Anthrax and Z2 Comics have announced an incredibly stacked anthology based on the band's seminal 1987 album, Among the Living.
The comprehensive graphic novel collection will feature a narrative guided by the band's longtime mascot, "The Not Man," which was recently updated with a new design from The Walking Dead's Greg Nicotero.
The project boasts an impressive collection of contributors from the world of comics and music. Taking on the duties of writing include the likes of Brian Azzarello, Grant Morrison, Jimmy Palmiotti, Brian Posehn, Rick Remender, Corey Taylor, Joseph Trohman, Gerard and Mikey Way, and Rob Zombie, among the initially announced.
Contributing artists include Roland Boschi, Maan House, Dave Johnson, Scott Koblish, Darrick Robertson, and Erik Rodriguez, and more, with covers by Anthrax's Charlie Benante, as well as JG Jones and Eric Powell.
"Doing a comic book has always been a huge goal for me" said Anthrax's Charlie Benante. "I've tried for years, but something always comes up and sidetracks me. I was ecstatic when Josh Bernstein brought the idea to us to do a graphic novel based on our album Among the Living. I felt that it was the perfect time and opportunity to fulfill that dream. I am a lifelong artist and have been drawing during the pandemic more than ever, so I had the idea to bring my own artwork to this project. As a fan of the Judge Dredd series since the 80's, it was an honor to create cover art based off of Dredd and Judge Death. The amount of talent that is going into this project is astounding, I scratch my head just thinking about it!"
"Comics are one of the two things (the other thing being Horror) that I've been into longer than music" said Scott Ian. Comics were/are my constant. Music joined the party and became my constant as well. I started a band. I wrote lyrics about comics and horror and they connected with people all over the world. And now for the 40th (40!!!) anniversary of Anthrax, I get to cross the streams and merge my constants with a graphic novel celebrating the album that made such a mark on the planet - Among the Living. Getting to be a part of this process - choosing writers and artists to express what these songs mean to them - has been incredible. I made a wish list of writers/artists/musicians that I would love to be a part of this, not really thinking we'd get them. I was aiming high, the list had Grant Morrison's name at the top - and Grant said yes. Brian Azzarello said yes. Eric Powell, J.G. Jones, Greg Nicotero, Corey Taylor, Rob Zombie, Brian Posehn, Rick Remender, Joe Trohman, Gerard & Mikey Way - they all said yes. Holy crap!"
In addition, Ian and Benante have combined creative forces to craft an original story based on "I Am the Law." The feature will include the legendary comic character Judge Dredd, in partnership with 2000 AD. The collaboration marks a career long connection between the band, the timeless track, and the staple in the comic book universe.
The Among the Living anthology collection will be available in various formats, including a deluxe and super deluxe edition that comes with special picture disc vinyl, an exclusive MadBalls™ toy, art prints, and a gold record plaque to boot.
The complete collection and various editions, including the Benante/Ian Judge Dredd supplement are currently available via Z2 Comics - HERE
