The Smiths' songs as comics – in pictures

Unite and Take Over: Comic Stories Inspired by the Smiths is the brainchild of Shawn Demumbrum, an Arizona-based comics publisher who clearly likes his Batman with a dash of melancholy. Image from What Difference Does It Make? by Jeff Pina Photograph: Jeff Pina

Demumbrum has assembled 13 writer/artist teams, each of which will create a four-to-eight-page story inspired by a favourite Smiths song. Image from Death at One's Elbow by Madame M Photograph: Madame M

Rather than commissioning the artists to create straightforward superhero stories, Demumbrum asked them 'What's the story that plays in your head when you listen to your favourite Smiths song?' Image from Rubber Ring by DennMann Photograph: DennMann

The authors use lyrics from the songs as 'an inspiration, a jumping-off point, a theme or a mood'. Image from Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before by Christian Vilaire Photograph: Christian Vilaire

Demumbrum was inspired by 'a combination of loneliness and yet hopeful optimism, that only Morrissey’s vocals seem to capture'. Image from Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before by Christian Vilaire Photograph: Christian Vilaire

The finished anthology, which will run to at least 72 illustrated pages, is due out at the upcoming Tucson Comic-Con. Cover art by Jason Pedersen Photograph: Jason Pedersen