Z2 Comics, with the Estate of Johnny Cash, brings a largely forgotten piece of American pop culture back into print with the republication of a little-known comic book written and self-funded by the legendary Johnny Cash in 1976 titled “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” Serving to remind fans that his story is a cautionary tale, the comic represents one of the earliest and most authentic examples of a celebrity embracing the comic book medium to tell a personal story.

At a time when celebrity-created comics were virtually unheard of, Cash didn’t simply license his name to the project. He wrote the book, with Billy Zeoli, financed its production, and used comics as a direct way to reach young audiences. The original Spire Christian Comics edition featured artwork and a cover by legendary Archie Comics artist Al Hartley, creating an unexpected collaboration between one of America’s most iconic musicians and one of comics’ most celebrated creators.

The comic also occupies a unique place in comics history. Johnny Cash created the book a full year before Gene Simmons’ famous 1977 Marvel Comics promotion involving his own blood, a milestone often cited as an early crossover between celebrities and comics. While many later celebrity comic projects centered on branding or licensed likenesses, Cash’s work stands apart as a genuine creative endeavor, with the artist using the medium to tell his own story and communicate a message he deeply believed in.

The 50th Anniversary editions pair a faithful reproduction of the original comic with striking variant covers from two acclaimed comic legends – Chip Kidd and Tim Bradstreet. Bonus interviews with John Carter Cash and comics historian Alex Segura round out these special editions for Local Comic Store Day.