Mike McCready, guitarist for PEARL JAM, TEMPLE OF THE DOG and MAD SEASON, has teamed up with Z2 to release the original graphic novel and “lost” rock opera, “Mike McCready’s Farewell To Seasons”. Developed over the last 20 years, McCready’s story captures the drive and sense of community that forged the powerful backbone of the Seattle music scene of the 1980s, as their world changed forever with the explosion of grunge in the ’90s.

Due on October 6, 2026, “Farewell To Seasons” is an unflinching depiction that captures the lived experience of that seminal era, woven with elements of magical realism throughout it. The story externalizes the characters’ inner struggles and moments of triumphs, rendering an almost luminous manifestation in the moments where the music empowers the characters to feel that almost anything is possible, as well as the stark depiction of an oily darkness that threatens to drag them down when they are possessed by self-doubt and fear.

Deluxe editions and Platinum of the graphic novel come packaged with a soundtrack of new and original songs, created by Mike McCready to serve as an artifact recording produced by the lead character, Dave Williams.

“I’m incredibly excited to announce my new graphic novel with Z2, ‘Farewell To Seasons’,” McCready says in a statement. “It’s a story I’ve been developing for many years, inspired by the creativity, community, and chaos of the Seattle music scene. ‘Farewell To Seasons’ is a historical fantasy set in that world, and alongside the graphic novel, there will also be a ‘lost’ rock opera connected to the story, featuring original music written from the perspective of David Williams, one of the main characters. I’ve had a great time bringing this project to life with Z2, and I hope people enjoy the journey as much as I did creating it.”

Z2’s editor-in-chief Rantz A. Hoseley said: “Having been in the heart of the NW music scene as a journalist in the 1990s, I’ve wanted for years to work on a project that would reflect what it was actually like for the musicians and the fans when ‘the world came to Seattle.’ I can say, without any hyperbole or exaggeration, that I feel like my entire creative life has led to me being involved with this book, and I feel so blessed to be a part of bringing Mike’s beautiful and poignant story to the world.”

This graphic novel and rock opera will be released as a slip-cased oversized 12″ x 12″ deluxe edition, as well as a regular sized 9″ x 9″ standard edition. All editions of “Mike McCready’s Farewell To Seasons” will be available exclusively at Z2’s web site to pre-order starting March 12, 2026, and a standard-sized edition will be available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as other independent book stores, retailers and fine comic shops worldwide on October 6.

McCready is a founding member and lead guitarist of PEARL JAM, one of the most influential rock bands of the past three decades. Since the band’s breakthrough with its debut album “Ten” in 1991, McCready’s unmistakable guitar work and songwriting has helped define PEARL JAM’s sound, contributing to more than 85 million albums sold worldwide and a legacy that earned the band induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017.

Beyond PEARL JAM, McCready has been a driving force in acclaimed side projects including MAD SEASON and TEMPLE OF THE DOG, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and collaborative artist. He has also scored countless film and television series, including “Fat Kid Rules The World”, “Elvis: The Searcher”, “Johnny Cash: The Gift”, “Fringe” and “Shameless”. In addition to his musical achievements, McCready is a dedicated advocate for health awareness, drawing from his personal journey with IBD to support organizations focused on Crohn’s disease research and recovery initiatives. He is also an advocate for social justice awareness through his work with Washington Innocence Project, and other local organizations. Most recently, McCready co-founded Mutual Arts Collective, a mission driven art gallery and event space at Pike Place Market. With a career spanning more than 35 years, he continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his artistry, authenticity, and enduring passion for rock and roll.

Recently dubbed the “Hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, multiple Eisner and Ringo-nominated Z2 has produced more than 75 unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with IRON MAIDEN, PANTERA, PRIMUS, TYPE O NEGATIVE, MÖTLEY CRÜE, THE DOORS, ANTHRAX, Ronnie James Dio and BABYMETAL, among many others.

For more information, visit z2comics.com.