“Weird Al” Yankovic has teamed up with Z2 Comics for the release of a new graphic novel. The Illustrated Al: The Songs of “Weird Al” Yankovic was penned by Yankovic, and features illustrated interpretations of over 20 of his songs. Artist include Bill Plympton, Aaron Augenblick, Peter Bagge, Wes Hargis, Jeff McClelland, and more. The book also features an introduction from comic Emo Philips, who is opening for Yankovic on his 133-date North American tour. The graphic novel will be released later this year. Find images of the book below.
Illustrated Al will be available in paperback and hardcover formats, as well as an oversized hardcover deluxe edition, and an oversized hardcover deluxe hand-signed edition. Deluxe editions include a wax pack of collector’s cards illustrated by Danny Hellman, a 3-piece art print set from Jesse Philips, a vinyl slipmat, and drink coasters. The super deluxe edition features all of that plus Al-signed books and a “Weird Al” Yankovic branded mini-accordion.
“It’s such an incredible honor to see my song lyrics brought to life by some of my all-time favorite cartoonists and illustrators,” Yankovic said of the book in press materials. “I’ve actually been playing the long game—the only reason I spent four decades in the music business is so that one day I could have my very own graphic novel.”
Josh Bernstein of Z2 Comics added: “I don’t remember a time in my life before ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic and, frankly, I don’t want to. His music, lyrics, artistry, and humor have been a constant influence in my career. Having Z2 assemble this all-star roster of the greatest living cartoonists to collaborate with Weird Al has been a dream come true. I hope both new and long-time Al-fanatics appreciate the love, care, and insane art that is going into this project. As always, we dare to be stupid.”
Yankovic is the subject of a forthcoming Roku biopic, which stars Daniel Radcliffe as the famed parody artist.