Twilight Graphic Novel!

The artwork by Young Kim is beautiful!

I LOVE graphic novels. Maybe my Archie Comics collection in elementary school started me on the path to graphic novels, but I love how they tell a story with art and words combined. I have many students that live for graphic novels and rarely read anything else. When my Entertainment Weekly featured the cover and a few pages of the Twilight graphic novel, which will be released March 16th, I hadn't heard a thing about the project and was very excited by the beautiful pictures by artist, Young Kim. Stephenie also reveals that she worked very closely with Kim, who drew the pictures true to Stephenie's imagined vision of the characters. Here is a snippet of the EW interview with Meyer, but click on the cover above to read the accompanying article.

The text of your original novel is boiled down so carefully that it doesn’t feel like anything is missing. Were you the one who did that?

I was definitely involved. I didn’t do the original “script” for the book, so to speak. But when I got the dialogue with the images, I did a lot of tinkering. In a couple of places, I asked for missing scenes to be inserted. For example, the conversation in the car that Bella and Edward have after she faints in Biology.

How does the feeling of reading the graphic novel compare to that of reading the original? Does it bring something new to the experience for you?

For me, it takes me back to the days when I was writing Twilight. It’s been a while since I was really able to read Twilight; there is so much baggage attached to that book for me now. It seems like all I can see are the mistakes in the writing. Reading Young’s version brought me back to the feeling I had when I was writing and it was just me and the characters again. I love that. I thank her for it.

When this project is done, are you done with Twilight?

I can’t say that I am done with Twilight forever. I’m not working on anything new Twilight-related now, and probably not for a while. But there’s still a possibility that I’ll go back and close some of the open doors.

Even though these images supposedly mirror Stephenie's imagined Edward, I think Robert Pattinson is a much better and hotter Edward than this Ken Doll-lookin' EC.

Reality Show to Begin Filming in 'Twilight' Hometown

Forks, Washington is definitely on the map. If you haven't heard of this small, Washington town then you've been living under a rock. MTV reports:

"We already looked at how the franchise saved the small town from economic hardship. And documentary filmmakers recently turned their lenses on the logging community for the film "Twilight in Forks," which will be released on DVD alongside "New Moon." So it seems like the next logical step is a Forks reality show, right? Anyone?

A casting call has gone out for Forks residents (yes, you must permanently live in the town!) to try out for a proposed reality show, reports the Forks Forum."

There's no telling what the reality show will cover, but I know I would watch it. It may seem pathetic, but I'm very interested in visiting that area and would love learn more info about it! How about they host a reality show in which they plant Robert Pattinson in a remote part of the forests around Forks, and have rabid fans call upon their survival skills in their quest for RPatz? That might be too brutal and bloody for cable television!

The ONLY Skit Worth Watching From Lautner's SNL Performance

I love Twilight, but I'm not that rabid of a fan to lie to my readers, so I will honest when I say that Taylor Lautner's performance on SNL wasn't as great as I thought it would be. Not because of Taylor per se, but because of the craptastic writing. I'm not sure who is writing the stuff at SNL lately, but it isn't as good as it used to be. SNL does have a tendency to go through slumps, but this slump has lasted entirely too long. Most of Taylor's stuff was "ehhhh" and there wasn't too much that made me laugh out loud. However, I did enjoy this skit, and of course, it involves Twilight.

Top 10 Reasons EW Readers Hate 'Twilight'...Pffffftttt!

Entertainment Weekly recently compiled a slide show of images from Twilight and New Moon with reader comments explaining the different aspects of Twilight that they hate. Again, I really think people are not reading these books that claim to hate the series. Click on the picture for a link to the slide show...what is that song by Mary J. Blige? "Don't Hate on Me" or something like that?

FORKS, Washington - 1000% Increase in Tourism...Ya Think Edward Has a Part in This?

Um, I'm a little hesitant to admit around my husband that I would rather take a vacation to Forks, Washington, than to say, a beach some where. Silly, I know, but apparently, I'm not the only Twilight fan that wants to see the town where Bella and Edward's love blossomed under " a near constant cover of clouds" and rain. The UK Mail reports:

Forks, in Washington, is the setting for a story about the romance between vampire Edward Cullen - played by British actor Robert Pattinson - and Bella Swan - acted by Kristen Stewart.

The movies - based on a series of books by U.S. author Stephanie Meyer - have captured the collective imagination of film goers around the world, sending them to Forks in search of the reality behind the fiction.

There were more visitors during June and July than in the whole of 2008 - unsurprising as Twilight fans can fully immerse themselves in the town's association with the film's characters.
They can visit Bella's school, Dr Cullen's hospital, the police station and have their picture taken with the Forks sign.

Local shops sell 'Bella Burgers' and a Twilight-themed restaurant is set to open.
The coastal town of Port Angeles is where Bella and Edward enjoyed their first date at Bella Italia, fans can eat mushroom ravioli and drink a glass of blood-red 'Twilight wine', produced at a local winery.
There is also the opportunity to visit the Quileute Indian Reserve, home to Jacob.

At La Push, visitors can experience traditional Native American culture, listening to stories and taking part in activities which include drumming classes.

Forks has even created a Stephanie Meyer Day in honour of the author, which falls on the date of Bella’s birthday - September 12.

Tourists are not only attracted by the Twilight link - the Olympic Peninsula region is sandwiched between the Olympic mountains and Pacific Ocean.

It is an area of natural beauty, boasting saltwater shores, alpine meadows and lush valleys.
The peninsula is also home to the temperate Hoh Rainforest and thrill seekers can kayak or raft on the River Hoh.

I want to go! Who wants a Bella Burger and then drive on down to the Quileute Rez? As my fellow Twihards would say, I would be "squeeee"ing all over this town! Check out the "OFFICIAL" tourism page for Forks, Washington check out the Twilight tours the town offers, and other cool places you can visit.

As Eric would say, "La Push...it's La Push," and then I (er, I mean, Bella) would say "Okay I'll go if you'll stop saying that." Can't you just hear the waves rolling in?

Dr. Carlisle Cullen works here.

The now-famous and internationally known (on the microphone) Forks High School sign. Home of the Spartans (and the Cullens).

The people of Forks have a great sense of humor. This sign is in the parking lot of the Forks Hospital.

The face of Forks High School.

Edward is a Stalker, Bella is a Wimp, Yadda, Yadda, Yadda!

Sheesh. New Moon opened a whole new can of worms for the Twilight Saga by calling national attention to the books and their "anti-feminist plotlines". Entertainment Weekly seems to be beating the crap out of Stephenie Meyer this week! Check out this article about Edward and Bella's love having "all the earmarks of an abusive relationship as defined by a national domestic violence group". Sheesh. Some people are taking a FANTASY FICTION book way too seriously. Teen girls are not morons (well, don't get me wrong - there are a few dipsticks in the pan, but those gals don't read, anyways). I teach them EVERYDAY, and they know more than you might think. Girls can read a book and understand that the relationship portrayed by Bella and Edward is a fantasy. Trust me, because I have so many of my female students lamenting that they "will never find a guy like Edward", and I honestly tell them that (aside from the obvious vampire characteristics) his gallant behavior is very hard to find. I don't think I'm 100% feminist in everything that I do, but I'm a college educated woman who can take care of myself without a man. However, I LIKE for my husband to take care of me, to look after me, to protect me, and to be JEALOUS of other guys possibly giving me the eye every now and again. Edward is the man that girls crave to find because he does all of those things for Bella (and then some). That doesn't mean that girls honestly believe that they will find the same qualities in a real-life boyfriend. Have you hung out with teen boys lately? It will take you all of 30 seconds to realize that they are NOT EDWARD. Teen girls know that, and it pains them! Critics, let the Twilight scrutiny go. Why can't we all bask in the sparkly glow of Edward and the yummily-cut abs of Jacob, who btw, is not built like your typical teen boy, anyhow, so he should't be considered a "teen", per sey? Didn't he and Bella agree he was 32 or something? Game on!

Twitarded...Where Have You Been All My Life?

I love Twitarded. It is a fan forum for Twilighters that are not in junior high or going through puberty. Today's post had me laughing until I wanted to hurl, so that's something I think I should share whenever possible. Check out this hilarious video that makes fun of Twilight, and will stay with you for days to come...

Twilight Parody on SNL

I saw this on Saturday Night Live last night and thought it was too hilarious not to share! Taylor Swift is adorable!

Can You Guess Which Movie Had a Fatter Budget???

Take a gander at the newly released New Moon Cullen's poster....

Now, compare the poster to the Cullen's Twilight promotional photo.....
I'm guessing that Twilight is considered "minor league" and New Moon is about to be ranked in the "big leagues" of cinematic production. I don't want to blame the mediocre look of Twilight on budget alone. Many of the cast and crew that worked on both films have praised Weitz for his professionalism, organization, efficiency and vision. Catherine Hardwick, on the other hand, has been called a "mess" by some sources when it comes to her directorial style. Just from viewing her commentary on the DVD extras in Twilight, I can see her as being a "free spirit" and a bit scatterbrained, but that's just the impression I got from her clips and reading her Director's Notebook she wrote after the release of Twilight. I hope I'm not pubbing Chris Weitz up and then setting myself up for disappointment after November 20th! Chris, I hope you do New Moon fans proud and knock our socks off!!! I am eagerly awaiting the release of New Moon, because of YOU...I'm hoping that what was my least favorite book in the series will be my favorite movie.

(thanks to http://www.newmoonmovie.org/ for links to the posters!)

Edward is a Doll...Literally!

Click on Bella or Edward for a link to the collector's dolls by Mattel. Edward's a little too thin for my taste, but other than that, these are the best dolls I've seen of the pair! Toys R' Us has them priced for $24.99 each and you can pre-order them now.

Bella's Wedding Gown...

Thank you to my friend Jenni for sending me the link to this INSTYLE Magazine article. Designers at the mag are playing around with sketches of Bella's envisioned wedding dress to Mr. Edward Cullen....sigh! Check out a few of the amazing sketches that are pulling inspiration from Alice Cullen's description of Bells gown when she described her as looking like Bella "just stepped out of an Austen movie". Click on the sketch to view the full article and for links to other beautiful sketches of Bella's gown...oh, to be a guest at THAT wedding! My favorite sketch is the one below done by Monique Lhuillier. It does have an Austen-esque vibe, and the others are a little too bold in my opinion. Check them out at the link above and let me know your favorite!

Ryan Seacrest Reaction to 14 Second Promo

This was on the newmoonmovie.org website, and I love it when girls have to explain to boys the ins and outs of Jacob and Edward. Ryan Seacrest and his show staff are watching the 14 second teaser, which is apparently only a part of the trailer that will be viewable before Bandslam on Friday. Sort of a preview of the preview as he puts it. Ryan Seacrest seems to not be able to fathom what all the fuss is about, but only us girls can understand! (I wonder how this preview will impact sales of Bandslam tickets?? I know I am soooo tempted to buy tickets just to see this preview!)

New Rob Pics...

Apparently his many hours working out for New Moon are paying off! Check out these pics of Robert Pattinson for this month's Dossier magazine. Bow-chica-wow-wow!

Emmette Migh Be My New FAVE...

I don't think I need to explain why, but Kellen Lutz (a.k.a. Emmette) may be taking Robert Pattinson's place in my heart! Especially if he keeps doing photo shoots like this:

(http://www.newmoonmovie.net)

Mother's Day...Need a Gift Idea?

If your mom is a Twilight addict like mine, she might like a bracelet from http://www.mybellabracelet.com/. (Or you can drop a hint to your hubby that you need one, too. I find ordering it for myself and then later telling my husband that I bought my own Mother's Day gift works as well!) I ordered it for myself last year, and the quality is amazing! Real silver, Swarvoski crystals, and copper for the wolf. If you've read Eclipse, you know the symbolism and significance of the wolf pendant and the "crystal" heart. I'm attaching a few pics of my personal bracelet so you can see the un-photo shopped pics and gage the quality for yourself. I like, no, LOVE my Bella Bracelet!

Quote from the site:

Now is your chance to show how you really feel about Edward or Jacob. Inspired by the best selling book series, “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer, My Bella Bracelet is patterned after Bella’s description of the bracelet. Now available in two versions:
“My Bella Bracelet Original” Features a vintage, twisted-rope, sterling silver chain that is available in three sizes. On one side a Genuine Swarovski Crystal represents the beautiful cold and hard Edward. On the other side a "custom cast" copper wolf charm represents the wild side of Jacob.
“My Bella Bracelet Deluxe” In addition to the charms of the Original, this Bracelet has three gems garnishing the rim. The Topaz represents Edwards eye’s after he hunts while the Black Onyx represents his eyes before he hunts. The Russett Crystal represents the color of Jacob when he is in his wolf form.

I Heart Sparkly Vampires!

One last post before I hit the sack. Tomorrow better not be as craptastic as today! Too bad I can't afford a cafepress.com tee to wear to work everyday...

This is what I said to my husband after watching my Twilight DVD for the 800th time this weekend: