Slayer have announced their foray into comic books. The band and its label, Nuclear Blast, has teamed with comics publisher Dark Horse (Sin City, Hellboy) for a three-part title, the first of which, Slayer: Repentless, Vol. 1,  will come out later this year.

According to RollingStone.com, the plot takes inspiration from the revenge-themed videos they've made for "Repentless" and "You Against You”, both of which share a story arc devised by director BJ McDonnell (Hatchet III).

"I think of the songs I write as stories," Slayer's Kerry King tells Rolling Stone. "And if nothing else, they are certainly visual. BJ managed to string it all together so it made sense."

The comics, however, are written by Jon Schnepp - a former Metalocalypse director who has penned comics based on that series - and interior art by Guiu Vilanova (Twilight Zone, Conan The Avenger). The debut issue sports two covers: a standard cover by Glenn Fabry (Hellblazer, Preacher) with the videos' blood-spattered eyepatch guy and a variant by Eric Powell (The Goon, Hillbilly) depicting a skeleton pierced with stakes.

Check out the artwork and read more at RollingStone.com.

Slayer is set to do a takeover of San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC). The occupation will begin on Thursday, July 21st with a special live performance at the intimate-capacity House of Blues. Show is sold out but Nuclear Blast will give away a handful of tickets. Stay tuned to Slayer’s and Nuclear Blast social media for more details.

"While Comic-Con has not focused on music, it is clearly a valued art form that oftentimes evokes emotional reactions and can transcend age and time. Slayer, the Grammy Award winning band, joins the list of past musical artists who make their way to Comic-Con to meet fans and delve into other forms of popular art proving that Comic-Con really is the diverse gathering place for pop culture and its fans." - David Glanzer Chief Communications and Strategy Officer, Comic-Con International

Said Slayer’s Kerry King, "Comic-Con?!? I can't believe they are gonna let us shred the HOB San Diego!! It will definitely be a night of fury and intensity that the city won't soon forget. We will be coming off a seven week European run, so Slayer’s guns will be blazing!"

Slayer’s signing at the Nuclear Blast booth will be on Friday July 22nd at 1 PM. And at the Dark Horse Comics booth at 3 PM. For details on how to get wrist bands for this even please check booth 501 starting on opening night or stay tuned for more online announcements. This will be a very limited number.