New Rancid-Inspired Graphic Novel

 

Last year, Z2 brought Dan Ackroyd to San Diego Comic-Con to discuss the graphic novel sequel to The Blues Brothers. But Z2 does a lot more than sequels to classic movies. The company also publishes graphic novels based on your favorite music groups. What's coming your way next? And how will it rock your world?

Here's all the info from Z2: 

 

RANCID-INSPIRED GRAPHIC NOVEL

…AND OUT COMES THE WOLF

AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER

WRITTEN, DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY DANNY PEYKOFF

WITH JAMIE & JASON NEESE (THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY)

ADAPTED FOR COMICS & ILLUSTRATED BY KEVIN MELLON (ARCHER)

 

Big Newport Studios and Z2 are proudly announcing a companion graphic novel to the RANCID-inspired, …AND OUT COMES THE WOLF. Artist and writer Kevin Mellon will adapt the graphic novel from the feature script by Danny Peykoff and the Neese Brothers, bringing new layers to the powerful story about fighting for survival in the East Bay punk scene during the 90s. The book series will come in several variant covers including the brand-new Z2 exclusive cover (pictured above) by Dan Mumford (Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Metallica).

Also announced are the Deluxe editions of …AND OUT COMES THE WOLF; presented in a 12” x 12” album-sized format with slipcover art and an official flash sheet tattoo by legend Beatleguese; an “Anarchy” ski-cap inspired by the film’s main character Brixton and four (4) art prints featuring work by Travis Knight, Dan Mumford, and Felipe Sobreiro.

 

 

 

It was also announced today that the writers and producers of the …AND OUT COMES THE WOLF film will be in attendance at the Z2 Booth at the 2026 San Diego Comic Con International, which takes place July 23-27th, 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center.   Both the film and graphic novel are rooted in a gritty story of dreams colliding with the limitations of reality in a world of violence and desperation. Surrounded by poverty, drugs, and danger, two best friends hunt for an escape in a city blighted with decay. But the paths are littered with predators and temptations which threaten them at every turn and the unspoken question haunts them: Who manages to get away and who will be devoured when the wolf comes out?   “I’m so excited to see the boundaries of this universe we created together expand into a whole other arena with our partnership with Z2 to bring …And Out Comes the Wolf alive in a new way.” says co-creator Jason Neese. His twin-brother and longtime collaborative partner Jamie Neese added “Growing up comics were my entry point into my eventual obsession with cinema. So to now have the opportunity to watch Z2 take our film and metamorphose it into a graphic novel is beyond exciting. This book and the movie are for the fans who love the shit out of Punk. Ska. Rock.  And music that maybe the world doesn’t always understand—but can feel in their bones."   The 100 page graphic novel will be released in a slipcased Deluxe Edition, with four art prints, an “Brixton Anarchy” ski-cap and an exclusive WOLF set of temporary tattoo flash. All editions will be available exclusively at Z2’s website HERE to pre-order today, while a standard-sized cover edition will be available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, as well as other independent retailers and fine comic shops worldwide in the fall.   Z2 President, Josh Bernstein shares “Partnering with Big Newport to build a full graphic-novel universe from …And Out Comes the Wolf is a genuine honor. With Danny Peykoff and the Neese Brothers driving this vision with Kevin Mellon, we’re positioned to create something both culturally sharp and commercially explosive. And at the heart of it all is one of the greatest punk albums ever made by Rancid—a record that defined a generation and now inspires an entirely new storytelling frontier on the screen and on the printed page!”   For more information on the book and to preorder your copy, visit: https://z2comics.com/aoctw

About DANNY PEYKOFF / BIG NEWPORT STUDIOS Danny Peykoff is a multi-hyphenate filmmaker—producer, director, and writer—and the founder of Big Newport Studios. He is set to make his directorial debut with …And Out Comes the Wolf, a gritty period drama inspired by Rancid’s seminal …And Out Come the Wolves album. Peykoff co-wrote and produced …And Out Comes the Wolf with Jason and Jamie Neese. His work reflects a bold, independent spirit, combining musical, cultural, and historical elements to tell character-driven stories with heart and resonance.   About THE NEESE TWINS The Neese Twins are award-winning filmmakers from North Carolina and graduates of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. They currently serve as Co-Executive Producers on the Emmy-nominated Netflix hit The Umbrella Academy, and previously held Supervising Producer roles on Cruel Summer, UnReal, and Dear White People. Their expanding slate includes projects with major talent and studios: they are developing the TV drama The Devil Is All Around Us with Jason Momoa and On the Roam; wrote and produced their first feature, … And Out Comes the Wolf starring Giancarlo Esposito and Ryan Hurst; and recently set up Secret Runners of New York at Nathan Fillion’s Collision 33. In 2026, the twins will direct the thriller feature Killbox in Ireland. They also wrote and directed the upcoming YA sci-fi podcast The Hard Drive for Voyage Media featuring Priah Ferguson of Stranger Things, and are in development with Rainn Wilson and Kas Kas on a television show called Black Star Canyon. The twins have collaborated with Sharon Stone, Emma Roberts, and Malin Åkerman. The Neeses were nominated for a VES Award for their VFX work on Horizon: Chapter 1, and earned a Clio Award for their national “Kids Help Line” campaign.   About KEVIN MELLON Kevin Mellon is a writer, artist, director, and musician based in Kansas City. He directed Hit-Monkey Season 2 for Marvel/Hulu, following his role as Art Director on Season 1. An Emmy Award–winning storyboard artist, Kevin spent ten seasons storyboarding / storyboard directing Archer for Floyd County Productions/FXX, and also served as storyboard director and artist on Dicktown (FXX), as well as America: The Motion Picture (Netflix). His additional TV credits include The Vampire Diaries (Seasons 6–8), Black Lightning, Legacies, Dynasty (CW), and Bigger (BET). A graduate of The Kubert School, Kevin has co-created numerous comic book series and graphic novels for a wide range of publishers, and is currently developing new volumes of his creator-owned series Suicide Sisters. He is also an active musician, releasing new work across all major platforms. www.kevinmellon.com   About Z2 Recently dubbed the “Hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, multiple Eisner and Ringo-nominated Z2 has produced 75+ unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Iron Maiden, Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al'' Yankovic, Vans Warped Tour, Marc Maron, Pantera, Tori Amos, Last Podcast On The Left, Type O Negative, Emily Hampshire, Balmain Paris, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. For more information visit Z2comics.com, and follow on Instagram and Twitter.     Thanks to Z2 and the Syndicate for sharing this announcement with us.

WTF Podcast Graphic Novel Announcement

My late friend Justin Ponsor once told me that he colored Ultimate Spider-Man and other titles for Marvel while listening to talk radio. His favorite was the Howard Stern show. I've always found it difficult to write while listening to others talk, but I can attest that the creative process can be isolating. 

Having someone else's voice there, while you create, can help you feel the connection to others we all need. So I can understand how much Marc Maron's podcast means to artist Brian Box Brown, and why he chose to commemorate it in such a special way. I suspect we all can. 

Here's all the info:

 

 

MARC MARON & BRIAN BOX BROWN & Z2 PRESENT THE OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE WTF PODCAST

“WTF IS A PODCAST” COVERS TWO DECADES OF MARC’S GROUNDBREAKING GUESTS, HISTORIC MOMENTS AND THE PODCAST REVOLUTION IN UNFLINCHING DETAIL

LAUNCHING EXCLUSIVELY ON KICKSTARTER SEPTEMBER 4 FEATURING ONE-OF-A-KIND MARC-SIGNED ARTIFACTS!

Since 2009, Marc Maron’s WTF Podcast has established the gold standard for podcasting; revolutionizing entertainment, as it challenged assumptions on what audiences would find compelling. In the process, it garnered a loyal fanbase and an unbelievable roster of guests, stretching over 1,000 episodes, including President Barack Obama. In June of 2025, fans were heartbroken when it was officially announced that Marc would be ending the show. Now, we can share the details of the most exciting final chapter in WTF history.   Celebrating the full history of WTF, and in commemoration of its conclusion, Marc and Z2 are announcing the official history of the WTF Podcast, told in graphic novel form, adapted into comic book format by Marc’s longtime producer Brendan  McDonald and acclaimed cartoonist Brian Box Brown. A saga that spans from 2004 to 2025, WTF IS A PODCAST is a must-have for all WTFers.   Marc Maron shares "The success of WTF still seems unreal to me, so it makes sense for the definitive story to be told by a great cartoonist and Box Brown is the perfect guy to do it. This is a fantastic way for fans to relive the entire run of the podcast without needing to listen to thousands of hours of material again."   On September 4, 2025, this already-funded graphic novel will launch on Kickstarter. Using Kickstarter for this campaign is a unique way for longtime listeners to pre-order the book while also owning some truly one-of-kind WTF memorabilia. In addition to deluxe and signed editions of the graphic novel, some super rare items from Marc Maron’s personal WTF vault will be available for the first time ever using the Kickstarter platform.   Brian Box Brown adds “I remember listening to episode 1 of WTF, following Marc from Breakroom Live. WTF got me through drawing thousands of pages of comics as I tread through my career. Maron’s resiliency and self-reflection resonated with me deeply. I am excited and proud to be able to document the journey in the best way I know how: through comics. And hopefully I can shed some light on the magic of WTF with Marc Maron.”   WTF IS A PODCAST will be available to order via the Kickstarter campaign, starting on September 4, 2025. Fans and WTFers can sign up for notification of when the campaign goes live HERE. In addition to the standard edition book, there are also oversized deluxe editions, and a limited number of signed Platinum editions available, as well as special one-of-a-kind items, direct from Marc’s garage as he disassembles and says goodbye to the WTF studio once and for all.   “As a longtime fan of both Marc Maron and Brian Box Brown, getting to publish their graphic novel feels surreal.” shares Josh Bernstein, President of Z2, adding “WTF IS A PODCAST is raw, funny, thoughtful, and so unmistakably them. I’m honored Z2 gets to publish this extraordinary collaboration and put this book into readers’ hands.”   ###

ABOUT MARC MARON Marc Maron just premiered his sixth stand-up special, MARC MARON: PANICKED on HBO, the latest achievement in a nearly 40 year standup career. Maron has a peerless reputation in the podcasting world through his landmark podcast “WTF with Marc Maron.” Launched in 2009, and coming to an end this fall, this interview-style podcast has over 50 million listeners every year with over 1,670 episodes recorded to date. Maron starred in the Netflix series “GLOW,” for which he received a Critics Choice Award nomination and SAG Award nomination, as well as the scripted series “Maron,” which aired for four seasons on IFC. Most recently, “Are We Good?,” a documentary chronicling his career and journey of overcoming grief and loss, premiered at SXSW and screened at the Tribeca Festival, with a theatrical release scheduled for October. This year, Maron starred alongside Owen Wilson in the Apple TV+ golf comedy series “Stick,” which has been renewed for a second season. Marc’s upcoming credits include “In Memoriam” and “Deliver Me from Nowhere.”         ABOUT BRIAN BOX BROWN Brian Box Brown is a New York Times Best selling and Eisner Award-winning cartoonist and illustrator from Philadelphia. He is the author of Andre the Giant: Life and Legend, Is This Guy For Real: The Unbelievable Andy Kaufman and many others. His weekly comic strip Legalization Nation is syndicated by King Features. About Z2 Recently dubbed the “Hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, multiple Eisner and Ringo-nominated Z2 has produced 75+ unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Iron Maiden, Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al'' Yankovic, Vans Warped Tour, Pantera, Tori Amos, Last Podcast On The Left, Type O Negative, Emily Hampshire, Balmain Paris, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. For more information visit Z2comics.com, and follow on Instagram and Twitter.

Thanks to The Syndicate and Z2 Comics for sharing this announcement with us. 

Blondie: Against The Odds Graphic Novel Anthology

 

Like MTV, Z2 Comics is going Behind The Music! While we await their comic sequel to The Blues Brothers movies, Blonde is returning to comic shops September 27. One way or another, you gotta check out their story!

Here's all the info: 

 

BLONDIE: AGAINST THE ODDS, the graphic novel and art anthology, celebrating Blondie’s 50th year, was released to acclaim in 2023. "Now, in support of Local Comic Shop Day and ahead of the spring 2026 release of Blondie’s new studio album HIGH NOON, Z2 will release an LCSD Edition of the book with a new dustjacket featuring art by rising comics superstar Montos, available exclusively at local comic shops across North America.   BLONDIE: AGAINST THE ODDS kicks off with a surreal and phantasmagoric interpretation of the oral history of the band, presented by Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Connor, and Montos. This introduction to the formation of the band is followed by a murderer’s row of artists and writers who provide 15 illustrations and 15 stories, interpreting 15 songs from the band’s seminal catalog, followed by an essay by rock historian Victor Bockris exploring both the formative years of Blondie as a band trying to survive in the tough streets of NYC, to a band with massive cultural impact.   Debbie Harry shares “One of the things that brought us all together as a band was comics and comic art. No matter how you slice it, Blondie has its roots deep into the genre.”   CREATIVE TEAM The full creative team for BLONDIE: AGAINST THE ODDS includes: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Connor, Church Chuckry, Montos, Paul Mounts, Colleen Coran, Wendy Wright-Williams, J.H. Williams III, Brian Ewing, John Pearson, Dan Lerner, Cassie, Sebastian Piriz, Alison Sampson, Anthony Marques, Matthew Lineham, David Avallone, Lisa Weber, Michael Allred, Howard A. Rodman, Manuela Pertega, DC Alonso, Jan Meininghaus, Corey “Rey” Lewis, Jesse Phillips, Emily Pearson, Tess Fowler, Jazzlyn Stone, Liana Kangas, Sean Pryor, Dan Whitehead, Brennan Wagner, Evgenia Vereli, Scrojo, Rantz A. Hoseley, Ramon Gardon, John K. Snyder III, David barnett, Rodrigo Reyes, JayJay Jackson, Richard Kadrey, Marco Pugini, John McCrea.   BLONDIE: AGAINST THE ODDS - LCSD EDITION is available exclusively through local comic shops in North America. Additionally, a slipcased and oversized Deluxe Edition is available via Z2Comics.com.

About BLONDIE For over four decades, Blondie has remained a true global icon—an enduring force whose influence has shaped and continues to inspire the worlds of music, fashion, and art. From their start as an irreverent Lower East Side punk outfit to their rise as international ambassadors of New York cool, Blondie embodies the punk spirit that still resonates across generations. Their fearless vision, chart-topping success, and rare longevity earned them an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and over 40 million albums sold worldwide to date.   From the groundbreaking rock-disco hybrid “Heart of Glass” to the genre-blurring innovation of “Rapture,” the raw power of “One Way or Another,” and the breezy charm of “The Tide Is High,” Blondie helped reshape the musical landscape—bringing punk to the dance floor, introducing a wider audience to hip-hop sounds, and building a catalog of enduring, era-defining hits.   Blondie’s place in music history is secure—but their story is far from over. Their 12th studio album, HIGH NOON, is currently in the works and slated for release in Spring 2026. It will be their first new release since the critically acclaimed Pollinator (2017), and follows the 25th anniversary reissue of No Exit (out October 30th via BMG)—a landmark comeback album that introduced a new generation to Blondie’s enduring sound and spirit.   About Z2 Recently dubbed the “Hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, multiple Eisner and Ringo-nominated Z2 has produced 75+ unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Iron Maiden, Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al'' Yankovic, Vans Warped Tour, Pantera, Tori Amos, Last Podcast On The Left, Type O Negative, Emily Hampshire, Balmain Paris, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. For more information visit Z2comics.com, and follow on Instagram and Twitter.

 Thanks to The Syndicate and Z2 Comics for sharing this announcement with us.

Preview the graphic novel Neon Empire & meet Country-Rapper Bezz Believe at SDCC

 

Want a little rap with your country music? Want some comics with your country-rap music? Read on!

 

Groundbreaking New Graphic Novel 

Neon Empire

Writer: Jared Gutstadt and Kevin Mellon

Artist & Colorist: Christian Rosado

Letterer: Crank!

Cover: Jason Latour

Publishers: Audio Chateau and Z2

The story centers around the fictional character Kountry Boi,  a “hick-hop” star who goes from rap rags to hick-hop riches while coming to terms with his troubled past. Encompassing the world of hip-hop and country music, the story surrounds a criminal enterprise set in Nashville. 

'Neon Empire' will contain a revolutionary music element, rarely seen in the graphic novel medium. Fresh original songs will be baked into the novel in a disruptive and immersive way, with each part of the story unlocking a unique soundtrack, which is executive produced by legendary producer Timbaland, through specialized QR codes. Once the code is scanned, new original music will be unveiled, complementing various points throughout the story. Real life country-rapper Bezz Believe will provide original music performed in character as Kountry Boi. A wide array of other diverse country and recording artists are expected to be featured on the soundtrack as well, including  Colt Graves, and Clayton Johnson. The first single, "King of Ca$hville" performed by Bezz Believe as Kountry Boi, will be released on July 26th, during Comic-Con.  

In support of the book and "King of Cashville" release, Bezz Believe and Z2 will be at this year's Comic-Con event in San Diego. Bezz will completely transform into Kountry Boi on July 25th & 26th, and will be at the Z2 booth to offer an exclusive first look at the novel, allowing convention attendees to become fully immersed in the 'Neon Empire' universe.