Supersonic Heroes: How Z2 Brought Rock Stars into the Comics World

Explore how Z2 merges rock legends and comics, creating vibrant graphic novels that celebrate music’s colorful heroes.

When Music Meets Comics: A Legendary Bond

There’s something undeniably magical about the intersection of rock ’n’ roll and the comic book world. If you’re anything like me, you know the thrill of seeing your favorite rock stars jump off the stage and into the pages of a comic, their wild personas immortalized in dazzling art and storytelling. From the iconic 1977 collaboration where Kiss literally infused their blood into Marvel comics to Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance’s journey from comic intern to rock star and back as a celebrated graphic novelist—this cultural fusion runs deep.

Even today, icons like Tom Morello and Puscifer, plus the legendary Rolling Stones, continue to blur these lines. Just this month, the Stones dropped a nostalgic Marvel-themed package alongside their album Foreign Tongues, featuring beloved superheroes like Spider-Man and Wolverine—proof that the love affair between music and comics is alive and kicking.

Z2: The New Epicenter of Music and Comics

If you’re heading to Comic-Con International in San Diego this year, you might just stumble upon Z2—and trust me, you don’t want to miss them. This New York-based company has carved out a brilliant niche, weaving together graphic novels, collectibles, and music partnerships that span every genre and era imaginable. Their roster reads like a dream: Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Primus, the Blues Brothers, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Machine Gun Kelly, and even Babymetal—just to name a few.

How did this powerhouse emerge? Co-founder and president Josh Bernstein shares the story. Z2 started out as an indie comic publisher, focused on original stories. But everything shifted around 2016-2017 with Murder Ballads, a noir graphic novel about a record label owner entangled with blues musicians. What made it revolutionary wasn’t just the story—it was the vinyl soundtrack featuring Robert Finley, a soul man discovered by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. “It was a lightbulb moment,” Bernstein says, “like, this is what we’ve always wanted to do.”

Bernstein’s unique background, from interning at Marvel at 16 to art directing for top music magazines such as Guitar World and Revolver, laid the groundwork. His existing relationships with musicians became the "secret sauce," bridging the gap between rock stars and comic creators.

From Anthrax to Joan Jett: The Power of Visual Storytelling

The key titles that skyrocketed Z2’s reputation? Think Grateful Dead Origins and The Gorillaz Almanac—both 2020 standouts—and of course, the 2021 Among the Living graphic novel centered on Anthrax’s legendary album. Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante played a huge role in that project, recalling how his lifelong passion for comics and music perfectly meshed with Z2’s vision.

“It was really cool the way the two things combined,” Benante reflects, praising Bernstein and team for assembling a dream roster of artists and writers—including Rob Zombie and Corey Taylor—who brought Anthrax’s music to life in vivid panels.

This collaboration opened the floodgates. Other bands lined up, eager to join the comic revolution.

Benante and his wife Carla Harvey, both die-hard comic fans, will even be at Comic-Con this year. Harvey, who sings with Lords of Acid and the Violent Hour, has penned stories for Z2’s recent hits like Pantera: Vulgar Display of Power (2022) and Type O Negative: Bloody Kisses (2025), anniversary editions that transform each track into gripping graphic narratives. "I never imagined as a teenager I could merge my two passions like this," she shares, the thrill of storytelling evident in her words.

Pandemic Pivot: Building a Comic Rock Empire

The pandemic hit the music industry hard, grounding tours and shuttering venues. But Z2 turned this challenge into opportunity. Bernstein recounts how bands, suddenly without gigs, were encouraged to create graphic novels. The result? Over 50 titles in the pipeline, ready to launch as live tours resumed, blending music and comic culture like never before.

Today, Z2 boasts over 100 artist collaborations. Bernstein is especially proud of the “graphic albums” — these are squarebound comics paired with music, encased in collectible slipcases elevating them beyond disposable reads. The Joan Jett I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll edition, featuring Tara McPherson’s stunning artwork, is a prime example.

What draws Z2 to a band? Bernstein looks for groups proud of their visual identity and creative control—bands that know exactly who they are. That authenticity translates into must-have collectibles, whether autobiographical tales, fictional adventures inspired by the band, or oral histories that animate wild backstage memories.

Looking Ahead: The Illustrated Oral History of Anthrax

Z2 isn’t slowing down. Their next big release is The Illustrated Oral History Of Anthrax, arriving in 2027. This graphic album captures stories from the band’s earliest days—stalking rock legends like Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley—to epic moments with the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy.

Benante explains the collaborative storytelling process: “We’d reminisce about touring and hotel antics, bouncing stories back and forth until the narrative took shape.” It’s intimate and raw, a perfect blend of rock legend and comic art.

Star-Studded Comic-Con and Beyond

At Comic-Con, Z2 is shaking things up alongside TalkShopLive, the interactive streaming platform. Fans can meet big names like Marc Maron (with a graphic novel about his WTF podcast), actor David Dastmalchian, Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, and Ice Nine Kills’ Spencer Charnas. The company also co-hosts a must-see party featuring Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong’s cover band, The Coverups, with Xbox’s Halo: Campaign Evolved as co-presenter, all set at the Hard Rock Hotel's Float venue.

While Comic-Con has grown into a blockbuster spectacle dominated by Hollywood, the folks at Z2 cherish the roots—the old school vibe where fans meet the artists behind their favorite comics and music. Harvey sums it up perfectly: “It feels like the Comic-Con of old, where you escape into fantasy worlds that become your friends.” Bernstein echoes this passion calling Comic-Con their “Super Bowl,” highlighting Z2’s presence not just at conventions but in stores like Target and Barnes & Noble, and directly through artists, adding a personal touch fans adore.

“Many great musicians grew up loving comics,” Bernstein says. “We want to be that special publisher where they feel at home, especially as traditional bookstores close and merch booths take center stage.”

Ready to dive deeper into the world where rock and comics collide?

FAQ

• What inspired Z2 to combine music and comics? Z2 initially published original comics but pivoted after realizing the potential of combining graphic novels with music soundtracks, starting with Murder Ballads in 2016-2017.
• Which rock bands have Z2 worked with? Their roster includes Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Anthrax, Pantera, Joan Jett, Machine Gun Kelly, Babymetal, and many more across genres and generations.
• How does Z2 distribute their comics and graphic albums? Z2 works through Ingram for global distribution, sells through major retailers like Target and Barnes & Noble, their website, and directly via artists, maintaining a personal connection with fans.
• What are 'graphic albums'? These are squarebound comics paired with music, often housed in collectible slipcases, blending the audio and visual experiences for fans.
• Will Z2 continue to expand their music-comic projects? Absolutely. Upcoming projects include The Illustrated Oral History Of Anthrax (2027) and ongoing collaborations with top artists, keeping music and storytelling intertwined.

If you’re a fan of iconic album art and legendary musicians, why not bring that passion into your own space? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store here and keep the rock & comics spirit alive in your home.