Law & Order Star Is Making A Graphic Novel

Law & Order star and hip-hop icon Ice-T is making a graphic novel along with longtime friends Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.

By Charlene Badasie | Published

Law & Order star Ice-T is working on a new graphic novel with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. In partnership with Z2 Comics, Death for Hire: The Origin of Tehk City will serve as a prelude to animated series of the same name which will feature the voice talents of several hip-hop superstars. The book is the publisher’s offering in a series of original works featuring some of popular music’s biggest innovators which go on sale in a variety of editions in 2023.

Ice-T

In the 1990s, Ice-T, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg dominated music charts with hits like “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” and “Gin and Juice.” While still active in the music business, these days the trio and have ventured into other forms of creative expression as well. Snoop Dogg has lent his voice to several animated cartoons and even hosted a talk show with Martha Stewart. Meanwhile, Ice-T has starred in movies and television shows, portraying NYPD Detective/Sergeant Odafin Tutuola on the NBC police drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since 2000.

On their website, Z2 Comic revealed more details about the Law & Order alums’ Death for Hire, including a look at some preview art. The story follows the exploits of crooked Mayor Chuck Davis, his deadly female assassin Rhonda Knuckles, and right-hand-man Maniac Max who must navigate the savage law of the streets. With a hand in everything from money laundering to hired hits, Davis tries to stay one step ahead of the infamous Round Table Gang who have controlled the black market undercurrent of Tehk City for years. But information comes at a price when Pretty Black is the one whose network feeds him the coveted intelligence.

In addition to the Law and Order star, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Coco, Tracy Morgan, Mike Epps, Roxanne Shante, and others, the book will be scripted by Gary Phillips and illustrated by Montos.  Death for Hire: The Origin of Tehk City will also be available in several formats, including a standard and deluxe edition. The latter comes with trading cards, posters, and even NFTs. The animated series, which is in production with conversations with streamers and networks, will also feature the voice talents of Ice-T, Coco, Snoop Dogg, Tracy Morgan, Busta Rhymes, Mike Epps, Treach, Arabian Prince, Peter Scanavino, Roxanne Shanté, Ben Baller, Styles P, Tone Trump, Emilio Rivera, Tommy The Animator and Shannon Eric Denton.

According to Deadline, Dr. Dre, a former member of NWA, will provide the original score with each rap artist writing and performing their custom theme. Death for Hire: The Origin of Tehk City is edited by Z2’s Rantz Hoseley, with Josh Bernstein of Z2 Comics and Shannon Eric Denton of Monster Forge Productions serving as executive producers. Meanwhile, Ice-T fans can catch the popular artist when the 24th season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit returns on September 22nd. Based out of the New York City Police Department’s 16th precinct in Manhattan, the series delves into the dark side of the city’s underworld as the detectives of the special elite force, investigate and prosecute major crimes.