Best Sellers Illustrated to Invade Bookstores with 'War of the Worlds'

Best Sellers Illustrated to Invade Bookstores with 'War of the Worlds'

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- A new publishing company with offices in Los Angeles, New York and Miami, Best Sellers Illustrated (www.bestsellersillustrated.com) will launch its line of graphic novels in early 2005 with an adaptation of the H.G. Wells science-fiction classic, 'The War of the Worlds.'

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050208/LATU035)

Vice-president Aron Kessler said, "Wells was far ahead of his time when 'The War of the Worlds' was first published in book form in 1898. Not only was he a visionary, but he was also an astute social critic whose writings are as relevant today as they were over a century ago. For these reasons, we're able to remain true to the original story, while completely updating it for a modern audience."

The adaptation is written by Stephen Stern, writer/creator of the independent comic-book, 'Zen Intergalactic Ninja'. Stern's other credits include the comic-book adaptation of the animated classic, 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol,' and the collection of novellas and short stories, 'Alien Hero.'

"It's obviously both a great honor and a great responsibility to be chosen to adapt one of the most significant books ever written," said Stern. "'The War of the Worlds' isn't just a great science-fiction novel; it's great literature. As always in modernizing a classic, the task is to remain faithful to the spirit of the source material while re-imagining it in a contemporary context. In this instance, I'm also shifting the locale from London and its environs to the New York metropolitan area. In light of recent history, this attack by the Martians takes on a chilling relevancy and poignancy."

'War of the Worlds' is illustrated by veteran 'Star Trek' comic-book artist Arne Starr. Starr holds the distinction of creating more 'Star Trek' comic art than any other illustrator. His credits also include 'Deep Space Nine' for Malibu Comics, and 'Spider-man' for Marvel, as well as artwork for Ballantine Books and Scholastic.

The graphic novel will feature a cover by legendary artist Frank Brunner, whose credits include 'Howard the Duck', 'Doctor Strange' and 'Conan the Barbarian.'

"Many older readers will remember the Classics Illustrated adaptation of 'The War of the Worlds published in 1955," said Kessler. "But that version is now as dated as the 1953 Paramount film. It's time for a 'WOTW' graphic novel that speaks to today's audience."

'War of the Worlds' will be published by Best Sellers Illustrated in May, 2005, with additional titles to be announced shortly.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050208/LATU035
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN5
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Best Sellers Illustrated

CONTACT: Aron Kessler of Best Sellers Illustrated, +1-800-988-8830,
info@bestsellersillustrated.com

Web site: http://www.bestsellersillustrated.com/


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