THE BEATLES

This introduction to the Beatles during their formative years in the late 1950s and early ’60s reveals their struggle to reach “the toppermost of the poppermost” of the rock-music world.

Multiframe illustrations and colloquial dialogue boxes visually and verbally trace Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr from their births during World War II through the release of their first hit record in 1962. While the text relies primarily on imaginary dialogue, events described in the narration are “based on facts taken from published sources.” Quinn shows the impact of Elvis Presley and other rock ’n’ roll stars on Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison as they come of age in post-war Liverpool, form the Quarrymen, change their name to the Beatles, spend time in Hamburg, and return home to adopt trademark haircuts and suits, compose seriously, add Starr as drummer, and emerge on the world scene. With its strong, action-packed images and varied panel sizes, the graphic format allows a cinematic peek at the Beatles, although early rock ’n’ roll references, Liverpool slang, and stylized renderings of the iconic four could prove challenging for contemporary readers.

A lively and informal look at the young Beatles.