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Home » 🤘🦾🔥 IRON MAIDEN Unleash ‘Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album’ – Eddie Returns As A Cybernetic Killing Machine For Epic 40th Anniversary Celebration!

🤘🦾🔥 IRON MAIDEN Unleash ‘Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album’ – Eddie Returns As A Cybernetic Killing Machine For Epic 40th Anniversary Celebration!

Michael by Michael
4 November 2026
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🎸💀 Get ready to travel into the future, butt! British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have joined forces with acclaimed graphic novel publisher Z2 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their iconic 1986 album Somewhere In Time. Arriving on 2 March 2027, the spectacular new graphic novel will feature eight original stories inspired by the album’s eight legendary tracks, plus a special prologue and epilogue exploring the events leading up to one of the most recognisable album covers in heavy metal history!

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, the project features an extraordinary collection of comic book creators, an exclusive interview with guitarist Adrian Smith, stunning artwork and several deluxe collector’s editions, including rare seven-inch vinyl singles and a limited edition signed by the man himself!

Well, bloody hell, Riff Report crew!

Just when you thought IRON MAIDEN had run out of ways to make us spend our hard-earned money, along comes another absolutely glorious piece of heavy metal madness.

And this one is going to make Eddie collectors VERY happy!

Forget ordinary comic books featuring superheroes in colourful costumes.

Forget boring old stories about people saving the world before popping home for their tea.

Because EDDIE IS BACK!

And this time, he’s bringing his enormous cybernetic muscles, futuristic weaponry and unmistakably terrifying appearance into a brand-new graphic novel.

British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have officially announced Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album, an ambitious collaboration with music-focused comic book publisher Z2.

The publication celebrates four decades of the band’s legendary sixth studio album, Somewhere In Time, originally released on 29 September 1986.

And rather than simply reproducing the original artwork in a fancy hardback book, the creative team are expanding the science-fiction world that has fascinated Maiden fans for generations.

Eight songs. Eight stories. One enormous futuristic adventure.

And at the centre of it all?

The world’s most recognisable heavy metal mascot.

Eddie.

Armed, dangerous and looking like he’s just walked out of the world’s most terrifying gymnasium.

Honestly, butt, you wouldn’t want to bump into this version of Eddie down a dark alley in Cardiff!

🦾 Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album – What Exactly Is It?

The new publication is a science-fiction anthology inspired by the eight songs on IRON MAIDEN’s 1986 album.

Each track will receive its own illustrated story, with writers and artists exploring the themes, atmosphere and imaginative possibilities suggested by the music.

But there’s more.

The stories will be framed by a special prologue and epilogue featuring Eddie.

Written by award-winning comic book creator Kelly Sue DeConnick and illustrated by Andy MacDonald, these additional chapters imagine events leading up to the moment captured in Derek Riggs’ iconic original album artwork.

That means fans will get an opportunity to explore the fictional events surrounding one of heavy metal’s greatest visual creations.

And what an image it is!

A towering cybernetic Eddie standing in a dark, futuristic city.

Neon lights.

Enormous buildings.

Science-fiction references.

Mechanical enhancements.

And enough hidden details to keep dedicated Maiden fans studying the artwork for hours.

It’s a world that has always seemed ready-made for comic book storytelling.

Now, four decades later, it’s finally getting that treatment.

📖 Official Publication Details

Information

Details

📕 Title

Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album

🤘 Band

Iron Maiden

📅 Publication date

Tuesday 2 March 2027

🎸 Celebrated album

Somewhere In Time (1986)

📚 Publisher

Z2

🎨 Format

Illustrated science-fiction anthology

📖 Main stories

Eight, inspired by the original album tracks

💀 Additional chapters

Eddie prologue and epilogue

✍️ Prologue and epilogue writer

Kelly Sue DeConnick

🖌️ Prologue and epilogue artist

Andy MacDonald

🎤 Special feature

Adrian Smith interview

🎟️ Pre-orders

Available through Z2

The announcement confirms that several different editions are planned, ranging from standard retail versions to elaborate collector’s packages.

And if you’re a dedicated Maiden collector, you might want to start making some room on your bookshelf.

Because this isn’t going to be one of those little paperbacks you casually squeeze between two old Kerrang! magazines!

🎸 Adrian Smith Says Cybernetic Eddie Is His Favourite Version!

One of the most interesting elements of the announcement is the involvement of IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith.

Smith has always had a particularly strong connection to Somewhere In Time.

After all, he wrote two of the album’s most celebrated songs, Wasted Years and Stranger In A Strange Land.

And apparently, he’s also rather fond of the futuristic incarnation of Eddie created by legendary artist Derek Riggs.

Speaking about the design, Smith described it as:

“My favourite version of Eddie probably.”

He also praised the character’s intimidating appearance, particularly the muscular design and unmistakable sense of menace.

And let’s be fair.

He’s got a point!

Throughout IRON MAIDEN’s history, Eddie has appeared as just about everything imaginable.

A terrifying zombie.

An ancient Egyptian monster.

A futuristic cyborg.

A soldier.

A supernatural creature.

A gigantic samurai warrior.

And occasionally something that looks like it’s escaped from the darkest corners of Bruce Dickinson’s imagination!

But the Somewhere In Time version remains especially memorable.

It’s a wonderful combination of 1980s science-fiction design, cyberpunk atmosphere and classic heavy metal attitude.

And judging by Smith’s comments, it’s a version that has remained special to the musicians themselves.

💀 The Story Behind Derek Riggs’ Legendary Somewhere In Time Artwork!

Now then, this is where things get REALLY interesting.

Because the original Somewhere In Time album cover isn’t simply a picture of Eddie standing in a futuristic city.

Oh no, mun!

It’s one of the most detailed, elaborate and gloriously ridiculous pieces of artwork ever created for a heavy metal album.

Designed by legendary illustrator Derek Riggs, the wraparound image features a futuristic city filled with references to IRON MAIDEN’s music, history, friends and influences.

It’s an extraordinary piece of visual storytelling.

And perhaps the most impressive thing is how many little secrets are hidden throughout the scene.

Even now, decades after the album’s release, fans continue discussing and discovering different elements.

🕰️ The Clock Reading 23:58

One of the most famous details is a clock displaying 23:58.

That’s two minutes before midnight.

A cheeky reference to the band’s 1984 classic 2 Minutes To Midnight.

See what they did there?

🍺 The Ruskin Arms

The artwork includes a reference to The Ruskin Arms, the London pub associated with IRON MAIDEN’s early history.

Long before the enormous stadium shows and giant Eddie stage props, Maiden were playing smaller venues and building their reputation the hard way.

It’s a lovely reminder of where the band came from.

⚽ West Ham United

A scoreboard displays West Ham beating Arsenal 7–3.

Why?

Because founding member and bassist Steve Harris is a famously devoted West Ham supporter.

And apparently, when you’re commissioning an enormous piece of science-fiction artwork, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with slipping your favourite football team into the background!

✈️ Aces High Bar

The artwork also includes the Aces High Bar, complete with an aircraft reference connected to the band’s famous song.

Another lovely little nod to Maiden history.

🎭 Phantom Opera House

There’s a reference to Phantom Of The Opera, the classic track from the band’s self-titled 1980 debut album.

🎬 Blade Runner And Science-Fiction Cinema

The futuristic cityscape contains references to the science-fiction film Blade Runner and the author Philip K. Dick.

Those influences are especially appropriate given the album’s overall visual identity.

🤘 Even More Hidden Details!

Other elements include references to earlier Maiden artwork, notable music venues, band history and numerous science-fiction influences.

There’s even a cheeky hidden message associated with Riggs himself.

The whole design is packed with personality.

And that’s what makes the forthcoming graphic novel such an exciting prospect.

We’re finally getting the chance to explore the world beyond that famous album cover.

Imagine discovering what Eddie was doing before the moment captured in the artwork.

Who was he chasing?

Where had he come from?

What sort of futuristic nightmare was unfolding around him?

And what happened after that extraordinary scene?

The new prologue and epilogue promise to explore some of those possibilities through fiction.

For Maiden fans who’ve spent decades studying the original cover, it’s a fascinating concept.

🎶 Eight Songs, Eight Stories – The Entire Somewhere In Time Album Gets The Comic Book Treatment!

The central attraction of the new graphic album is its eight-story structure.

Rather than creating one conventional adaptation, Z2 has assembled multiple creative teams to explore the different musical worlds suggested by the original record.

And considering the variety of songs on Somewhere In Time, there’s plenty of inspiration available.

Here’s the album’s original running order, with each track forming the inspiration for one story.

1. Caught Somewhere In Time

The album opens with an enormous, atmospheric composition written by Steve Harris.

Its lyrics and futuristic atmosphere make it a particularly suitable starting point for a science-fiction anthology.

Time travel, strange worlds and the consequences of stepping into the unknown provide intriguing possibilities.

2. Wasted Years

One of Maiden’s most beloved singles.

Written by Adrian Smith, Wasted Years combines an instantly recognisable guitar introduction with reflections on travel, distance and appreciating the present.

It’s easy to see why a creative team might find inspiration in those themes.

And considering the album’s futuristic setting, the possibilities for an imaginative story are enormous.

3. Sea Of Madness

Another Adrian Smith composition, combining powerful guitars with an atmosphere of uncertainty and emotional tension.

There’s plenty of room for a darker science-fiction interpretation.

4. Heaven Can Wait

Written by Steve Harris, Heaven Can Wait became a memorable part of Maiden’s live performances, particularly with its famous audience-participation section.

Its themes surrounding mortality and survival could provide rich material for a dramatic illustrated story.

5. The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner

A powerful composition inspired by the themes of endurance and isolation associated with Alan Sillitoe’s story of the same name.

The song explores physical struggle and determination.

Those ideas could translate into an interesting visual narrative.

6. Stranger In A Strange Land

Another of the album’s most recognisable tracks.

Written by Adrian Smith, the song features an unforgettable guitar solo and a powerful sense of atmosphere.

Its title alone practically demands a science-fiction adventure.

7. Deja-Vu

Written by Dave Murray and Steve Harris, Deja-Vu explores familiar experiences and the unsettling feeling that something has happened before.

And if that doesn’t provide a brilliant starting point for a story involving time, memory and alternate realities, we don’t know what does!

8. Alexander The Great

The album closes with Steve Harris’s epic composition inspired by the historical conqueror Alexander the Great.

At more than eight minutes long, it’s one of Maiden’s most ambitious historical songs from the era.

And with an illustrated adaptation on the way, it’ll be fascinating to see how the creative team approaches such an enormous subject.

Important: While each song has been confirmed as the inspiration for a story, the publisher has not yet released complete plot descriptions for every chapter. These themes suggest the possibilities rather than confirmed storylines.

And that’s part of the excitement.

We know the music.

We know the album.

But we don’t yet know exactly how the creative teams will interpret those songs.

It’s Maiden mythology with a proper science-fiction twist, butt!

✍️ Z2 Assemble An Incredible Team Of Writers And Artists!

Now, here’s another reason comic book fans should be paying attention.

Z2 haven’t simply handed the project to one writer and illustrator.

They’ve assembled a substantial collection of talent from across the comic book, illustration and film industries.

And some of the names involved will be familiar to anybody who follows modern graphic novels.

🖊️ Confirmed Contributors Include:

  • Kelly Sue DeConnick
  • Andy MacDonald
  • Steve Niles
  • Goran Parlov
  • Benjamin Raab
  • Deric Hughes
  • Matt Haley
  • Dan Hernandez
  • Adam Markiewicz
  • David Dastmalchian
  • Stan Yak
  • Corin Hardy
  • Montos
  • Stefano Cardoselli
  • John Reppion
  • Leah Moore
  • Vincent Locke
  • Henry Sansom
  • Davide Fabbri

That’s quite the collection!

Comic fans may recognise Kelly Sue DeConnick from her celebrated work on Captain Marvel, Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet.

Steve Niles is particularly well known for creating 30 Days Of Night, a horror comic that subsequently became a feature film.

Actor and writer David Dastmalchian has appeared in major film productions while also establishing himself as a comic book creator.

And British filmmaker Corin Hardy brings experience from the world of horror cinema.

It’s an impressive combination of creative backgrounds.

And considering the darker, more unsettling themes associated with Maiden’s artwork, it seems particularly suitable for this project.

The anthology will also feature an introduction by celebrated comic book artist Bill Sienkiewicz.

His distinctive artwork has earned enormous recognition throughout the comic industry.

And he already has a connection to the Maiden universe through his work associated with Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project.

Heavy metal and horror comics have always been natural bedfellows.

And this project looks ready to embrace that relationship.

🎤 Adrian Smith Gets His Own Special Interview!

The book isn’t entirely fictional storytelling.

It will also include an in-depth interview with Adrian Smith, conducted by Dave Shack of Phantom Music Management.

The interview looks back at the writing and recording of Somewhere In Time, exploring the album’s musical development and continuing appeal.

And that’s a particularly welcome addition.

Because the record marked an interesting moment in Maiden’s history.

Following the enormous success of Powerslave and the demanding World Slavery Tour, the band were preparing to explore a different musical direction.

The album introduced guitar synthesisers into Maiden’s sound, creating some of the distinctive futuristic textures that helped define the recording.

But it still retained all the classic Maiden ingredients.

Galloping basslines.

Twin lead guitars.

Powerful drums.

Bruce Dickinson’s extraordinary vocals.

And those enormous, dramatic compositions that made the group famous.

Smith was also becoming an increasingly important songwriter within the band.

His contributions to Somewhere In Time included Wasted Years, Sea Of Madness and Stranger In A Strange Land.

So hearing his reflections on the album 40 years later should be particularly interesting.

💿 Somewhere In Time (1986) – The Album That Inspired The Graphic Novel!

Let’s rewind to 1986 for a moment.

IRON MAIDEN were already one of the biggest heavy metal bands in the world.

They’d delivered a remarkable run of albums, including The Number Of The Beast, Piece Of Mind and Powerslave.

Their live performances were becoming increasingly spectacular.

And their audiences were growing across the globe.

But after the demanding World Slavery Tour, the musicians were approaching a period of creative change.

Their sixth studio album, Somewhere In Time, arrived on 29 September 1986.

Produced by the legendary Martin Birch, it was recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas and Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands.

The album introduced guitar synthesisers into the band’s arrangements.

That gave certain tracks a futuristic quality without abandoning Maiden’s unmistakable heavy metal identity.

The recording featured the classic 1980s line-up:

🎤 Bruce Dickinson – Vocals

🎸 Dave Murray – Guitar

🎸 Adrian Smith – Guitar

🎸 Steve Harris – Bass

🥁 Nicko McBrain – Drums

Together, they created one of Maiden’s most distinctive albums.

And while some fans initially found its musical direction surprising, the record has developed an enormous following over the decades.

Songs such as Wasted Years and Stranger In A Strange Land remain beloved parts of the band’s catalogue.

Meanwhile, longer compositions including Caught Somewhere In Time and Alexander The Great continue to attract passionate support.

The album’s futuristic imagery and sound also helped establish one of the most memorable eras in Maiden’s visual history.

Which brings us back to Eddie.

Because that album cover became almost as famous as the music itself.

🏆 Z2 And IRON MAIDEN Have Worked Together Before!

This isn’t the first time Z2 have collaborated with IRON MAIDEN.

Back in 2023, the publisher released Piece Of Mind: The Graphic Novel, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Maiden’s classic 1983 album.

That project also transformed the record’s songs into illustrated stories.

It received an Eisner Award nomination, helping establish the collaboration as something more substantial than an ordinary merchandise release.

And Z2’s connection to the Maiden universe continued through Bruce Dickinson’s The Mandrake Project.

The singer’s solo album inspired an accompanying comic book series, further exploring the fictional world associated with the music.

Those projects demonstrated how effectively heavy metal and graphic storytelling can work together.

After all, Maiden’s songs have always been packed with dramatic imagery.

Historical battles.

Science-fiction adventures.

Literary references.

Supernatural creatures.

And enormous theatrical concepts.

They’ve practically been writing the soundtracks to imaginary films and comics for decades!

So giving those ideas a fully illustrated format makes perfect sense.

It’s the closest thing to turning your Maiden record collection into a comic book universe.

And we absolutely bloody love the idea!

📦 Deluxe And Platinum Editions – Collectors, Prepare Your Wallets!

Right then, here’s where things could get dangerous for the bank account.

Because Z2 are offering more than a standard graphic novel.

Several collector’s editions have been announced, including Deluxe and Platinum packages featuring additional artwork and memorabilia.

And if you’re one of those Maiden fans who has to own every special edition, every coloured vinyl and every limited-edition Eddie collectible…

Well, butt, you might want to sit down before looking at the prices!

📕 Standard Retail Edition

The standard edition provides the graphic novel itself, with different cover artwork depending on the retailer.

Confirmed cover artists include:

  • Tony Harris: Main retail cover.
  • Jay Geldhof: EMP-exclusive cover.
  • Dan Mumford: Rarewaves-exclusive cover.

These alternative covers offer different interpretations of Eddie and the futuristic world of Somewhere In Time.

🦾 Deluxe Edition

The Deluxe package takes things considerably further.

It includes an oversized hardcover edition presented inside a metallic Time Machine slipcase.

The case features artwork by Blake Armstrong, with a special die-cut green acetate lens designed to give the package a futuristic appearance.

The edition also includes prints celebrating the different cover designs.

It’s the sort of presentation that should look particularly impressive in a dedicated Maiden collection.

💀 Platinum Edition – Signed By Adrian Smith!

And then there’s the big one.

The Platinum Collector’s Edition.

The official European Z2 listing describes a package limited to 500 copies, featuring an Adrian Smith-signed bookplate.

The advertised contents include:

  • A 12-inch by 12-inch oversized hardcover graphic novel.
  • A metallic Time Machine slipcase with green acetate lens.
  • A limited red seven-inch vinyl edition of Stranger In A Strange Land.
  • A limited green seven-inch vinyl edition of Wasted Years.
  • Four art prints featuring artwork by Tony Harris, Blake Armstrong, Jay Geldhof and Dan Mumford.
  • Four limited-edition gold-foil collector cards.
  • A certificate of authenticity.
  • A bookplate signed by Adrian Smith.

Now THAT is a collector’s package!

The European Z2 store lists the Platinum Edition at €249.99, although the individual product page was marked sold out when checked on 4 November 2026.

Availability and pricing may change, and UK buyers should check any delivery charges or applicable import costs.

It’s certainly not a cheap purchase.

But for dedicated collectors, the combination of exclusive artwork, rare vinyl and Adrian Smith’s signature could make it particularly appealing.

Imagine opening that on Christmas morning!

Although, since the book isn’t due until March 2027, Santa might need to leave you an IOU this year!

🎸 Rare Wasted Years And Stranger In A Strange Land Seven-Inch Singles!

One of the most attractive elements of the premium packages is the inclusion of special seven-inch vinyl editions of two classic Maiden singles.

Wasted Years and Stranger In A Strange Land were both originally released as singles during the Somewhere In Time era.

And they remain among Adrian Smith’s most celebrated compositions.

🎶 Wasted Years

Released in 1986, Wasted Years features one of the most instantly recognisable guitar introductions in Maiden’s entire catalogue.

The song explores the experience of constantly travelling and the importance of appreciating the present.

It’s a track that has continued resonating with listeners across generations.

🦾 Stranger In A Strange Land

Also released during the album’s original campaign, Stranger In A Strange Land combines atmospheric songwriting with one of Adrian Smith’s most memorable guitar solos.

It’s an essential part of the Somewhere In Time story.

The special vinyl editions provide another opportunity to celebrate those songs in physical form.

And with coloured pressings included in the Platinum package, there’s plenty to interest collectors.

Of course, anyone simply wanting to hear the music can still enjoy the original album through streaming services or existing physical releases.

But for somebody building a dedicated Maiden collection, these special singles certainly add another dimension to the new book.

🐉 Why Eddie Means So Much To Heavy Metal Fans

Let’s be honest.

There aren’t many band mascots who have become as famous as the musicians themselves.

But Eddie is one of them.

Since appearing on IRON MAIDEN’s earliest releases, the terrifying character has become an inseparable part of the band’s identity.

He’s appeared on album covers.

T-shirts.

Posters.

Stage productions.

Video games.

Collectible figures.

Books.

And countless other pieces of merchandise.

But what’s particularly impressive is how frequently his appearance changes.

Each new album era introduces a different version of Eddie, often reflecting the themes of the music.

And for fans, those designs become part of their memories.

The first Maiden album they purchased.

The first tour shirt they owned.

The first enormous stage Eddie they witnessed emerging behind Nicko McBrain’s drum kit.

It’s a visual identity that has helped connect generations of listeners.

Here in Wales, we’ve certainly seen our fair share of Eddie T-shirts at concerts and festivals.

Whether you’re wandering around Download, Bloodstock or Steelhouse, there’s usually at least one bloke wearing a Maiden shirt that’s older than half the bands on the line-up!

And fair play to him.

Because some artwork never gets old.

Forty years later, cybernetic Eddie still looks absolutely bloody magnificent!

📚 Why Heavy Metal And Graphic Novels Work So Well Together

There’s something special about the relationship between heavy metal and visual art.

The music has always encouraged imagination.

Think about the extraordinary album covers associated with IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, BLACK SABBATH, DIO and countless other artists.

Fantasy landscapes.

Terrifying creatures.

Futuristic cities.

Historical battles.

And enormous supernatural characters.

These images have helped define the culture surrounding the music.

And graphic novels provide an opportunity to expand those visual ideas into complete stories.

For younger fans, they can introduce a new way of exploring music history.

For longtime collectors, they offer another connection to albums that have been part of their lives for decades.

And for artists, they create opportunities to reinterpret familiar themes through a different creative medium.

That’s why collaborations such as Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album are particularly interesting.

They’re not simply reproducing an old album cover and asking fans to purchase it again.

They’re using the original music and imagery as inspiration for new creative work.

Of course, we’ll need to read the finished book before judging how successful those stories actually are.

But the concept is enormously promising.

And with such an impressive team of writers and artists involved, there’s plenty of reason to be excited.

🎟️ Where Can You Pre-Order Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album?

The book is scheduled for worldwide publication on Tuesday 2 March 2027.

Pre-orders are being handled through Z2 and participating retailers.

Different editions and cover variants may be available through different stores.

🔗 Official Pre-Order Links

📚 Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album – Z2 UK And European Store

💀 Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album – Z2 International Store

🤘 IRON MAIDEN – Official Announcement

When ordering, check the edition, cover artwork, bonus items and shipping arrangements carefully.

The different versions don’t all contain identical extras.

And if you’re paying a premium price, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the package you actually intended to purchase.

🔥 The Riff Report Verdict – Forty Years Later, Eddie Is Still The Ultimate Heavy Metal Nightmare!

Well then, butt.

What an absolutely glorious way to celebrate one of IRON MAIDEN’s most distinctive albums!

Somewhere In Time has always occupied a special place in the band’s catalogue.

Its futuristic atmosphere.

Its adventurous songwriting.

Its unforgettable guitar work.

And, of course, that extraordinary Derek Riggs artwork.

The album represents a moment when Maiden were willing to experiment without abandoning the musical identity that made them famous.

And four decades later, its influence remains enormous.

So the idea of transforming those eight songs into a series of illustrated science-fiction stories feels wonderfully appropriate.

But what really makes this project interesting is the additional focus on Eddie.

For decades, fans have stared at that futuristic album cover and imagined what might be happening in the city around him.

Now, with a prologue and epilogue exploring the events surrounding that scene, we’re getting another interpretation of one of heavy metal’s most famous fictional worlds.

And with Adrian Smith contributing a special interview, there’s also a chance to learn more about the album’s original creative process.

That’s a cracking combination.

Music history.

Science-fiction storytelling.

Outstanding artwork.

And enough Eddie-related madness to keep collectors entertained for months.

Will the finished book live up to expectations?

We’ll find out when it arrives in March.

But the concept certainly has us interested.

And if you’ve ever spent half an hour studying the original Somewhere In Time sleeve trying to find all the hidden references, this sounds like exactly the sort of release that deserves a place on your bookshelf.

As for the deluxe editions?

Well, we’ll leave you to explain those purchases to your bank manager!

Forty years after the album first arrived, Eddie is still charging through the future with absolutely no intention of slowing down.

And that’s exactly how we like him.

Up the Irons, butt! 🐉🤘💀


💬 Have Your Say, Riff Report Crew!

Right then, you wonderful bunch of Maiden-loving metalheads!

Will YOU be picking up Somewhere In Time: The Graphic Album when it arrives on 2 March 2027?

Are you planning to buy the standard edition?

Or are you tempted by one of those enormous deluxe collector’s packages?

And here’s the big question.

Is the cybernetic Eddie from Somewhere In Time the greatest version of Maiden’s legendary mascot?

Or do you prefer the terrifying Eddie from The Number Of The Beast?

The Egyptian incarnation from Powerslave?

The lobotomised nightmare from Piece Of Mind?

Or perhaps one of the more recent designs?

And while we’re at it…

What’s your favourite song from Somewhere In Time?

Are you a Wasted Years fan?

Does Stranger In A Strange Land contain one of Adrian Smith’s greatest guitar solos?

Or do you reckon Alexander The Great deserves even more recognition?

Get involved in the comments and let us know!

Because when it comes to IRON MAIDEN, there’s always another legendary song, extraordinary album cover or gloriously ridiculous Eddie design worth celebrating.

Forty years of futuristic metal madness. Eight incredible songs. One unstoppable Eddie.

UP THE IRONS! 🐉🤘🔥

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Michael

Michael

🎸 About Michael Michael is the founder, editor and chief riff wrangler of The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock, metal and alternative music publication built by fans, for fans. A lifelong rock and metal fan, Michael has spent years immersed in the music, culture and community that surround the heavier side of life. From discovering new bands and digging through classic albums to standing in muddy festival fields, squeezing into packed venues and spending far too much time near the front of a stage, music has always been much more than background noise — it is a massive part of who he is. That passion eventually became The Riff Report, a publication created to celebrate the bands, artists, venues, festivals, photographers, promoters and fans who keep the rock and metal world turning. Michael spends much of the year covering gigs, festivals, tours, album releases, new singles, interviews and music news, with a camera never too far away and a press pass usually hanging somewhere around his neck. Whether it is a huge arena show, a major outdoor festival or a tiny grassroots venue packed with people discovering their new favourite band, he believes every part of the scene has stories worth telling. For Michael, one of the biggest joys of music journalism is being able to shine a light on artists at every level. The Riff Report is just as interested in the hungry independent band playing to 50 people as it is in the global act headlining to 50,000. Supporting unsigned, independent and grassroots musicians is a huge part of the publication’s identity, because every legendary band started somewhere. Sometimes the next big thing is not on a massive billboard or a major-label playlist — sometimes they are crammed onto a tiny stage in a pub, plugging in their own gear and hoping somebody in the room remembers their name. Michael wants The Riff Report to be one of the places that remembers.

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