Renowned Iron Maiden lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson has recently unveiled an exciting new project: a graphic novel collection titled The Mandrake Project: Year One. Remarkably, this collection even incorporates dirt from the grave of his artistic inspiration, the iconic English poet William Blake. This unique element adds a profound connection between Dickinson’s musical legacy and Blake’s literary contributions, reinforcing the bonds between their creative worlds.

The influence of William Blake on Dickinson’s work is significant and longstanding, tracing back to his acclaimed 1998 solo album The Chemical Wedding. Most notably, the music video for the The Mandrake Project single “Rain on the Graves” was filmed at the very site of Blake’s grave, further intertwining their artistic narratives. This connection allows fans to witness how Dickinson’s music resonates with Blake’s timeless themes of life, death, and spirituality.

To celebrate the release of the first four issues of The Mandrake Project comic series, Dickinson has ingeniously combined the graphic novel with ink that includes dirt sourced from Blake’s burial site. This innovative approach not only honors Blake’s legacy but also offers fans a tangible piece of literary history, making this graphic novel a truly unique collector’s item.

This project is a quintessential example of Bruce Dickinson’s creative spirit, reflecting his deep appreciation for William Blake. It is noteworthy that Dickinson’s commitment to this cause is further demonstrated by his involvement with the William Blake Cottage Trust. The team at Z2 Comics meticulously collected the grave dirt, mixed it with the ink, allowing fans to connect with Blake’s legacy in an unprecedented way.

“Finally we are at the end of the beginning. I honestly have to pinch myself to believe that Volume 1 of The Mandrake Project is upon us. I sometimes get the feeling that I am not fully in control of the story, and that some other entity is squeezing the blood out of my subconscious and turning it into ink on the page before my very eyes. We are just getting going. We are all… formed… of the dead,” Dickinson passionately expresses, highlighting the mystical elements of the creative process.

“William Blake has given me so much over the years and I want to repay the debt by helping to restore the Cottage,” he continues, emphasizing his dedication to preserving Blake’s heritage. “Despite his impact on the world, there is no center for Blake, nowhere people can visit to see where he actually lived and worked during a key part of his life. I want to change this.” Dickinson’s commitment is not only to Blake’s work but also to ensuring that future generations can understand and appreciate the poet’s immense contributions to literature.

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This deluxe edition of The Mandrake Project includes the first four issues of the comic series alongside a prologue, totaling an impressive 184 pages. Within this collection, readers will find extensive interviews and essays that delve into the creative process behind the project. Notably, Kurt Sutter, the acclaimed creator of Sons of Anarchy, provides an engaging introduction. Additionally, the graphic novel is beautifully presented in a slipcase featuring a rotating embossed Mandrake dial. To enhance the collector’s experience, foil collector cards and a cast metal medallion—an emblematic representation of the comics and music videos—are included.

Z2’s Editor-in-Chief, Rantz Hoseley, enthusiastically states, “You pray for collaborators like Bruce Dickinson. While we’ve always taken pride in the presentation and production of our books, Bruce challenged us to exceed our previous best, and we happily took that challenge on. The end result is a design so ambitious and lush it’ll make your jaw drop, and we cannot wait to have you dive into this beautiful beast of a book!” This collaboration exemplifies the synergy between music and visual storytelling, setting a new standard in graphic novel production.

Fans can now pre-order this remarkable deluxe edition at the Z2 webstore, ensuring they secure a piece of this extraordinary project.

Prepare for Bruce Dickinson’s 2025 Solo Tour

This upcoming summer, Bruce Dickinson is set to embark on his first North American solo tour since 1997. In a thrilling continuation of support for The Mandrake Project, this tour will take place from August 22 through October 5, culminating with performances in California. Fans can expect an unforgettable experience as Dickinson and his talented band take the stage.

In a sneak peek of the setlist, Dickinson has confirmed that “Shadow of The Gods” will be added to the lineup, alongside a selection of other musical treasures. He expresses his eagerness to reconnect with fans across the country, as well as for a couple of exciting shows in Canada. The anticipation for this tour is palpable, promising an exhilarating mix of classic hits and new material that will delight audiences everywhere.