The Fifth Beatle Review: A Quest Towards the Truth

Why are stories told? For some it may be the adventure, or perhaps the close connection to the man on the journey. But does every journeyman’s story need to be told? Vivek J. Tiwary’s telling of the Brian Epstein story “The Fifth Beatle” is that of a writer’s personal quest on finding out the myth behind the man. Tiwary in his afterword to this graphic novel is at times more gripping and revealing than the story itself. It’s as if Tiwary has written a personal journal of thoughts on Epstein, rather than a telling of a man’s life for a mass audience.

Therein lies the problem. As biographies go there isn’t much groundbreaking material for a reading audience in 2013. Epstein’s sexuality, his unrelenting drive to make the Beatles a mega-success, his religion told through artwork by Andrew C. Robinson might have been as thought-provoking as “Persepolis”. However it is 15 years too late to make a significant impact in this time of social media.

Still “The Fifth Beatle” is not a waste of time. There are scenes that make you realize just how influential Brian was to this iconic group. He contributed to The Beatles’ peace of mind. While Brian pounded the pavement and practically went to his death exposing them to the world, The Beatles were making songs that are still sung and played today. Every few minutes, someone, somewhere is humming a Beatles’ tune. Even their early look, clean cut suits and those haircuts, wherever you see a picture of them from the ‘60s there’s only one group that comes to mind. They truly were magic.

The image and pageantry of the matador is also interwoven throughout the tale of Epstein’s time as music manager. And it does paint a picture of visionary and magic. Like the brutality of a bull being destroyed we see this man’s downward spiral as he looks for love and a place to feel emotionally safe.

In all, this niche graphic novel serves a purpose. It entertains, and for a fan of all things connected to The Beatles it does have some intriguing information. Robinson’s art also makes the time period come to life. From Brian’s beat down to the dream like sequences we get a sense of what’s its like to be in this man’s head. More importantly Tiwary makes us see this man’s heart. Perhaps that’s the point of this novel after all.