Looks like that movie isn’t the only big thing Weird Al Yankovic has going on these days. The eminent musical parodist just helped create a graphic novel based on his (arguably) timeless music. Frankly, it looks just as surreal and, for lack of a better term, weird, as his classic satires and pastiches.
Partnering with Z2 Comics, which specializes in this sort of thing, Yankovic will be releasing a colorful book of artist renderings based on his beloved songs later this year. The collection, titledThe Illustrated Al: The Songs of “Weird Al” Yankovic, gathers a number of talented artists to create their own interpretations of 20 choice selections from Yankovic’s 40-plus-year career, also including a forward from comedian and fellow strange person Emo Philips. Looks likeDaniel Radcliffe isn’t the only weird one celebratingsuch a life.
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“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 in a release. “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.” For those finding it difficult to imagine his famous parodies in visual form, just take one look at the cover and it should make perfect sense. This is a collection of weirdness celebrating weirdness, which is weirdly wholesome. Perhaps fans will have as much fun reading it asRadcliffe did playing Yankovic.
The graphic novel features artwork from Steve Chanks, Peter Bagge, Bill Plympton, Gideon Kendall, Felipe Sobreiro, Sam Viviano, R. Sikoryak, and Jeff McComsey, among others. The striking cover was done by Drew Friedman, while Jesse Philips, Josh Bernstein, and Danny Hellman contributed to the extra prints and goodies offered in the deluxe and super deluxe editions. Meanwhile, Mike and Laura Allred created the deluxe edition cover art. It’s worth noting how many of the responses to the Twitter announcement were wondering why nearly all the artists are men when there arecountless talented female artistswho would be up for the task. But odds are Yankovic himself had little to do with that aspect.
For those wondering if this is all worth it, just know that the particularly expensive super deluxe edition comes with an actual “Weird Al” branded miniature accordion. So those with a little extra cash to burn can play along with the classics while reading them in comic form. That’s certainly one way to take on a full sensory experience. Hey, if there’s one thing that deserves to be enjoyed with all the senses, it’s Yankovic. Granted, taste and smell can probably take the day off.
The Illustrated Al: The Songs of “Weird Al” Yankovicis already available forpre-order at the official Z2 Comics site. Interested fans might want to jump on it, especially since the hand-signed super deluxe edition comes in limited quantities. Looks like this will make the perfect companion piece for whenWeird: The Al Yankovic Storylater this year.
The Illustrated Al: The Songs of “Weird Al” Yankovicis set to release in late November 2022.
