Z2 and Iron Maiden have teamed up for a phantasmagoric comics trip through a rock classic: this time it’s a 40th Anniversary tribute to PIECE OF MIND. Released in 1983, this classic went multi -platinum and helped established Iron Maiden one of the all time great heavy metal bands.
For the commemorative comics tribute, Z2 has gathered iconic vocalist Bruce Dickinson, manager Rod Smallwood and an array of art all-stars to bring this rager to the page.
The book opens with an introduction titled “Piece of Mind at 40” by ever-present manager Smallwood, and then goes where tributes dare with comics, art, and testimonials, all packaged in Z2’s Eisner Award-nominated style: the Oversized Deluxe and Asylum Editions of IRON MAIDEN: PIECE OF MIND are encased in an asylum clamshell with locking mechanism, and Maiden’s iconic mascot EDDIE growls and snarls from behind the die-cut bars.
“When the idea of a Piece of Mind 40th Anniversary graphic novel first came up, I felt it was the perfect medium to expand outside the confines of the songs and to create new storylines and new dimensions through short form narrative and imagery,” says Bruce Dickinson in a statement. “With ‘Revelations,’ it allowed me to add more layers and dimensions to the lyrics and add a new twist. Z2 did a tremendous job in pulling this all together to create more than just a graphic novel, it’s what I consider a work of art.”
The books includes original stories for each of the nine album tracks including:
- Where Eagles Dare – written by Steven Grant (The Punisher) illustrated by Carson Thorn (Batman the Barbarian)
- Revelations – fittingly crafted by Bruce Dickinson with Tony Lee (Doctor Who) and illustrated by Damien Worm (The October Faction); (“Revelations” being the first track in Maiden history to be solely-credited to Dickinson)
- Flight of Icarus by Eisner nominee Ivan Brandon (24Seven, Viking) illustrated by Francesco Dossena (Dylan Dog)
- Die With Your Boots On by Emmy-winning director and screenwriter Sacha Gervasi with art by Christian Rosado
- The Trooper by Antony Johnston (Atomic Blonde) illustrated by Staz Johnson (Rogue Trooper)
- Still Life by Leah Moore & John Reppion (Conspiracy of Ravens) painted by John Pearson (Mindset)
- Quest for Fire from metal authority Brian Posehn (writer, comedian, actor) with art by Michael Avon Oeming (Powers)
- Sun and Steel by multiple World Fantasy Award-nominee Chris Roberson (iZombie) with art by Danijel Žeželj (Luna Park)
- To Tame a Land, written and illustrated by Alison Sampson (Hit-Girl).
Bonus art includes Montos, Ghoulish Gary, Steve Chanks, Jan Meininghaus, Kyle Hotz, Jay Geldhof, Darin Hazmat, Travis Knight, Akirant and Nat Jones.
To give you a taste of the book, here’s an exclusive peek at Alison Sampson’s art for “To Tame A Land,” and the Kyle Hotz title page. Sampson has been pushing the boundaries of her art in recent years, and this is no exception.
As usual, there are many deluxe editions and variants for fans to choose from:
- Five variants , including: The Trooper cover by multiple Eisner-nominee J.G. Jones (Y: The Last Man), Asylum Edition with cover by multiple Society of Illustrators-winner Jason Edmiston, Die With Your Boots On cover by UK Iron Maiden illustrator Dan Mumford, and The Flight of the Icarus cover by Eisner-nominee Martin Simmonds (The Department of Truth) with an additional The Trooper Cutaway cover by famed poster artist Travis Knight.
Other editions and details:
- The standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Dan Mumford ($40.00).
- The FLIGHT OF ICARUS Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Martin Simmonds – limited to only 3,000 copies and exclusive to Independent Comic Shops ($40.00).
- THE TROOPER Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by J.G. Jones – limited to 500 copies and exclusive to Project M/Revolver Magazine ($40.00).
- THE TROOPER Cutaway Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Travis Knight – limited to 666 copies and exclusive to Rockabilia.com($40.00).
- THE TROOPER Foil Card in sealed Collector’s Case, art by Travis Knight – limited to 666 cards ($35.00).
- DELUXE Edition including the oversized graphic novel (HC) w/bonus pages and a POP-UP insert featuring cover art by Jason Edmiston encased in the Piece of Mind Asylum Clamshell box with locking Cell Door Action and three (3) Piece of Mind Art Prints Triptych set by Hydro 74, ($150.00) – website only.
- And for the true collector, Z2 offers THE ASYLUM Edition which includes the oversized graphic novel w/bonus pages and a POP-UP insert featuring cover art by Jason Edmiston, encased in the Piece of Mind Asylum Clamshell box with locking Cell Door Action, three (3) Piece of Mind Art Prints Triptych set by Hydro 74, one (1) 1983 Piece of Mind replica concert ticket, one (1) Die With Your Boots On Art Print, signed and numbered by Dan Mumford (only available to the first 500 orders), four (4) Iron Maiden Collectors Cards in a display case featuring the works of Dan Mumford, Jason Edmiston, J.G. Jones, and Martin Simmonds ($300.00). Additionally, The Asylum Edition includes one (1) Eddie Asylum Model Kit, which will be shipped separately.
IRON MAIDEN: PIECE OF MIND is on sale today but you can order your own copy on the Z2 website.