landmark 1987 album, the project has remained one of the most anticipated releases of the year. It’s been announced that the Among the Living graphic novel will be released in stores everywhere on July 6! In an effort to support the comic book specialty market, which had been hardest by the COVID-19 health crisis of the past year, Anthrax and Z2 shipped a surprise limited number of copies early, with stores able to put out for sale this week!

The project pulls together a who’s who of names from around comics and music for a track-by-track storyline inspired by one of heavy metal’s most iconic albums with all four members of the classic Anthrax lineup contributing!

An anthology narrated by longtime mascot “The Not Man” newly designed by Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead) and written by Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn, Blondie: Against the Odds) and illustrated by classic Aliens artist Nelson; Among the Living unites bandmembers Joey Belladonna, Frank Bello, Charlie Benante, and Scott Ian, with writers, artists, and other rock legends in a tribute to their landmark 1987 album, featuring covers by JG Jones, Eric Powell, and a preorder variant from Charlie Benante. Additional interior art and chapter breaks by Sawblade, Brian Ewing, and Josh Bernstein.

Scott Ian will contribute an original story inspired by the fan favorite anthem “I Am the Law,” featuring the legendary comic book antihero Judge Dredd, in partnership with 2000 AD. This will make official the decades long connection between the character and the band, rewarding comic book fans and metalheads alike, and features art by longtime Dredd artist Chris Weston.

The full lineup can be found below:
1- Among the Living 
Writer: Brian Posehn
Artist: Scott Koblish and Alladin Collar

2- Caught in a Mosh 
Writer: Gerard and Mikey Way
Artist: Darick Robertson, Phillip Sevy and Alladin Collar

3- I Am the Law (featuring Judge Dredd)
Writer: Scott Ian
Artist: Chris Weston and Alladin Collar

4- Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)
Writer: Rick Remender and Joe Trohman
Artist: Roland Boschi and Dan Brown

5- A Skeleton in the Closet 
Writer: Corey Taylor
Artist: Maan House

6- Indians 
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Freddie Williams II and Andrew Dalhouse

7- One World  
Writer: Frank Bello
Artist: Andy Belanger and Tatto Caballero

8- A.D.I./Horror of It All
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Dave Johnson

9- Imitation of Life
Writer: Rob Zombie
Artist: Erik Rodriguez and Steve Chanks