Heavy metal icons Judas Priest will be appearing in a new graphic novel from Z2 Comics, inspired by the band’s best selling album of all time.
The Screaming for Vengeance graphic novel will be released in July 2022, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the album and the return of Comic Con International.
The novel will also include an extensive interview with original cover artist, Doug Johnson, in which he discusses the process of creating the award winning album cover design, and the origin of the metallic bird of prey now known as ‘The Hellion’.
In addition, as part of the expansion of Z2’s product offerings, newly appointed Z2 vp of collectables and Aggronautix founder Clint Weiler has designed a detailed Hellion statue, with battery-operated LED ‘electric eyes’ in celebration of both the original album design, and the dramatic conclusion of the story in the graphic novel.
“I cannot overstate what an inspiration Judas Priest has been to me, personally,” commented Rantz Hoseley, one of the writers of the graphic novel. “I was already a fan of the band, when Screaming for Vengeance was released, but no one was ready for the impact it had. That incredible cover art? Those songs?
“That album became my daily soundtrack and creative fuel, to the point where I wore the cassette out in my car. To be able to contribute to a project inspired by these songs that mean so much to me? Well, that is an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously.”
Judas Priest: Screaming for Vengeance will be released in both softcover and hardcover formats in finer bookstores, comic shops and record stores everywhere in July 2022, with special limited deluxe and super deluxe versions featuring an exclusive anniversary vinyl LP, prints and more available to pre-order now exclusively through the Z2 website.
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter and @licensing_source on Instagram.
