Vivek J. Tiwary’s debut graphic novel, The Fifth Beatle tops The New York Times bestseller list in its third week of release! The breakout novel sits atop long-established titles such as The Walking Dead and Batman. This news comes on the heels of announcing Peyton Reed (BRING IT ON, THE BREAK-UP) as the director of the film adaptation and the beginning of the casting process for the part of Brian Epstein.
Written by multiple Tony Award–winning producer Vivek J. Tiwary (Green Day’s American Idiot, The Addams Family, Mel Brooks’ The Producers) and painted by fanboy favorites Andrew C. Robinson (Dusty Star, King Conan, Starman, Superman) and Kyle Baker (The Shadow, Plastic Man.)The Fifth Beatle is the untold true story of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who discovered and guided the Beatles—from their gigs in a tiny cellar in Liverpool to unprecedented international stardom.
Yet more than merely the story of “The Man Who Made The Beatles,” The Fifth Beatle is an uplifting, tragic, and ultimately inspirational human story about the struggle to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Brian Epstein was homosexual when it was a felony to be so in the United Kingdom, Jewish during a period of pervasive anti-Semitism, and from Liverpool when it was considered just a dingy port town. He helped spread the Beatles’ message of love to the entire world, yet died painfully lonely at the young age of thirty-two, consumed by staggering ambition and the endless struggles that came with it.
Praise for Vivek Tiwary’s The Fifth Beatle:
“Emotionally powerful and visually breathtaking, The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story is one of the best graphic novels you’re going to read this year.” – Newsarama
“Andrew Robinson has a deft touch with facial expression and body language. His engaging character development brings the lads and their magnificent manager to full life. What Vivek does is pretty amazing. It’s not impossible, no doubt, but it’s an ambitious goal to take any compelling figure and tell their story. This tribute to Brian Epstein is spot on and will inspire.” – Comics Grinder
“Writer Vivek J. Tiwary takes us on a very poetic journey, from Epstein’s beginnings as a record shop manager, through his years managing the world’s biggest band, right through to his tragic and untimely death. Andrew C. Robinson’s art is a bit of a star here. His style may not be to everyone’s taste, but there is little doubt his watercolours bring this book to life in a great way. If you are a Beatles fan, or even just take a passing interest, ‘The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story’ won’t disappoint.” – Big Comic Page
Both heartbreaking and uplifting, The Fifth Beatle not only reveals an important, unsung chapter in the history of the Beatles—but it will inspire anyone who’s ever dared to believe in a dream. For more information and to view the trailer for the graphic novel, visit FifthBeatle.com.
The Fifth Beatle is available in bookstores everywhere.
Tiwary is represented by David Alpert and Lawrence Mattis at Circle of Confusion.