Anthrax and publisher Z2 announce 2027 illustrated oral history graphic album
The thrash metal band and comic book publisher are expanding their partnership to monetise archival career stories through premium visual media, signalling a shift in how legacy music acts package intellectual property.
Thrash metal band Anthrax and comic book publisher Z2 have announced the release of a new graphic album, "NOT: The Illustrated Oral History of Anthrax", scheduled for March 16, 2027. The project will adapt the band’s four-decade career into visual narratives, marking their second major collaboration following a 2021 graphic novel adaptation of the album "Among the Living".
This release highlights a strategic pivot in the music publishing sector, where legacy acts increasingly leverage graphic arts to monetise their intellectual property beyond standard merchandise. Z2 representative Josh Bernstein noted that the response to their first project demonstrated that fans now demand "unforgettable art and experiences" rather than simple memorabilia.
The upcoming publication will feature contributions from over twenty comic artists, including Peter Bagge, Jay Howell, and Jim Mahfood. These creators will illustrate key milestones in the band’s history, ranging from early influences like KISS to high-profile collaborations with Public Enemy. A deluxe edition will also include a 12-inch greatest-hits picture disc featuring the band’s Notman character, adding a premium physical component to the offering.
Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante stated that the band has accumulated many experiences over 40 years. He noted that working with Z2 allows fans to "actually visualize these little stories in comic book form", adding that "nothing is fabricated here".
Broader Commercial Momentum
The graphic album announcement arrives alongside other significant commercial activities for the group. Anthrax is currently preparing for the North American leg of Iron Maiden’s "Run For Your Lives" tour, sharing the lineup with fellow thrash metal act Megadeth.
Furthermore, the band will release a new studio album titled "Cursum Perficio" on September 18. This record will feature the singles "It’s for the Kids" and "The Edge of Perfection", the latter of which guitarist Scott Ian has described as the best song the group has ever written.
