Photo Credit: Jimmy Hubbard
Anthrax has revealed more details about their upcoming Among The Living graphic novel.
Based on the band’s 1987 album Among The Living, the collaboration with Z2 Comics is set to hit shelves on July 6.
The project features contributions from all four classic-era Anthrax members, as well as a wide range of talent from the comic book and music realms. Comedian Brian Posehn, My Chemical Romance’s Gerard and Mikey Way, Fall Out Boy’s Joe Trohman, Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, and Rob Zombie are just some of the names contributing to the track-by-track storyline. Anthrax’s Frank Bello and Scott Ian also got in on the writing, with the latter taking on the fan-favorite ‘Judge Dredd’-inspired track “I Am The Law,” which includes art from long-time ‘Dredd’ artist Chris Weston.
Covers for the novel were created by JG Jones and Eric Powell. A third cover drawn by Anthrax’s Charlie Benante is exclusive to the Z2 pre-order.
“I grew up with Marvel and DC, and they were part of my life from the time I was four or five years old,” said Benante in a press release. “My mom worked at Primrose Bakery on Tremont Avenue in New York, and when I’d go to work with her, I’d sit in the back with the bakers. I’d read and draw the superheroes from the comics she would buy for me from this little shop just a couple of doors down. I’ve loved everything about comic books and the neighborhood comic book stores ever since.”
According to the press release, the anthology of stories will be narrated by mascot “The Not Man,” who has been redesigned by ‘The Walking Dead’s’ Greg Nicotero. ‘Harley Quinn’ writer Jimmy Palmiotti wrote the narration, which was illustrated by ‘Aliens’ artist Nelson.
The band first announced the project back in November 2020. Said Benante at the time, “Doing a comic book has always been a huge goal for me. I’ve tried for years, but something always comes up and sidetracks me. I was ecstatic when Josh Bernstein [head of business development at Z2 Comics] 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 fulfil that dream.”
While the publication doesn’t come out until next month, some stores will be getting copies as early as this week. The band and Z2 have decided to ship a limited number of early pressings to hard-hit brick-and-mortar stores as a way to support the ailing specialty comic book market.
Among The Living, Anthrax’s third studio album, was released in 1987. The album proved to be a breakthrough release for the band, becoming their first to be certified gold. Many consider it to be one of the most influential albums in thrash metal, cementing the band as one of the “Big Four” of the genre alongside Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth.
A full list of writers and artists for the Among The Living graphic novel can be found below.
The graphic novel comes out just in time for Anthrax to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Aside from the book, the band will be hosting an exclusive live stream event on July 16 to celebrate the milestone. Tickets are on sale now.
‘Among The Living’ Graphic Novel Writers/Artists:
- Among The Living
Writer: Brian Posehn
Artist: Scott Koblish and Alladin Collar
- Caught In A Mosh
Writer: Gerard and Mikey Way
Artist: Darick Robertson, Phillip Sevy and Alladin Collar
- I Am The Law (featuring Judge Dredd)
Writer: Scott Ian
Artist: Chris Weston and Alladin Collar
- Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)
Writer: Rick Remender and Joe Trohman
Artist: Roland Boschi and Dan Brown
- A Skeleton In The Closet
Writer: Corey Taylor
Artist: Maan House
- Indians
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Freddie Williams II and Andrew Dalhouse
- One World
Writer: Frank Bello
Artist: Andy Belanger and Tatto Caballero
- A.D.I./Horror Of It All
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Dave Johnson
- Imitation Of Life
Writer: Rob Zombie
Artist: Erik Rodriguez and Steve Chanks
