REVIEW The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story, By Vivek J. Tiwary And Brian C. Robinson

The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story, a meticulously researched, masterfully written and gorgeously illustrated graphic novel by award-winning Broadway producer Vivek J. Tiwary and artist Andrew C. Robinson, was a labor of love. (Cover art by Andrew C. Robinson)

Somewhere, along the mad and transcendental road of rock and roll, the tale of one of its greatest architects, masters and casualties has been lost. Somewhere, between the gyrating hips and rebel snarl of Elvis and the shallow, uninspired gushiness of emo, music history has forgotten one of its first antiheroes. Somewhere, somehow, the man responsible for turning popular culture, music and several generations, worldwide, upside-downand influencing every band sincehas been left for dead and buried, destined for obscurity but for a growing legion of fans-turned-archeologists.

The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story, by award-winning Broadway theater producer Vivek J. Tiwary (A Raisin in the Sun, American Idiot, The Addams Family) and artist Andrew C. Robinson, resurrects the seminal Beatles manager, breathing life, color, validity, and resounding beauty, into his short, intense, often-overlooked life and his contributions shaping and molding the four young lads from Liverpool. The Beatles immortality, as documented in this meticulously researched, masterfully written and gorgeously illustrated graphic novel, is Epsteins legacy, as are the boundless torrents of love, hope and optimism shared through their songs.

It was Epstein who shed their leather jackets for matching tailored suits. It was Epstein who got them a record contract. Epstein who landed them in America and on The Ed Sullivan Show. Epstein who invented their synchronized bow, comforted and cared for them, transported them from The Cavern Clubs basement to the center of the worlds stage.

Through The Fifth Beatle, we hear his thoughts, see his struggles, feel his jubilation and his painJewish and gay, yearning for acceptance and self-worth. Visionary, businessman, family man, son, friend, tortured soul, matadorwe see Epsteins genius, his passion, his struggles and his flaws.

This must-read work of arta labor of love for Tiwary, which took 20 years to realizeis a worthy tribute, historical account, comic, biography, love letter and song to a man who shaped and molded music, and life itself.

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REVIEW The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story, By Vivek J. Tiwary And Brian C. Robinson