Z2 Comics upcoming graphic novel APOCRYPHA: THE LEGEND OF BABYMETAL had its own panel at New York Comic Con, during which artwork and a trailer was revealed. The trailer has since made its way online.

The 144-page graphic novel on the ‘Kawaii Metal’ trio is a collaboration between Z2 Comics and Amuse Group USA (a subsidiary of Amuse, BABYMETAL’s management company). It has been described as an original story based on BABYMETAL that you have never heard before. Su-metal, Yuimetal and Moametal are tasked with defeating the forces of darkness and division, and so must travel through a variety of eras of time, assuming different forms and identities. The long-hidden metal spirit’s apocrypha of the METAL RESISTANCE will emerge. Written by The Prophet of The Fox God, the art is by GMB Chomichuk.

The trailer doesn’t give a lot away, but it does tease new artwork and a new song (believed to be titled Starlight), revealing that, “This is where the legend will be born.” It also concludes with the rather cryptic #FINDTHEAGIMAT.

Billboard obtained a look at some exclusive advance art and also had a chat with artist GMB Chomichuk. “BABYMETAL operates in a sort of mythological space, which I think leaves the art for us and the creators to themselves,” said Chomichuk on working on the graphic novel. “APOCRYPHA isn’t so much an attempt to create a fictional backstory as it is corralling the existing lore that the band had already built in their music and live shows. There are so many iconic images, moments, and hooks that we were able to draw on. BABYMETAL is all the more compelling because they indulge in symbolism and stories. It adds texture to the live experience.”

The graphic novel can be pre-ordered on Amazon. However, there is also a limited deluxe edition, oversized at 9×15, with full gold foil debossing and comes in a clamshell box with three prints (pictured above). The deluxe edition is limited to just 500 copies, each one signed by GMB Chomichuk and available only at Z2 Comics shop for $199.99 (around £153 / €173).

APOCRYPHA: THE LEGEND OF BABYMETAL is set to be released on 30 October 2018.

Originally published on MyM Buzz on 5 October 2018.