Photos by Steve Rose
Nearly two decades in the making, 2025 marked the release of one of progressive metal's most important releases in Parasomina. The album marked the reunion of celebrated drummer Mike Portnoy rejoining cohorts and brothers-in-arms, John Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess, and James LaBrie to form the classic line-up of the legendary Dream Theater.
Hailed as triumph and a return to form musically, Parasomina was further bolstered by a run of sold out performances on the titular tour that celebrated the revitalization of one of prog's most beloved bands. Revisiting the early 2025 release, Dream Theater has taken their narrative breadth to new levels with the announcement of a special edition release of Parasomina with the news of a companion graphic novel.
READ THE KNOTFEST.com FEATURE WITH DREAM THEATER - HERE
Parasomnia - The Graphic Album features contributions from a roster of award-winning artists, writers and contemporaries in Nebula, Locus, Inkpot and Eisner. Along with an ensemble cast of contributors in Cat Rambo, Lydia Rasero, Kevin J. Anderson, Christian Rosado, Benjamin Raab, Deric Hughes, Gianenrico Bonacorsi, Dan Hernandez, Damien Worm, Gavin Highnight, Sofia Girol, Vajra Chandrasekera, Rocky Obk, Steve Niles, Stan Yak, John Reppion, Ryan Kelly, Simone D'Angelo and Lucas Carvalho - the world envisioned via Parasomina comes to life on the page for this special edition release.
John Petrucci spoke of the special edition release. “It’s been so awesome getting to work with the Z2 team on this epic collaboration. Having the opportunity to explore alternative interpretations of the songs on Parasomnia through the eyes of so many talented artists has been truly inspirational. The unique storytelling talents of all the writers as well as the incredible artwork that reflects so many different styles of graphic artistry was just amazing to witness. I think fans of this media, our DT community and just anyone who appreciates stunning displays of human creativity will really enjoy this dark and sometimes twisted journey through the realm of Parasomnia!”
Z2 President and Dream Theater fan Josh Bernstein also weighed in on the urgency to work with one of prog metal's most treasured artists. “When Dream Theater reunited last year, like many fans, I was overjoyed that the greatest Prog-Metal band of all time was back in business. We not only had to do this book, but we had to use our ace in the hole and the only editor that edits in 15/8 time, Rantz Hoseley. Can’t sleep? Perhaps try some PARASOMNIA…"
Parasomenia - The Graphic Album arrives as slipcased Platinum Edition, signed by the band. The premium edition is available for pre-order at Z2Comics.com. The release includes various editions with colored vinyl variants and enamel pins based on the album's definitive iconography. Pre-orders are currently available - HERE
