Z2 Comics has officially announced Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - 40x40: Bad Reputation/I Love Rock n' Roll, a new graphic novel anthology celebrating the 40th anniversary of rock icon Joan Jett's first two studio albums.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - 40x40: Bad Reputation/I Love Rock n' Roll is currently expected to arrive around this November. The graphic novel anthology "pulls together a who's who list of female creators from the comic book and pop culture worlds, including famed artist Tara McPherson to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 20 classic tracks featured on Joan's landmark albums Bad Reputation and I Love Rock 'n Roll."
The anthology's all-female creative team includes such writers and artists as Amanda Deibert, Jazzlyn Stone, Evgenia Vereli, Jamaica Dyer, Wiktoria Radkiewicz, Cat Mihos, Annie Zaleski, Cat Staggs and Liana Kangas. The graphic novel also features a reversible cover. On the front is an I Love Rock 'n Roll-themed cover by the aforementioned McPherson, while on the back is a Bad Reputation-themed cover by Clara Tessier.
The softcover and hardcover editions of the anthology are slated to hit comic shops, bookstores and record stores in the fall. Additionally, various limited editions can be purchased exclusively through Z2's website. These include the Deluxe and Super Deluxe versions, which are "packaged with exclusive vinyl, art prints and much more," as well as the Platinum Edition, which is limited to 40 units and includes "a new Epiphone Guitar, gig bag and signed certificate of authenticity."
"When we began working with Z2 Comics on Joan Jett and the Blackhearts 40 x 40 for the 40th Anniversary of I Love Rock 'n Roll and Bad Reputation, we reflected on all the rejection and opposition Joan faced from the industry as a woman with a guitar, especially at the beginning of her career," said Carianne Brinkman, president of Blackheart Records. "Luckily, she blocked out the noise and showed the doubters she could do it herself. The comic world, much like the rock 'n' roll world, is fairly underrepresented in terms of women, particularly in the mainstream. We thought this was a great opportunity to celebrate comic writers and illustrators who happen to be women, and who, like Joan, are constantly being asked what it's like to be 'a WOMAN....' in their respective industries. We are so excited to bring these amazing artists and writers together to celebrate this milestone anniversary."
"Joan Jett is the epitome of a rock 'n' roll icon and a powerful force of a woman," added McPherson. "When I was young and teaching myself how to play bass and starting bands, she was such an inspiration to me, and I know to so many other girls as well. She's a fierce woman making no apologies, showing females they have a place in rock!"'
In 1980, Joan Jett released her debut album as a solo artist after her previous band, The Runaways, disbanded. Originally, the album was simply titled Joan Jett. However, it was re-issued January of 1981 as Bad Reputation. Then, in November of 1981, Jett released her second album, I Love Rock 'n Roll, which was the first to feature her backing band, The Blackhearts.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - 40x40: Bad Reputation/I Love Rock n' Roll is written by Amanda Deibert, Jazzlyn Stone, Evgenia Vereli, Jamaica Dyer, Wiktoria Radkiewicz, Cat Mihos and Annie Zaleski and illustrated by Cat Staggs, Liana Kangas, Vereli, Dyer, Radkiewicz and Zaleski. The graphic novel anthology arrives this fall from Z2 Comics and is currently available for pre-order.
Source: Z2 Comics