Over the last decade, IRON MAIDEN vocalist BRUCE DICKINSON has crafted the story behind THE MANDRAKE PROJECT, a 12-issue limited series epic saga of opposing forces battling to use the powers of science and magic to gain control of immortality. Now, accompanied by the creative team of writer TONY LEE (Doctor Who, Marvel, DC) and artist STAZ JOHNSON (Marvel, DC), Bruce is releasing the saga that captures the century-spanning generational war between the forces of science and mysticism for control of immortality. With a painted cover by multiple Eisner-winner BILL SIENKIEWICZ (Moon Knight, New Mutants), this is a rare collectible for fans of music and comics. Edited by Eisner and Harvey-winner Rantz A. Hoseley, Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project 12-issue comic series is a vital component of Bruce’s narrative and music experience.
"Early in the process of writing my new album, the idea of a companion comic book began to take shape in my mind." says Bruce Dickinson. “So I approached Z2 who were recommended to me by Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy, The Shield) and Sacha Gervasi (My Dinner with Hervé, Anvil). I then found out that my management were already working with on the POM Maiden graphic novel which I contributed the Revelations story to! I then pitched them with a fully formed concept and written storyline which they immediately understood and enthusiastically started fleshing out plans and ideas with me! I knew right then," Dickinson continues, “that they would be the perfect creative team to help bring my own ideas to fruition…and here they are!”
The battle for immortality begins with Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project #1 available at comic retailers and direct from Z2Comics.com on January 17th, 2024. The large-sized 9.35” x 9:35” 36-page single issue with cardstock cover is priced at $10 and arrives in a sealed bag with a first-printing certificate of authenticity – the first of a 12-issue run arriving quarterly over the course of the next three years, including annual trade paperbacks every fall.
About BRUCE DICKINSON – a Polymath best known as the vocalist of Iron Maiden, and for his solo albums, Bruce has never been one to take the easy, expected, or pre-defined path in his life. Trained in aviation, Bruce had an additional career as a commercial pilot - eventually flying three versions of Iron Maiden’s Ed Force One culminating in a 747 that traversed the world with the band, crew, and all their stage gear on board. He’s hosted his own radio show on the BBC, has a podcast, starred in television documentaries & and produced films, created a multi-million-selling beer with Robinsons Brewery, and competed internationally in the art of fencing. Were that not enough, he’s written novels, non-fiction memoirs, film scripts, and comics. He’s developed the mythology & and story of The Mandrake Project for over a decade.
At least the movie only runs 70 minutes, though I suppose that extra 10 technically disqualifies it from being a literal amateur hour.