Turn the amps up. Z2 Comics is returning to San Diego Comic-Con with a lineup built for music fans, comic collectors, and anyone who likes their storytelling with a little extra volume.
The publisher has made a name for itself by teaming up with legendary musicians, iconic bands, and rising stars to create graphic novels that celebrate the artists, albums, and stories that shaped generations of music. This year, they’ll once again bring that rock-and-roll spirit to the convention floor to Booth #1529, loaded with exclusive editions, new releases, and signings featuring some of the biggest names from both comics and music.
[UPDATE May 28]
For fans of a certain generation (mine), Warped Tour was the be-all-end-all of punk rock. Following the festival’s successful return in 2025, Z2 publisher has once again partnered with Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman to produce the 2026 Official Vans Warped Tour Guide, a collectible 76-page zine packed with interviews, original comics, artist spotlights, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the tour. Better yet, attendees will be able to pick up copies at Z2’s Booth #1529 during San Diego Comic-Con.
The manga-sized guide features an all-new cover by Patrick J. McQuade inspired by The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, reimagined with a massive gathering of 2026 Warped Tour performers (including performers from Jimmy Eat World, All-American Rejects, Third Eye Blind, Bowling for Soup, Motion City Soundtrack, All Time Low, and more).
Inside, fans will find interviews with more than 25 artists, recommendations for things to do in each tour city, and a new collection of “Warped Memories” comics from acclaimed cartoonist Luke McGarry. The stories revisit some of the festival’s most memorable moments, with contributions from artists including Avril Lavigne, Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday, Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach, and Cory Brandan of Norma Jean.
While 50,000 physical copies will be distributed throughout the 2026 Vans Warped Tour stops, Comic-Con attendees won’t need a festival ticket to get their hands on one. The guide will also be available at Z2’s SDCC booth.
[UPDATE April 19]
Rancid fans may want to keep an eye on Z2’s booth this year. The upcoming film ...And Out Comes The Wolf, inspired by the band’s landmark 1995 album, is set to make an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con in some capacity. The project comes from writer, director, and producer Danny Peykoff alongside producers Jamie and Jason Neese (The Umbrella Academy). The story is also being adapted into a graphic novel through Z2 Comics, and the publisher has confirmed that Peykoff and the Neese brothers will be at Booth #1529 during the convention.
While exact details on the Comic-Con plans remain under wraps, we’ll share more once we have more information.
[UPDATE April 5]
Z2 and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready is bringing their latest creative project to San Diego Comic-Con. In a recent interview with American Songwriter, McCready confirmed he’ll be attending SDCC to promote Farewell to Seasons, an original graphic novel from Z2 Comics that draws inspiration from Seattle’s legendary grunge era.
Co-written by Mark Sable and illustrated by Sebastián Piriz, the story follows three interconnected characters navigating the rise and fall of the Seattle music scene, while weaving in fantasy and supernatural elements. The project also expands beyond the page, with a companion rock opera written by McCready and included on vinyl with the deluxe edition.
You can pre-order the standard, deluxe, or platinum editions now on Z2’s website.
