#IReadsYou Book Review: TWILIGHT

TWILIGHT (The Twilight Series Book One)
LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY

AUTHOR: Stephenie Meyer
ISBN: 978-0-316-16017-9; hardcover (October 5, 2005)
544pp, B&W, $22.99 U.S., $28.99 CAN

Twilight is a 2005 young adult novel written by Stephenie Meyer.  A vampire romance, Twilight focuses on a 17-year-old girl who falls in love with a 103-year-old vampire who looks like a 17-year-old boy.  Twilight is the first in the four-book “Twilight series.”  It was also adapted into the hit 2008 film, Twilight, which became the first entry in a five-film franchise.

When Isabella “Bella” Swan moves from Phoenix, Arizona to Forks, a small town in the Olympic Peninsula of northwest Washington state, she thinks that her life will be miserable until she graduates from high school.  Forks is not unfamiliar to Bella, as she was born there.  After her parents divorced and she followed her mother, Renée, to Phoenix, Bella often returned to Forks to spend summers with her father, Police Chief Charlie Swan.  Now, however, because of her mother’s new marriage, Bella is moving in with her father full time.

Adjusting to her new school is not as much as a problem as Bella thought.  In fact, the very things that made her unpopular in sunny Phoenix, makes her attractive to the high school kids in this remote rural area.  Bella makes, or rather tolerates friends, but then she sees him, Edward Cullen.  This pale-skinned Adonis, so beautiful and graceful that he seems supernatural, captures Bella’s attention and imagination.  She can’t stop thinking about him, but he’s distant, even hostile towards her.  Then, Edward saves Bella’s life in an act of bravery that is as shocking as it is impossible.  What is Edward Cullen, and why does he make Bella feel so madly in love and out of sorts that she can’t seem to live without him?

THE LOWDOWN:  Since its debut in October 2005, Twilight, the young adult (YA), fantasy, romance novel by author Stephenie Meyer, has been a favorite with teen female readers.  Twilight spawned three follow ups (with the four books forming The Twilight Saga) and recently became a hit movie.  I am of the mind that novels that are hugely popular and that also spawn a devoted following or fan base might actually be quite good, although many pop novels are really trash.  Twilight, however, is a damn good read.

The books strength comes from two strong elements:  strong characters (especially the leads) and a deeply seductive romance.  Bella and Edward are strong individual characters, but as a pair, they are magic.

Bella comes across as a modern goth-type girl, more stubborn and individualistic than sullen, but she has a romantic’s heart and a generous spirit.  She doesn’t dislike people so much as she prefers her solitude.  Simply put, Edward is chivalrous.  Loyal and brave, his protective way towards Bella may seem odd in this era of the independent woman.  On the other hand, it is also easy to see why young women would be attracted to the character of Edward, especially in an era in which young men consider loutish, self-centered behavior to be cool.

How does an author bring the girl who loves solitude and the boy who seems to be a gentlemanly hero from a 19th century romance novel together?  This is where the seductive nature of Meyer’s writing comes into play.  Meyer builds so much of the text on dialogue, and all that talk gives the novel such warm colors.  Even in the cold and damp setting of the evergreen forests of Washington, the way Meyer has Bella and Edward talk to each other brings a heat to the story that the reader feels.  In his own way, Edward seduces Bella, and in turn, Bella seduces him in her own way.  Their verbal play is searing, and although their conversations run for pages on end, it’s attractive the way real conversation was in the movies, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset.

The majority of the last act becomes a twister of suspense running on the razor’s edge.  Still, the thrills exist in the context of this dangerous, but alluring romance that will have readers flipping pages.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Readers who enjoy a well-written romantic novels, even a supernatural romance, will like Twilight.

A-
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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The New 52 Review: I, VAMPIRE #1

"Blood in, blood out"

I, VAMPIRE #1
DC COMICS

WRITER: Joshua Hale Fialkov
ARTIST: Andrea Sorrentino
COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo
LETTERS: Pat Brosseau
32pp, Color, $2.99

I, Vampire is one of the comic books to come out of “The New 52,” DC Comics re-launch of its superhero line. I, Vampire is based upon I...Vampire, which was a 24-issue storyline that appeared in House of Mystery from 1981 to 1983.

Created by writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Tom Sutton, the series focused on Lord Andrew Bennett, a vampire who vowed to only drink the blood of animals and bottled human blood. In 1591, Bennett turned his lover, Mary Seward, into a vampire, but she became corrupted by the power. Seward took the name Mary, Queen of Blood and created a group of vampires called The Blood Red Moon that was bent on taking over the world. I...Vampire followed Bennett into modern times as he tried to undo his mistake and take down Mary and The Blood Red Moon.

I don’t know how much of the original I...Vampire will carry over into the new version. I, Vampire #1 (“Tainted Love”) opens in Boston with a shirtless Andrew (why?) hunting new vampires – apparently the creation of his former lover, Mary. Meanwhile, the narrative flashbacks reveal an argument/discussion between Andrew and Mary.

In spite of the shirtless vampire males and the Goth-y vamp chicks (and all those lithe bodies), I, Vampire is not DC Comics’ Twilight thing. Actually, it may be the feuding vampire version of Marvel Comics’ mutant vs. mutant thing. I almost like artist Andrea Sorrentino’s Jae Lee impersonation, although I’d prefer a more traditional art style (like Tom Sutton’s).

I think writer Joshua Hale Fialkov could do something interesting with this, especially because it ties into the DCU proper rather than Vertigo.

B

September 28th
AQUAMAN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/aquaman-1.html
BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/batman-dark-knight-1.html
BLACKHAWKS #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/blackhawks-1.html
FLASH #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/flash-1.html
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/justice-league-dark-1.html
SUPERMAN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/superman-1.html
TEEN TITANS #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/teen-titans-1.html
VOODOO #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/voodoo-1.html

Bluewater Announces Lautner Sell-Out and New "Cast of Twilight" Book

"FAME: TAYLOR LAUTNER” COMIC BOOK BIOGRAPHY SELLS OUT

The "FAME” comic book biography series continues to sell out, Taylor Lautner's issue has officially sold out.

Our upcoming graphic novel “Fame: The Cast of Twilight” will be the only way you can get a copy of the Taylor Lautner issue . The book will be in stores at the end of the month and will include the other sold out biographies of Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Stephenie Meyer and Taylor Lautner.

The book is described as, homemaker Stephenie Meyer made history with her best-selling Twilight Saga books. Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner played out her captivating icons seamlessly, earning each a definitive FAME status. Though Twilight was the catalyst, read more to learn why each is deserving of their A-list status through their other ventures as well.

Readers can pre- order Fame: The Cast of Twilight at Amazon.com http://amzn.to/a3Gmr5 , or call their local comic/ bookstores. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming graphic novel is $14.99.

The Fame titles are 32-page issues and bring to life in graphic form the stories of the world_s biggest celebrities. In stores next month is “Fame: The Cast of Glee” & “Fame: Lady Gaga: The sequel”. You can still pre-order these.

“The majority of our biography comic books have sold out, despite many shops still under-ordering. Readers have contacted us still trying to find our books,” said publisher Darren G. Davis. “It just goes to show that you don't have to be mainstream to reach the market. Readers just want great stories with great art, and if you can deliver that to them, they'll come back for more every month.”

For more information about the company, visit http://www.bluewaterprod.com/


About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry's top artists and writers.

Bluewater Productions Announces Taylor Lautner "Fame" Bio

TAYLOR LAUTNER COMIC BOOK BIOGRAPHY COMPLETES TWILIGHT SAGA FOR BLUEWATER

Bluewater Productions has already completed comic book biographies of Twilight actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart and of the author who first brought Twilight to life, Stephenie Meyer. In August, the comics company will add actor Taylor Lautner to the mix.

Lautner, who plays shape shifter Jacob Black in the Twilight films, will get his own comic from Bluewater this August. The 32-page Fame: Taylor Lautner will retail at comic shops, Amazon.com and other online sites for $3.99.

Lautner was a relatively unknown actor until he made his debut in the popular vampire-romance movies. Those days are over. Today, Lautner is as much a household name as are Stewart and Pattinson.

Lautner is also a committed actor. He studied martial arts and packed on 30 pounds of muscle for his role in the Twilight movies.

Of course, Lautner's smile and chiseled features haven't hurt his popularity, either, at least not among the movies' largely female audience.

Kimberly Sherman, who's penned the biography comics of both Pattinson and Stewart, also wrote the new Lautner comic. Warren Martineck, an artist for DC Comics' WildStorm studio, provided the interior art, while JuanMar Studios produced the comic's cover.

You can see exclusive pages of the comic book on MTV: http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/05/17/taylor-lautner-comic-book-preview/

“The Twilight series has become a pop culture phenomenon,” said Darren Davis, president and founder of Bluewater Productions. “It's transformed previously unknown actors into superstars. It seems that the same thing is happening with Taylor Lautner. We at Bluewater are happy to bring Taylor's story to his fans, and hope that his comic helps introduce these readers to the joys of graphic storytelling.”

Bluewater Productions has carved out a niche for itself with its top-selling line of biography comics. The company's Fame line of biographies, which chronicles the life of influential celebrities, will debut this May with comics focusing on Pattinson and Lady GaGa. Both titles are available then at comic book stores on May26th as well as Amazon in which the comics have ranked up to #300 on the site.

Bluewater also publishes the Female Force and Political Power line of comics. These biographies have features such powers as Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela and Sarah Palin.

For more information about Bluewater Productions, please visit the company's Web site at www.bluewaterprod.com.


About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry's top artists and writers.

For more information, visit www.bluewaterprod.com.

Bluewater Productions Announce Kristen Stewart in "Fame" Series

KRISTEN STEWART TO GETS FAME COMIC BOOK TREATMENT FROM BLUEWATER PRODUCTIONS

Actress Kristen Stewart became an instant celebrity the moment she signed on to play Bella, the love interest of vampire-with-a-soul Edward in the Twilight series of vampire/romance movies based on the popular novels of the same name.

Now Stewart is making the leap to full-on celebrity: She is the newest star of Bluewater Productions' Fame series of biography comics coming in June.

But Stewart has been acting long before Twilight, and most of her work hasn't involved vampires or werewolves. In fact, anyone who has watched the coming-of-age drama/comedy Adventureland, knows just how powerful of an actress Stewart can be.

Fame brings to life in graphic form the stories of the world's biggest celebrities. The series premieres in May and covers the life stories of Lady GaGa & Robert Pattinson. Future editions will include the stories of Taylor Swift and soccer sensation David Beckham.

Writer Kim Sherman, who has also penned Bluewaters' Robert Pattinson entry in the series, said that Stewart's versatility and talent might surprise readers who only know her as Bella.

“For Twilight fans, Kristen Stewart is a woman whom fans long to be and love to hate,” Sherman said. “But Kristen has been in the public eye for years, and her career as a serious actor spans dozens of films over a 10-year period of time. My goal with this biography was to show readers the depth residing in this young woman and the roles she's beautifully tackled through a series of spot shots, pinups and word art.”

Sherman added that the art on this book, provided by renowned artist Warren Martineck, perfectly brings Stewart's story to life.

“Well-known artist Warren Martineck, of Marvel and D.C. fame, takes my script and provides an amazing viewpoint of the beauty, the grit and the individuality which defines Miss Stewart,” Sherman said.

The 32-page comic book, Fame: Kristen Stewart will be available in June, and will retail for $3.99. Two covers will be available: cover A, by Juanmar Studios which attaches like a puzzle to the FAME: Robert Pattinson issue. Cover B is done by famed comic book artist Randy Green “X-men and Witchblade”.

Bluewater Productions has become well-known for its biography comics. In addition to its Fame series, the company also publishes both the Female Force and Political Power line of biography comics. March 31st comes the release of Female Force: Ellen Degeneres.

“I look at every one of our biography comics as a way to lead a new group of readers to the world of graphic storytelling,” said Darren G. Davis, president of Bluewater Productions. “I have little doubt that Kristen Stewart's biography will accomplish this.”

Check out EXCLUSIVE pages from this issue at MTV: http://bit.ly/91fTFx

To find a comic book store near you go to www.comicshoplocator.com. Or the book is able on Amazon.com: http://bit.ly/91nmvC

For more information on Bluewater Productions, visit the company's Web site at www.bluewaterprod.com

Bluewater Productions Announces "Lavish" Stephenie Meyer Book

TWILIGHT AUTHOR, STEPHENIE MEYER GETS LAVISH TREATMENT FROM BLUEWATER.


Vampires, werewolves and, of course, the people who love them have been very good to writer Stephenie Meyer. The writer, creator of the mega-selling Twilight series of vampire novels, has achieved that rarest of feats for modern authors: She's become a celebrity, a household name.

Meyer's comic biography resonated with fans of the Twilight novels and movies. Bluewater, in fact, sold out of several runs of the comic, making it one of the most successful of the company's hot-selling line of biography comics. That's why, this edition called “Twilight Unbound: The Stephenie Meyer Story”, will release a new hard cover version of Meyer's story.

Last year, Meyer also became a comic-book star. Bluewater Productions in November released Female Force: Stephenie Meyer, a graphic biography detailing Meyer's rise from unknown writer to the guiding force behind one of the book industry's top-selling franchises.

This new version will include updates on the success of New Moon, the most recent Twilight film, and a look at Meyer's future plans for Edward and Bella, the romantic leads of her vampire books. The book will also be stuffed with extras, making it a must-buy for Twilight fans.

The collectable version with new features will be the first hard cover for Bluewater retail for $12.99. Written by Ryan Burton with art by David McNeil, the comic is just the latest in Bluewater's popular biography line. This series of biography comics has already highlighted such influential women as Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling, Sarah Palin, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. The series' goal is to examine the lives of these important figures in an objective and balanced manner without resorting to sensationalism.

“The fan reaction to our original release of Female Force: Stephenie Meyer was amazing,” said Darren G. Davis, president of Bluewater Productions. “The positive response took even me by surprise. That's why I'm so excited to release this new version of Meyer's story. I hope her fans appreciate the new information and extras we were able to dig up for this edition of the book.”

Bluewater's biography comics, which include the Female Force, Political Power and Fame lines, have been credited with bringing new readers to the comics industry. Many of these books have sold out of their initial print runs. Such mainstream media as MTV, Rolling Stone, Time Magazine and People Magazine have run stories on the books.

The book is scheduled for a release in May in time for the “Twilight: Eclipse” film. The book is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

For more information about Bluewater and its non-traditional biography comics, visit http://www.bluewaterprod.com/