While navigating his massive North American solo tour in 2025, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson was simultaneously building the next chapter of his critically acclaimed graphic novel saga. Now, publisher Z2 Comics has officially announced the impending release of “The Mandrake Project: Year Two“, promising to turn everything readers know about the world of Necropolis and Dr. Lazarus completely upside down.
The second volume plunges deeper into a surreal world of mystical madness, escalating the war between magic and science over the control of immortality. The narrative kicks off with a near-death experience that throws protagonist Necropolis into a parallel world, forcing him to confront the dark secrets of his twisted family tree. The startling revelations leave him questioning whether he can escape his family’s legacy of ambition and self-destruction, or if he is simply a pawn controlled by greater supernatural forces.
“Oh, just hold on to your proverbial hats, folks… This one gets REALLY weird!” Bruce Dickinson teased regarding the new installment.
Writer Tony Lee echoed the singer’s enthusiasm, adding: “You thought the first book was going to get us sued and bring out the pitchforks? You haven’t seen anything yet!”
The massive 184-page volume goes beyond the core comic narrative, featuring an extensive series of essays and interviews that document Bruce Dickinson‘s life on the road during his 2025 tour in support of his solo album, The Mandrake Project. It also includes deep-dive insights from the creative team regarding the development of this terrifying new chapter.
Continuing the tradition of exploring the real-world historical influences behind the saga, “Year Two” contains a dedicated article on Wilhelm Reich, the controversial sociologist and mystic whose work ultimately led to his imprisonment by the FBI, resulting in his death in jail in 1957.
For serious collectors, Z2 Comics is offering premium physical formats. The 12-inch by 12-inch oversized deluxe and platinum editions feature an introduction by Sacha Gervasi, director of the acclaimed rock documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil“. These premium versions are housed in an elegant die-cut slipcase, bound with a sealing ribbon and gilt paper edging. They also include a special holder inside the back cover containing four new foil collector cards and a new edition of the antiqued metal medallion held by Dr. Lazarus in the story.
These premium signed editions are available directly through the Z2 Comics website, while a standard 9-inch by 9-inch hardcover edition will be distributed globally via major retail partners and independent comic shops.
“I thought I knew the limits and boundaries of Bruce‘s mad vision for this world, but one thing ‘Year Two‘ has made brutally clear… there are no limits to where the story will go!” shared Z2 editor-in-chief Rantz Hoseley. “And, let me just say, we are all the luckier for it!”
The graphic novel represents the culmination of over a decade of conceptual development by Bruce Dickinson. The polymath vocalist has famously refused to take the traditional path, supplementing his legendary career in Iron Maiden with parallel achievements as a commercial airline pilot, international fencer, BBC radio host, filmmaker, and author.
To bring his vision to life, he assembled a top-tier creative team. No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Tony Lee handles the script, bringing a massive resume that includes writing for international publishers like DC and Marvel, as well as work on beloved properties like “Doctor Who“. The interior artwork is crafted by European artist Piotr Kowalski, known for his work on “The Dark Tower” and “The Witcher“, alongside multi-talented illustrator, actor, and tattooist John Devilman, who is making his comic debut on this project.
The visual presentation is elevated further by multi-Eisner Award-winning artist Bill Sienkiewicz, whose legendary portfolio includes Marvel’s “Elektra: Assassin” and “Moon Knight“, alongside album cover designs for musical acts such as Dio, EPMD, RZA, Kid Cudi, T.I., and Seth MacFarlane.
Distributed globally by Simon & Schuster, Z2 Comics has quickly cemented itself as the premier publisher for music-driven graphic novels, boasting previous successful collaborations with heavy music titans including Pantera, Spiritbox, Mötley Crüe, Anthrax, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, Judas Priest, Five Finger Death Punch frontman Ivan Moody, Babymetal, Alter Bridge, and Poppy.
