Z2 Comics has announced several upcoming comic series for 2016 including Murder Ballads, which will be accompanied by a soundtrack by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys and the Arcs.

Written by Gabe Soria (Life Sucks), with art by Paul Reinwand (Aloha Hawaiian Dick, TMNT: Casey & April), the comic miniseries will be followed by an original soundtrack by Auerebach featuring tracks inspired by the story released on Nonesuch Records

The plot follows a dead-broke owner of a failing record label who is on a cross-country drive in the middle of winter, and chances on two African-American musicians playing an inspired brand of doom-laden country blues in a dead-end rust belt town. Has he discovered the act that will save him from ruin?

In April, Z2 will release the all-ages Hyper Force Neo series by Jarrett Williams (Super Pro K.O.).  The first issue will be a super-sized 48-page release. The story follows 9th grader Dean Masters, who leads a troop of tech-savvy teens who form Hyber Force Neo, a group which protects New Sigma City from the evil intergalactic Dark Edge.

(Click any image for larger view.)

Planned for May release, The Sweetness is by Miss Lasko-Gross (Henni, A Mess of Everything) and Kevin Colden (Fishtown). The story follows two female intergalactic drug smugglers who transport some interesting controlled substances for Alien drug addicts.

In June, Z2 will release Sam Sattin and Chris Koehler’s Legend. The story takes place in the wake of a biological apocalypse that destroyed all humans, leaving domesticated animals in charge. The animals must unite to fight off mutant creatures and try to bring balance back to the planet their masters ruined.

The publisher announced the formation of a new production company in July (see “Z2 Comics Publisher Announces New Production Company”)