Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson is diving back into the strange and supernatural world of The Mandrake Project, officially announcing the next instalment of his ambitious graphic novel series.
Titled The Mandrake Project: Year Two, the 184 page follow up continues the dark saga of anti-hero Dr. Necropolis and promises to take things to even stranger territory (per Revolver).
The new volume expands on the ongoing battle between magic and science, following a near death experience that sends Dr. Necropolis into a parallel world where long-buried family secrets begin to surface.
According to the official synopsis, the story explores “the war between magic and science for the control of immortality” while introducing even darker supernatural twists.
Expect the unexpected
If fans thought the first collection was intense, Dickinson says they should prepare for something far more unpredictable:
“Just hold on to your proverbial hats folks… This one gets REALLY weird.”
Co-writer Tony Lee doubled down on the warning, adding: “You thought the first book was going to get us sued and bring out the pitchforks? You haven’t seen anything yet!”
The graphic novel is once again penned by Dickinson and Lee, with interior artwork from John Devilman and Piotr Kowalski, it also features a foreword from filmmaker Sacha Gervasi and a striking die-cut cover from comic book icon Bill Sienkiewicz.
Beyond the main story, Year Two will include exclusive interviews with Dickinson alongside essays reflecting on his recent touring cycle in support of his solo album The Mandrake Project.
Further details here.
Heading back down under
The announcement also lands as excitement builds for Iron Maiden’s long awaited return to Australia later this year, the band’s massive Run For Your Lives tour will hit local arenas and stadiums across November, with thrash metal legends Megadeth joining as special guests.
For Australian fans, the timing couldn’t be better, Dickinson’s latest creative venture arrives just as Iron Maiden prepare to bring one of the year’s biggest heavy music tours down under.
If even half the fun and mythology from Maiden’s decades on the road somehow bleeds into this next chapter, metal fans could be in for something absolutely wild.
Iron Maiden ‘Run For Your Lives’ 2026 Australian Tour
- Wednesday, November 11th – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
- Friday, November 13th – AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Sunday, November 15th – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- Wednesday, November 18th – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
- Thursday, November 19th – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Find out more and get your tickets here.
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