PopCultHQ received a review copy of THE FIFTH BEATLE: The Brian Epstein Story TPB (Anniversary Edition) from Dark Horse Comics. Available now in bookstores & comic book shops, the trade paperback collection features writing from Vivek J. Tiwary, art by Andrew C. Robinson & Kyle Baker, and letters by Steve Dutro.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
THE FIFTH BEATLE: The Brian Epstein Story TPB
(10th Anniversary Edition)
Credits:
Written by Vivek J. Tiwary
Art by Andrew C. Robinson
w/ Kyle Baker (“Chaos in the Phillippines” Art)
Letters by Steve Dutro
Format: FC, 184 pages; TPB; 8″ x 12 3/16″
Genre: Non-Fiction, Graphic Literature
ISBN-13: 978-1-50673-946-5
ISBN-10: 1-50673-946-6
Ages: 16+
SRP: $24.99
The Fifth Beatle brings to life the true story of visionary Beatles manager Brian Epstein–the man who launched the Beatles to worldwide stardom. This 10th Anniversary edition of the critically acclaimed, award-winning international bestseller features a new cover, an accompanying musical soundtrack/playlist curated by writer Vivek J. Tiwary, a new introduction by legendary music manager Kelly Curtis (Pearl Jam), and an expanded sketchbook section.
A visionary artist manager, Brian Epstein engineered Beatlemania–guiding the Beatles from basement gigs to unprecedented international stardom while wrestling with personal demons and the trappings of massive ambition and success. An award-winning, uplifting and inspiring human story about chasing your dreams, The Fifth Beatle also reveals an important, unsung chapter in the Beatles’ history.
Whether you’re discovering the Brian Epstein story for the first time or an old fan revisiting this groundbreaking graphic novel, now a part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives Permanent Collection, a splendid time is guaranteed for all.
In 1960, the world was introduced to four bright lads from Liverpool who had a terrific sound and would go on to change the course of rock and roll in a big way. But while the world is familiar with those boys and their story, what about the man who helped chart the course to stardom for them? Brian Epstein worked hard, going to great lengths to put The Beatles out there because he believed in them and the power of music to change the world. Beatles fans, comic book fans, and music history buffs will get a big kick out of this book, especially the outstanding work from the dynamite creative team.
Writing: While this reviewer will admit to being unfamiliar with Vivek J. Tiwary’s body of work, my interest was tickled after delving into this delightful, albeit tragic tale of the man who gave the world The Beatles. Vivek did his research when penning the script because Brian’s story and that of the Fab Four are intertwined. One cannot exist without the other, but the world forgot about Brian as time passed, and we lost John and George. What Vivek has done here is cast a new light onto the story of a man who sought to bring love into the world through the power of music, yet struggled to fit in. All this was at a time when he was away from the spotlight, shunned, and considered immoral to society at the time. Stories like the success of The Beatles are known to all, but a story like that, Brian Epstein’s, needs to be told in the same breath. And it is because of Vivek that he will not be forgotten.
Art/Colors: Andrew and Kyle’s artwork is a beautiful blend throughout the entire book. Each of them has been in the comics game a long time and developed their particular styles to the point that anyone who is a fan of either, new or old, can tell one from the other. Whereas Andrew’s art lends a touch of seriousness and conveys the importance of Brian’s legacy concerning The Beatles, Kyle’s tosses in that little nugget of humor that helps break readers out of the story for a moment and gives them something to smile about. On top of that, the color choices for the entire book are smashing. All of them are blended, creating the perfect mixture of different hues, using shadow when necessary to add a touch of mystery to the tone of the book and culminating in an array of awesomeness.
Letters: They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the words themselves have just as much worth. Thanks to letterer Steve Dutro, that worth is magnified big time. Steve has worked in the biz for a long time, lettering at Marvel, DC, Image, and other projects at Dark Horse. But in all sincerity, this might be the best thing he has ever done. The world knows who The Beatles are, and Steve’s lettering brings their voices out of the past and into the present. And that goes double for Brian Epstein. This intrepid reviewer looked up some old interview clips of Brian, and it honestly scared me how much I could hear his voice reading this book, and that is thanks to Steve and what he accomplished.
Overall Assessment:
Throughout rock and roll history, the main focus has always been on the stars themselves. Their songs, their lives, and all the good and bad that comes with pursuing one’s dreams. Yet, too often, the people behind the musicians are cast aside. The managers and agents are the ones who discovered those gems that shine bright in the heavens of music mania. Thanks to the creative quartet behind this book, Brian Epstein’s story will continue to be told until the sun winks out and the stars grow cold. And when we think of The Beatles, we won’t just think of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, but Brian as well.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
About Dark Horse Comics:
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics is an excellent example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and transform a company with humble beginnings into an industry giant. Over the years, Dark Horse has published the work of creative legends such as Yoshitaka Amano, Margaret Atwood, Paul Chadwick, Geof Darrow, Will Eisner, Neil Gaiman, Dave Gibbons, Faith Erin Hicks, Kazuo Koike, Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, Kentaro Miura, Moebius, Chuck Palahniuk, Wendy Pini, Richard Pini, and Gerard Way. In addition, Dark Horse has a long tradition of establishing exciting new creative talent throughout all of its divisions. The company has also set the industry standard for quality licensed comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books, including Stranger Things, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Dragon Age, James Cameron’s Avatar, Game of Thrones, Mass Effect, StarCraft, The Witcher, and Halo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.
