Def Leppard Fans, get ready for an electrifying experience! Def Leppard and the Vault Comics imprint, Headshell, are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking graphic novel collaboration, HYSTERIA. Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen, acclaimed writer Eliot Rahal, and artist Alex Schlitz co-create this exciting project.
The Story Behind HYSTERIA
The graphic novel HYSTERIA weaves a story that fans of rock and comics alike will love. It follows the journey of Foz, the frontwoman of the indie band Darkside, who inherits her father's estate and a mysterious guitar from her childhood. This isn't just any guitar; it speaks to Foz, promising fame and success. When Darkside's equipment is stolen just before they are set to perform with Def Leppard, Foz embarks on a fierce quest to retrieve it, unveiling the guitar's dark history along the way.
Phil Collen's Vision and Passion
Phil Collen expressed his excitement about the project, stating,
“Blending music and comics together like this is an incredible and insane dream, and I could not be more thrilled by the work Eliot, Alex, and Vault have put into HYSTERIA. It has been a joy and one hell of a ride. I know fans are going to love it.”
His dedication and vision are evident on every page as a co-writer on the book, making this graphic novel a must-read for fans.
A Team Effort
Eliot Rahal, co-writer of the graphic novel, shared his enthusiasm, saying,
“From the very beginning, before we had anything, this story felt big. Phil came to us with a vision, a ton of passion, and the word ‘HYSTERIA’—something that has a lot of history for the band. It’s something that carries a lot of meaning. A legacy. And in many ways, that’s what this story is about.”
Rahal's (known for Bleed Them Dry, The Vain, and Midnight Vista) passion, combined with the artistic talents of Schlitz and Marques, has created a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story.
The Artistic Process
Illustrator Alex Schlitz (known for YULE: Dreadful Tales for the Holiday Season, Sagas of the Shield Maiden) also expressed her excitement, adding,
“As a Midwestern native raised on rock and roll and a musician from a family of musicians, Foz and Darkside's story has come to mean a lot to me. The opportunity to work on this book with Def Leppard has been not only a huge honor but such an exhilarating treat. I'm so grateful to be part of the team bringing this story to life.”
A Unique Musical Experience
HYSTERIA is not just a graphic novel; it's an immersive musical experience. The story features never-before-heard music from Darkside, recorded in collaboration with Phil Collen. This innovative approach adds an auditory dimension to the visual and narrative elements, creating a unique experience for readers.
Release Details and More
The Def Leppard graphic novel will be available in retail and on shelves in Spring 2025. Preorders for hardcover and deluxe editions are now available through Vault's website. Fans can look forward to exclusive merchandise following the release. Damian Wassel, Vault CEO, highlighted the significance of this project, saying, "Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen isn't just an animal on the guitar. He's a lifelong comics fan. Poured out on the pages of this graphic novel is a story he couldn't tell you in a song that takes you to places Def Leppard have never gone before with their music."
Join the Journey
Def Leppard's HYSTERIA comic book is set to hit stores and online platforms on April 15, 2025. As the band continues their Summer Stadium Tour 2024 with rock icons Journey, Cheap Trick, and The Steve Miller Band, fans can catch them in a city near them and experience the magic of rock and comics coming together.
Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to dive into the world of HYSTERIA by Headshell—a story that promises to be a hit among rock and comic enthusiasts alike. The question is, would you sell your soul for rock n' roll? Shop preorder editions.