The Pusciverse – Puscifer expands its universe with the launch of the band’s first comic book series, “Tales From The Pusciverse.” Issue #1 centers on Bellendia Black, a character first seen in the band’s “Pendulum” video.
Written by Maynard James Keenan, the debut issue features artwork by Marlin Shoop (“Captain Action,” “G.I. Joe,” “Unprepped”) and Andy Belanger (“Kill Shakespeare,” “Southern Cross,” “Friday the 13th”), with lettering by Jack Morelli (“Afterlife with Archie,” “Peter Parker Annual,” Marvel Comics).
“I remember how excited I was as an elementary school kid when Wolverine was first introduced in one of the Hulk issues. Called neighborhood dibs immediately (long before cosplay was a named thing),” Keenan shares. “Seeing Bellendia Black in print brings back all of those joyful school kid memories.”
“Puscifer’s leap into comics with Maynard Keenan isn’t merch or novelty – it’s an extension of their long-running conversation with the absurd,” says Shoop. “The book hums with the same tension as the music: satire wrapped in menace, humor sharpened into philosophy. I’m glad I could be a part of that and bring it to their vision.”
The introductory issue presents a conversation between Keenan and Bellendia Black, serving as both an introduction to the character and a gateway to the larger series, which will continue with future installments spotlighting Fanny Grey and The Synth Whisperer. Additional details and release dates will be announced soon.
“Tales From The Pusciverse” is available exclusively via Puscifer.com.
Kicking off the new year, Puscifer recently released “ImpetuoUs,” a third and final preview of the band’s new album, Normal Isn’t, arriving February 6 via Puscifer Entertainment/Alchemy Recordings/BMG.
“I’m looking forward to hearing where this song takes people,” Maynard James Keenan says. “As the writers, we forget that in a way, we are carpenters and that we’ve been with this song since it was a pile of lumber. Our Perspective may differ from the final occupant of this space we’ve constructed. Shelter, Bridge or Gallows, Coffin? Curious to find out.”
The accompanying visualizer offers a first look at the Puscifer comic book series, “Tales From The Pusciverse.” The debut issue spotlights the character Bellendia Black, originally introduced in the “Pendulum” video.
Written and recorded across Arizona, Los Angeles, and on the road during last year’s Sessanta tour, the Normal Isn’t album blends the dark electronics and sharp humor Puscifer is known for with a more spontaneous creative process. “From the outset, we had discussed an element of rawness and edge, which guitar brings,” shares Mat Mitchell, who co-produced the album. “We got rid of the guard rails and made the music more aggressive.”
“Normal Isn’t reflects this time we are living in,” Keenan adds. “As storytellers and artists, our job is to observe, interpret, and report. We take in our environment and share what we see, and what we see around us does not appear normal. Not by a long shot.”
Album guests include Greg Edwards (bass), Gunnar Olsen (drums), and Sarah Jones (drums) with guests Tony Levin (bass on “Normal Isn’t” and “Seven One”), Danny Carey (drums on “Seven One”) and Mr. Ian Ross (father of Atticus Ross, who narrates “Seven One”).
Normal Isn’t is available now for pre-order and pre-saves here, including multiple limited-edition vinyl variants: standard black, indie retail orange swirl, and a Puscifer.com exclusive black ice and clear with black splatter. The album is also available on CD, cassette, and digitally.
Normal Isn’t tracklisting:
“Thrust”
“Normal Isn’t”
“Bad Wolf”
“Self Evident”
“A Public Stoning”
“The Quiet Parts”
“Mantastic”
“Pendulum”
“ImpetuoUs”
“Seven One”
“The Algorithm” (Sessanta Live Mix)
(Source: www.bravewords.com)