Z2 Comics is collaborating with UMe and Def Jam Recordings on Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps, the first graphic novel from Public Enemy's Chuck D.
Announced by Z2, the collaboration sees the hip hop luminary teaming up with Troy-Jeffrey Allen, Che Grayson, Evan Narcisse and Regine Sawyer on the comic inspired by Public Enemy's 1991 album, Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black. The novel is Z2's latest in its series of releases that celebrate notable works of music by coupling their creators with leading comic book artists.
"This graphic novel is a new take on the artwork I've been making, growing naturally from the paint and pens that express what's on my mind and reflect what's happening around us," said Chuck D. "It was a real honor to have my illustrations alongside the who's who of comic book artists." Holding a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from New York's Adelphi University, the musician is breaking new ground with his Z2 partnership, having already amassed a following with his work in graphic art. "For the past few years, and especially during lockdown, I've been drawn back to my roots in visual arts," he revealed.
Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps starts off in 1991, leaping forward in time through a string of speculative fiction stories crafted by Allen (Villain: All Caps), Grayson (Batman: Urban Legends), Narcisse (Black Panther) and Sawyer (Dark Nights: Death Metal). The common thread running through each narrative are the revolutionaries who resist authority across millennia, persisting in their drive to "fight the power."
Chuck D (born Carlton Douglas Ridenhour) has been particularly active in the art scene lately, with his pieces appearing in solo as well as group shows around the world. The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture curates some of his work as part of its permanent collection, including his iconic design of the Public Enemy logo. Most recently, he unveiled his new collection of NFTs on Foundation, calling NFTs "the new canvas" for visual arts.
The upcoming graphic novel will be available in November, one month after the 30th anniversary of the release of Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black. Distributed by Def Jam and Columbia Records, the Grammy-nominated album debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, quickly receiving platinum certification. Z2 will offer standard, deluxe and super deluxe editions of the novel, with limited-edition vinyl and prints included in the latter two editions. UMe plans a simultaneous launch of limited-edition copies of Public Enemy's platinum LP.
Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps is available for pre-order from Z2.
Source: Z2 Comics