Anthrax has teamed up once again with Z2 to release NOT: The Illustrated Oral History Of Anthrax, a graphic album that tells the band’s four-decade story through illustrated firsthand accounts. Scheduled for release on March 16, 2027, the 108-page book combines personal memories from guitarist Scott Ian, drummer Charlie Benante, bassist Frank Bello, vocalist Joey Belladonna and guitarist Jon Donais, covering everything from the band’s earliest days to its lasting impact on heavy metal.
The book revisits key moments in Anthrax‘s history, including encounters with Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Kiss, friendships with a young Metallica and Pantera, their connection with fellow New Yorkers Beastie Boys and Public Enemy, and even the band’s memorable appearance on Married… With Children.
Artwork throughout the release comes from a wide range of comic book and underground artists, including Brian Bolland, J.G. Jones, Kevin McVeigh, Peter Bagge, Jay Howell, Danny Hellman, Sean Pryor, Erik Rodriguez, Steve Chanks, Patrick J. McQuade, Jim Mahfood, Sawblade, Brent Engstrom, John Bergin, Abimael Hernandez, Montos, Zach Gross, Pat Moriarity, JayJay Jackson, Franco Aureliani, Steve Kurth, Luke McGarry, Gavin Schultz and Maan House.
The release also includes a limited-edition “Notman” 12-inch picture disc and will be offered in multiple formats. Fans can choose from a deluxe edition, a signed platinum edition featuring a slipcase, exclusive art prints and a foldout “Hair History” poster, as well as a standard retail version that will be available through major booksellers and independent comic shops.
For more than 40 years, Anthrax has remained one of thrash metal’s defining bands. Alongside Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth, the New York outfit helped establish the Big Four while continually expanding its musical approach. The band’s collaboration with Public Enemy on “Bring The Noise” remains one of metal’s most influential crossover moments.
The announcement comes ahead of Anthrax‘s upcoming 12th studio album, Cursum Perficio, which is scheduled for release on September 18 through Megaforce Records. The album is the band’s first full-length since For All Kings, released in 2016.
Discussing the project, Charlie Benante said: “Being a band for 40-plus years, you have stories, you have experiences, and the way we’re telling the stories and experiences with Z2 is a great way for us and the fans to actually visualize these little stories in comic book form. I think once people see it, they’ll get a laugh out of it because these stories are true! Nothing is fabricated here. I think you’re gonna enjoy these stories, these great artists, and this new collaboration between Anthrax and Z2!”
Z2 president Josh Bernstein also commented on the renewed partnership: “When it comes to Anthrax, there’s never a question of if we’ll work together again — it’s when,” added Z2 president Josh Bernstein. “They’re one of the most innovative, fearless bands in heavy metal, and every collaboration pushes us to raise our game. The response to our first graphic novel proved that Anthrax fans want more than memorabilia — they want unforgettable art and experiences. This new graphic album delivers exactly that. It’s louder, bigger, and more ambitious than anything we’ve done together before, and we’re incredibly proud to unleash this metal thrashing madness together.”
Z2 has established itself as a major publisher of music-related graphic novels and collectibles, producing projects with artists including Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam, Primus, Pantera, Type O Negative, Mötley Crüe, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, Alter Bridge and many others.
NOT: The Illustrated Oral History Of Anthrax is available here.
