Thrash metal icons Anthrax have joined forces with publisher Z2 once again, this time to tell their own story in sequential art. “NOT: The Illustrated Oral History Of Anthrax” is an original graphic album that turns the band’s four-decade run into a fully illustrated ride, packed with firsthand stories from guitarist Scott Ian, drummer Charlie Benante, bassist Frank Bello, singer Joey Belladonna and guitarist Jon Donais.
The book pulls no punches when it comes to the band’s history, covering the onstage highs, the backstage madness and everything in between. Fans get it all — from the group’s early days idolizing Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Kiss, to befriending a young Metallica and Pantera, to running with their New York peers the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy — and yes, even their infamous “Married… With Children” episode.
Set to arrive March 16, 2027, the release comes with cover art from acclaimed artists Brian Bolland, J.G. Jones and Kevin McVeigh, plus a limited-edition “Notman” 12-inch picture disc that makes it a must-have for Anthrax die-hards and comic fans alike. The band’s history is illustrated by a deep roster of underground art and comics names, including Peter Bagge (Hate), Jay Howell (Bob’s Burgers), Danny Hellman (Legal Action Comics), Sean Pryor (The Illustrated Al), Erik Rodriguez (Hispanic Batman), Patrick J. McQuade (MAD Magazine), Jim Mahfood (Grrl Scouts), Brent Engstrom (Garbage Pail Kids), Franco Aureliani (Tiny Titans), Steve Chanks (“Guitar World”) and many more.
Benante explained what makes putting the band’s stories into comic form so fitting. “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 made clear the partnership was never in doubt. “When it comes to Anthrax, there’s never a question of if we’ll work together again — it’s when. 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.”
The 108-page book comes in several forms. A deluxe edition and a signed, limited platinum edition arrive in Z2’s 12″ x 12″ graphic album format, complete with a slipcase, three art prints by Brian Bolland, Kevin McVeigh and J.G. Jones, and a 24″ x 12″ foldout Anthrax “Hair History” poster by Cojo! Art Juggernaut. A standard 9″ x 9″ retail edition will also be sold at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and independent book and comic shops worldwide.
Dubbed the “hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 has become a go-to name for authentic graphic novels and collectibles built with top-tier artists and musicians. Distributed globally through Simon & Schuster, the publisher has produced more than 75 graphic novel properties, working with Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam, Primus, Pantera, Type O Negative, Mötley Crüe, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, Alter Bridge and others.
The graphic album lands during a major stretch for Anthrax. As one of thrash metal’s “Big Four” alongside Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth, the band helped shape the genre and famously bridged metal and hip-hop with their Public Enemy team-up on “Bring The Noise“. Their long-awaited 12th studio album, Cursum Perficio, is due September 18, 2026 via Megaforce Records — their first record in a decade since 2016’s For All Kings, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200.
