QUICKLINKS: : HOME HG WELLS FAN FICTION BABES COLLECTIBLES ONLINE SHOP

WAR OF THE WORLDS INVADES BOOKSTORES IN 2005

Book Cover & Teaser art for Best Sellers Illustrated’s War of the Worlds.

WEBSITE : http://www.bestsellersillustrated.com/

A new publishing company with offices in Los Angeles, New York and Miami, Best Sellers Illustrated 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.

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. Stern's comic-book stories have been illustrated by such noted artists as Michael William Kaluta & Jeffrey Jones.

"It's obviously both a great honour 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.

Click on the above images to view the first 8 pages from the book

Thanks to Bestsellersillustrated.com for emailing Eve Of The War some of the above