When news came down in the summer of 2022 that Bassist Rex Brown and Vocalist Phil Anselmo had their sights on reuniting Pantera for touring, reactions ranged from excitement and shock to skepticism and concern. Natural, considering it would be absent of the founding Abbot Brothers (Drummer Vinnie Paul and Guitarist Dimebag Darrell), who have both passed on, many were put at ease when learning that touring in their respective places would be Zakk Wylde and Anthrax’s Charlie Benante.
A huge success that resulted in sold-out shows throughout 2023 into 2024, those who attended will tell you the Pantera reunion is full of tons of energy while paying homage to Vinnie Paul and Dimebag. With this in mind, the initial announcement of this reunion came months after another landmark moment in Pantera history… the thirtieth anniversary of 1992’s Vulgar Display of Power.
The band’s sixth album, and an epic follow-up to the 1990 breakthrough of Cowboys from Hell, Vulgar Display of Power, inevitably became Pantera’s most successful. Heavy, powerful, and full of memorable tracks, it is considered one of the best Heavy Metal records ever. A mainstay in all fan collections, in celebration of a special anniversary in 2022, the concept for a graphic novel emerged called Pantera: Vulgar Display of Power.
A project that finds leading comic illustrators teaming with a list of known names who hold a special place in their hearts for Pantera and the Vulgar Display of Power album, it is extremely compelling to look into it. Published by Z2 Comics, the first place to start is the cover art, which is a newly created art that envisions the aftermath of the famous Vulgar Display of Power punch moments after. Created by famous Tattoo Artist Paul Booth (who knows Pantera extremely well), it offers a very interesting look into something extraordinary once you look inside.
Looking at this, the art itself is crafted by famed Illustrator/Tattoo Artist Brian Ewing, Erik Rodriguez, Danijel Zezelj, and Life of Agony’s Alan Robert. With this in mind, the stories inside offer imaginative interruptions to each of Vulgar Display of Power’s eleven songs in a dramatic fashion. Each is quite different because they are personal visions of what the songs are to each artist/writer; the stunning list of writers includes Life of Agony’s Alan Robert, Testament’s Eric Peterson, Every Time I Die’s Keith Buckley, original Fear Factory Vocalist Burton C. Bell, plus many more.
Coming together as a team, the eleven chapters of the novel play out as brutal and intense as the music of Vulgar Display of Power itself. First printed in June of 2023, there was a deluxe edition oversized Hardcover (includes graphic novel slipcover, limited edition vinyl LP in ‘Blood Splatter’ with sleeve artwork inspired by the Paul Booth graphic novel cover artwork, and 3-piece art print set by Erik Rodriguez, Danijel Zezelj and Alan Robert – limited run of 1999), a platinum edition (includes oversized hardcover hand-signed by the members of Pantera, graphic novel slipcase, limited edition vinyl LP in ‘Blood Splatter’ with sleeve artwork, Punch-Action Pantera resin statue, and Pantera sticker set – limited run of 500), and a standard hardcover edition.
With the deluxe and platinum edition long sold out, you can still pick up the hardcover copy, which is available via the Z2 Comics website, as well as various retailers. Solidly put together, it has everything you could ask for, including additional full-page art beyond the stories in the back. Overall, this graphic novel is a fantastic way to celebrate thirty years of Vulgar Display of Power, and it holds a lot of weight considering those involved. It is also exciting to learn Phil Anselmo himself played an important role in the development of Paul Booth’s new cover art.
So, be sure to look out for more Pantera touring in 2025, and pick up the beautiful Pantera: Vulgar Display of Power because Cryptic Rock gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
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