Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden Unveils Graphic Novel Crafted from Soil at William Blake’s Grave

Bruce Dickinson Announces New Graphic Novel

Frontman Iron Maiden Bruce Dickinson announced a new graphic novel printed with the soil from the grave of William Blake.

Details of the Mandraka Project

Along with the comics Z2, the singer now published Mandraka project: First year, a graphic novel that compiles the first four issues of the Mandrake project. This series of comics was initially released last year alongside his solo album of the same name.

The new Deluxe Edition will include a series of interviews and essays documenting Dickinson’s journey with his creative team to bring this project to life. It will feature a presentation by Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter, as well as four “exclusive foil collector maps” and the “Metal Mandrake Project Medallion,” which will be showcased in comics and musical clips, according to the press release.

This project pays tribute to the legendary English poet and artist William Blake, whose grave soil was collected and mixed with ink for the luxurious publication.

“William Blake gave me so much over the years, and I want to repay that debt by helping to restore his cottage,” explained Dickinson, who became a member of The William Blake Cottage Trust, overseeing his only surviving house. In 2024, he emphasized, “Despite his influence on the world, there is no Blake center, and they can’t visit him anywhere he is truly represented. I processed this, and they worked on it over time.”

Mandraka project: First year is set to release on August 5 and is available for pre-order here.

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Upcoming Iron Maiden Tour and Documentary

In other news from Iron Maiden, the British heavy metal legends are set to hit the road in 2025 with their “Run For Your Life” tour in the UK and Europe. This tour celebrates their 50th anniversary as a band and features a setlist consisting exclusively of songs from their first nine studio albums.

Dickinson stated that the group plans to “do things we have never done before” on the “Run For Your Life” tour. “So, for those of you who bought tickets, it is going to be very, very cool. I really look forward to this,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, they announced a new documentary marking the 50th anniversary, which will include the last interview with their former frontman Paul Di’Anno, who passed away last year at the age of 66.

The official title and release date have not yet been disclosed, although it is expected to be released in the fall. Malcolm Venille (Churchill in the War) has been named the director, with production from Dominic Freeman (Spirits in the Forest – Depeche Mode Movie).

Additionally, they will release a new visual book titled Endless Dreams in the fall. It will include images of cult albums and single artworks, group instruments from past and present, stage props, handwritten lyrics, and archival artifacts. The book will also feature previously unseen photos of the band.