The Kickstarted graphic novel adapting true tales of deployment, TRUE WAR STORIES, will premier in comic shops on November 25, and bookstores on March 9, 2021.

The press release follows:

Media Release -- In conjunction with Veterans Day, Z2 announces that True War Stories will be available in bookstores in March 2021, after this month's Local Comic Shop Day debut. This unique project, assembled by the multiple-Eisner nominated writer/editor, Alex de Campi and co-edited by Iraq War veteran Khai Kumbaar is an entertaining and moving work of graphic nonfiction, pairing members of the US military with the biggest names in comics to share real war stories told by those who lived them.

Alex de Campi says "I'm thrilled at the response to the book so far, it's way beyond what we ever expected. From an overfunded Kickstarter to high order numbers for Local Comic Shop Day, and now an actual release to bookstores and (hopefully) PX's in March, this is the book that could. I can't wait for readers to get this book in their hands. The stories are so varied, and so wonderful; until the end of my career this will be one of the books I'm proudest of helping create."

Co-editor and Iraq War veteran Khai Kumbaar added "I should say something super Hooah about how excited I am for this book to hit comic shops and book stores, especially coming on top of our wild Kickstarter. Unfortunately, our contributors used up all the Hooah in their stories and there is none remaining for me (And if you've never been in the military I swear that's hilarious)!"

A sniper in Haiti faces the repercussions of the shot he never took. A team of SEALs help rescue a kidnapped girl in the Philippines. Army interpreters in Iraq battle their toughest foe: the rats of Saddam's palace. A soldier on a late-night run surprises a motorpool saboteur. A young cavalry lieutenant, fresh off the Battle of Kamdesh, meets the Marine half-brother he's never known. A Navy ship reacts to an unexpected man overboard. And if you've ever wondered what Christmas was like in a war zone, you're about to find out.

Artists include Peter Krause, Ryan Howe, Skylar Patridge (drawing her own father's Vietnam story), Eoin Marron, Tish Doolin (a former Army medic), Dave Acosta, A. D'Amico, Drew Moss, Josh Hood, PJ Holden, Chris Peterson, Sam Hart, Jeff McComsey, and Paul Williams. Colors are by Dee Cunniffe, Matt Soffe, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Tarsis Cruz, and Aladdin Collar. All lettering is done by de Campi herself.

True War Stories is a 260-page full color graphic novel anthology containing fifteen true tales of American service members overseas. Nearly every branch of the military is represented in this collection of stories that are heartwarming, heroic, harrowing, and even at times, hilarious, spanning the globe.

As previously announced, True War Stories is currently available exclusively for stores to order directly from the publisher now under the following terms:

Direct orders to be packed and shipped by Z2's fulfillment center at a 50% discount. Retailers may order any of Z2's existing backlist titles at this same discount at the time of their order.

Orders will be shipped on consignment with payment for all books sold due 90 days from their ship date to give retailers flexibility to take advantage of holiday sales beyond the event.

Retailers will be responsible for shipping costs to and from their stores, which will be billed upon receipt of saleable goods back from stores.

True War Stories will be published by Z2 Comics in conjunction with Local Comic Shop Day, and then in the wider market in March 2021, with all profits from this $19.99 retail release donated to military-related charities chosen by our contributors as personally meaningful to them: Objective Zero Foundation, Air Force Assistance Fund, the USO, Armed Services Arts Partnership, and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

In addition, the title is available for direct order from the Z2 website, in celebration of Veterans Day!

About Z2 Comics:
Z2 is the premier destination for top quality music-based comics and graphic novels, having worked across genres to deliver an authentic experience to diverse audiences. Some of the publisher's best-selling books include Apocrypha: The Legend of BABYMETAL, YUNGBLUD Presents: The Twisted tales of the Ritalin Club and Eden: A Skillet Graphic Novel, alongside debut works of graphic fiction by Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys), Andy Biersack (Black Veil Brides), DJ Paul Oakenfold, internet sensation Poppy, jazz trumpeter Dave Chisholm and others. Z2's upcoming works include books created with partnership with The Grateful Dead, Sturgill Simpson and others.