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cglenwilliams's review against another edition
5.0
Lavishly illustrated, "The Fifth Beatle" shows Epstein as a man who set out not to be a manager, but to be the man who secured an artistic legacy. That legacy was built on showing people that they are capable of more love and joy than they ever thought possible.
dolnick's review against another edition
4.0
A very interesting story that I knew next to nothing about. There were aspects of the story-telling that I was not as big of a fan of, particularly in the third act. However, the art of the graphic novel is, perhaps, the best that I've ever seen.
nickleby_shepherd's review against another edition
3.0
If you’re a Beatles fan I think it’s worth the read.
The art in this book is simply incredible.
The story of Brian Epstein here is alright for the most part. It’s nice to know a bit more about the man behind the Beatles. Although the final third of the story really felt a bit lacking.
But my real annoyance came from some of the dialogue throughout the book where the authors used Beatles’ lyrics for everyday speech (even from non Fab Four persons). I’m sure it was meant as a homage &/or to be a little cheeky; and I’m sure plenty of people enjoyed it. For me it’s just kind of distracting and unnecessary.
The art in this book is simply incredible.
The story of Brian Epstein here is alright for the most part. It’s nice to know a bit more about the man behind the Beatles. Although the final third of the story really felt a bit lacking.
But my real annoyance came from some of the dialogue throughout the book where the authors used Beatles’ lyrics for everyday speech (even from non Fab Four persons). I’m sure it was meant as a homage &/or to be a little cheeky; and I’m sure plenty of people enjoyed it. For me it’s just kind of distracting and unnecessary.
saidtheraina's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, and - flipping through it - I'm impressed by the beauty of the illustrations.
But I am surprised it's winning awards. The story itself didn't seize me (as much as a glbtqia story connected to a band I love should have). It ultimately didn't stand out for me.
But I am surprised it's winning awards. The story itself didn't seize me (as much as a glbtqia story connected to a band I love should have). It ultimately didn't stand out for me.
susannah_n's review against another edition
3.0
Due to my own skepticism about graphic ("comic") books being real books, I tend not to read them very often. However, my love of The Beatles overrode my prejudice here. This book was amazing to look at, but the presentation of Brian Epstein's story was superficial at best. Much about his story was made fantastic, which would have been fine if this had been presented as a fictionalization of Epstein's years as the Beatles' manager. After reading reviews, I thought it would be more of a biography, though, so was disappointed, again, in the writing. Simply put, 4-1/2 stars for the graphics; 2-1/2 for the writing.
opticflow's review against another edition
4.0
Gorgeous art, fascinating person, strange metaphors distract rather than elevate the story.
nerdyrev's review against another edition
4.0
This is my second graphic novel review! I didn't know what to expect when I downloaded* The Fifth Beatle, but I was glad I had the opportunity to read it.
We all know about The Beatles and the amazing way they took over England and the US with their music. There was a man behind the scenes helping them with their success, their manager, Brian Epstein aka the Fifth Beatle. This graphic novel is really his story as the Beatles are present, but take a semi side stage in the book.
Epstein was a closeted homosexual man due to the way gay men were looked at in the 60s, especially in England. Throughout the novel, Epstein worries what would happen to him if he is found out, yet his desires constantly come to the forefront in the novel and will cost him dearly at a few points.
Epstein was also hooked to pills throughout much of his career as the Beatles manager. The novel explores his start with pills as a way of curing his homosexual urges, but eventually he becomes hooked to them, which will also cost him dearly.
This is the main thrust of the book, as well as his relationship with The Beatles and his need to clean up their image as well as clean up their messes. We see many of the Beatles highlights, but through the eyes of Epstein. For example, we know they will be on Ed Sullivan, but Epstein must negotiate with Sullivan who is talking and will only answer through a puppet. Epstein gives Sullivan The Beatles at below cost just to help them break big in the US.
The artwork in this book is so beautiful. I received my copy digitally and had wished I had a paper copy as much of the artwork spans two pages, which in my e-reading couldn't be formatted properly, so I had to pass from one page to another to admire the beauty of the work. I definitely recommend grabbing the paper version if you are interested in this book.
Overall, it was an interesting and largely untold story of The Beatles, but also what it means to be a gay man in the 60s. It is a quick read, as many graphic novels are, but worth the read at least once.
I gave this one 4 stars.
*I want to thank Edelweiss and Dark Horse Comics for the ability to read this book. I received it in exchange of an honest review
We all know about The Beatles and the amazing way they took over England and the US with their music. There was a man behind the scenes helping them with their success, their manager, Brian Epstein aka the Fifth Beatle. This graphic novel is really his story as the Beatles are present, but take a semi side stage in the book.
Epstein was a closeted homosexual man due to the way gay men were looked at in the 60s, especially in England. Throughout the novel, Epstein worries what would happen to him if he is found out, yet his desires constantly come to the forefront in the novel and will cost him dearly at a few points.
Epstein was also hooked to pills throughout much of his career as the Beatles manager. The novel explores his start with pills as a way of curing his homosexual urges, but eventually he becomes hooked to them, which will also cost him dearly.
This is the main thrust of the book, as well as his relationship with The Beatles and his need to clean up their image as well as clean up their messes. We see many of the Beatles highlights, but through the eyes of Epstein. For example, we know they will be on Ed Sullivan, but Epstein must negotiate with Sullivan who is talking and will only answer through a puppet. Epstein gives Sullivan The Beatles at below cost just to help them break big in the US.
The artwork in this book is so beautiful. I received my copy digitally and had wished I had a paper copy as much of the artwork spans two pages, which in my e-reading couldn't be formatted properly, so I had to pass from one page to another to admire the beauty of the work. I definitely recommend grabbing the paper version if you are interested in this book.
Overall, it was an interesting and largely untold story of The Beatles, but also what it means to be a gay man in the 60s. It is a quick read, as many graphic novels are, but worth the read at least once.
I gave this one 4 stars.
*I want to thank Edelweiss and Dark Horse Comics for the ability to read this book. I received it in exchange of an honest review