The Man in Black is Back: Z2 Revives Long-Lost Johnny Cash Comic

In 1976, Johnny Cash wrote a comic book. The iconic singer-songwriter, with Billy Zeoli, penned Hello, I’m Johnny Cash as a way to reach younger audiences. 50 years later, Z2 Comics, alongside the Estate of Johnny Cash, will bring this largely forgotten piece of pop culture back into print.

Celebrity-created comics are pretty standard now. (Well, maybe not standard, but common. If you didn’t already know Gerard Way created The Umbrella Academy, congratulations, you’re one of today’s lucky 10,000.) More and more celebs – like Keanu Reeves and Emilia Clarke – are popping up at panels at conventions, promoting their latest collaboration.

But in 1976, it was basically unheard of. This was a full year before the rock band KISS would star in their own Marvel title, Marvel Comics Super Special #1: KISS, which is often cited as an early crossover between celebrities and comics. (And famous for using the band members’ blood in the ink. No comment.)

“Before Gene Simmons and KISS poured their blood into a Marvel Comic. Before musicians and graphic novels ever co-mingled, there was Mr. Johnny Cash,” said Josh Bernstein, President of Z2. “In 1976, the Man in Black broke new ground with Hello, I’m Johnny Cash, one of the earliest comics conceived from the creative vision of a major recording artist. Decades before music and graphic storytelling became a thriving medium, Cash recognized the power of sequential imagery to tell his powerful story. Now, 50 years later, Z2 proudly returns this pioneering work to print, honoring the artist who blazed the original trail for us all.”

And Cash not only wrote the book, he also financed its production. Plus, the original run, published by Spire Christian Comics, featured artwork by Al Hartley, of Archie Comics fame.

Five decades later, Z2 will be introducing this comic to a new generation of readers, its release timed to coincide with Local Comic Shop Day (Saturday, September 26). The new edition will faithfully reproduce the original comic but feature new cover variants from Chip Kidd and Tim Bradstreet. The volume will also include a brand-new interview and recollections from John Carter Cash (son of Johnny and June Carter Cash), as well as a look at the history of the publication of the original 1976 version from Alex Segura.

“It was fairly unusual for musicians to have licensed comic books back in the late ‘70s,” said John Carter Cash. “Having it reissued 50 years later and coming out on Local Comic Store Day is pretty cool. Having people celebrate something as unique as this comic and the continued interest in my father says as much about the fans as it does about him.”

Hello, I’m Johnny Cash is an autobiographical story, addressing important social issues and spiritual beliefs. It hits shelves September 23, but is currently available for pre-order.

At a time when we legitimately have to worry about AI versions of long-dead celebrities showing up in films, I am majorly in favor of bringing back their long-lost passion projects instead. Did Steve McQueen have a secret comic? Was Gilda Radner ever drawn as a superhero?

Author: Jamie Sugah

Jamie has a BA in English with a focus in creative writing from The Ohio State University. She self-published her first novel, The Perils of Long Hair on a Windy Day, which is available through Amazon. She is currently an archivist and lives in New York City with her demon ninja vampire cat. She covers television, books, movies, anime, and conventions in the NYC area.

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