Z2 Comics, with the Estate of Johnny Cash, will bring a remarkable and largely forgotten piece of American pop culture back into print with the republication of a little-known comic book written and self-funded by the legendary Johnny Cash in 1976. Serving to remind fans that his story is a cautionary tale, the comic represents one of the earliest—and most authentic—examples of a celebrity embracing the comic book medium to tell a personal story.

At a time when celebrity-created comics were virtually unheard of, Cash didn’t simply license his name to the project. He wrote the book, with Billy Zeoli, financed its production, and used comics as a direct way to reach young audiences. The original Spire Christian Comics edition featured artwork and a cover by legendary Archie Comics artist Al Hartley, creating an unexpected collaboration between one of America’s most iconic musicians and one of comics’ most celebrated creators. 

The comic also occupies a unique place in comics history. Johnny Cash created the book a full year before Gene Simmons‘ famous 1977 Marvel Comics promotion involving his own blood, a milestone often cited as an early crossover between celebrities and comics. While many later celebrity comic projects centered on branding or licensed likenesses, Cash’s work stands apart as a genuine creative endeavor, with the artist using the medium to tell his own story and communicate a message he deeply believed in.

Nearly five decades later, Z2 is introducing this forgotten artifact to a new generation of readers. Scheduled for release to coincide with Local Comic Shop Day, the new edition faithfully reproduces the original 1976 comic while celebrating its legacy with two all-new cover variants from acclaimed creators Chip Kidd and Tim Bradstreet. The 50th Anniversary edition of Hello, I’m Johnny Cash also boasts a brand new interview and recollections from John Carter Cash, plus a historical look at how the original 1976 comic project came to be, by renowned comics writer/journalist Alex Segura.

More than simply a Johnny Cash collectible, the book shines a light on an overlooked chapter in both the legendary musician’s career and the evolution of celebrity storytelling in comics. Long before graphic novels became a platform for musicians, actors, and other public figures, Cash recognized comics as a uniquely powerful storytelling medium capable of engaging young readers and addressing important social issues and spiritual beliefs.

Positioned at the intersection of music history, comics culture, and public education, Johnny Cash’s autobiographical comic remains a fascinating historical document—and a timely reminder of the enduring power of sequential art to inform, inspire, and connect with audiences across generations.

Arriving in finer comic shops September 23.