Z2 Comics and Joan Jett are uniting to convert two of her albums into one graphic novel anthology.

The press release follows:

Media Release -- Z2 continues to reward music lovers and comics fans alike with an ever-expanding offering of original and authentic graphic novels created alongside some of the biggest names in music. Today’s news brings Z2 Comics together with the Queen of Rock n’ Roll; the woman who made it her anthem, and a battle cry for generations, Joan Jett.

“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” says Carianne Brinkman, president of Blackheart. “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.”

This original graphic 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.

Tara McPherson adds “Joan Jett is the epitome of a rock ’n' roll icon and a powerful force of a woman. 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!”

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts- 40x40: Bad Reputation/I Love Rock n’ Roll is written and drawn by some of the most renowned female creators from around the world, and is available for preorder now for a fall release in softcover and hardcover editions at finer comic shops, book and record stores worldwide. Exclusively available through Z2’s website in limited quantities are the deluxe and super deluxe versions, packaged with exclusive vinyl, art prints and much more. To celebrate this 40th Anniversary, a “platinum edition” is available in an extremely limited quantity of just 40 units and includes a new Epiphone Guitar, gig bag and signed certificate of authenticity. Reserve yours today!

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About Joan Jett:
Joan Jett is an originator, an innovator, and a visionary. As the leader of the hard- rocking Blackhearts, with whom she has become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, she’s had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics "Bad Reputation," "I Love Rock 'N' Roll," "I Hate Myself For Loving You," and "Crimson and Clover." Her independent record label, Blackheart, was founded in 1980 after she was rejected by no less than 23 labels. Blackheart is one of the longest running indie labels and continues to give voice to new bands. As a producer, she has overseen albums by Bikini Kill, Circus Lupus, as well as the Germs' LA punk masterpiece, GI. Jett’s music has become a permanent force in mainstream culture. Jett and the Blackhearts released their latest record, 'Unvarnished,' in 2013 and continue touring the globe with headline shows alongside fellow rock icons like The Who, Green Day and the Foo Fighters. Additionally, Jett has acted and appeared in movies & television, including the film Light Of Day. Jett was also able to see her story told in The Runaways, starring Kristen Stewart as Jett, and Dakota Fanning as Currie. Jett was close to the project, serving as executive producer. In January 2018, the documentary film based on Jett’s life, “Bad Reputation,” premiered to critical acclaim at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, with the New York Post hailing that “‘Bad Reputation’ does it right, tracing Jett’s trailblazing path as one of the first, and still the hardest-rocking, woman.”

About Z2 Comics:
Z2 Comics is the premier destination for official music-related graphic novels, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, directors and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, Z2 has collaborated with such diverse artists as Blondie, Elvis Presley, Gorillaz, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, Rico Nasty and Paul Oakenfold as well as debut comic works by Grammy-nominated artists Sturgill Simpson, Poppy and Anthrax. Additionally, the company has tapped top talent for the official graphic biographies of such pop-culture legends as The Grateful Dead, Beethoven and Charlie “Bird” Parker. In 2021, Z2 will publish graphic novel tie-ins to essential albums by The Doors, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low with many more to be announced in the coming months.

About Epiphone:
For over 140 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design with models like the Casino, the Texan, and Masterbilt Century Archtop Collection. Epiphone began as the "House of Stathopoulo" family business in Sparta in the 1870s and rose to fame during the jazz age in Manhattan before joining Gibson brands in 1957. Today, Epiphone continues to make history from its headquarters in Nashville, TN. Epiphone offers innovation, history, and a lifetime guarantee. Whether you are learning your first song in your bedroom, or rocking an arena, Epiphone has always been there, for everyone, for every generation, for every stage. For more information, visit: Epiphone.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.