fame_bieber_2.jpgMedia Release -- With a current biography comic featuring pop-star Justin Bieber flying off the shelves at Wal-Marts around the country, publisher Bluewater Productions is readying a sequel to the popular title.

"Fame: Justin Bieber #2" expands the story of the pop sensation and fan favorite beyond who he is and how he arrived in the public eye. This second issue, scheduled for a July 2011 release, explores in greater depth, his struggles and triumphs; where he has the ability to go in terms of growth as an artist.

"Many stars have proven that once you reach the top there's nowhere to go but down, but is that going to be the case with Justin? Is he going to be another teen icon that 'burns out and fades away' or is he a star with some shine left?" asks issue author, Tara Broeckel.

According to Bluewater, the exclusive 40-page collector's edition released in February and available through Wal-Mart performed above expectations and justified the development of a follow-up comic book biography.

"We were very pleased with first run…especially the exclusive Wal-Mart edition," said Bluewater president Darren Davis. "It received great reviews from Entertainment Weekly and Perez Hilton, but more importantly it's obvious the fans want more. And come July, they can get the next chapter."

The upcoming Bieber comic book sequel pairs the same creative team who developed the first issue (Broeckel and artist Claudio Avella). In addition to the new haircut and revelation of his relationship with Disney-channel actress Selena Gomez, the title will feature a new cover by famed comic book artist Joe Phillips.

"The last book had an informative focus. With this book I hope to dig into his persona. He is an icon, but can he maintain that status?" Broeckel added.

The sequel will be a traditional 32-page selection, as opposed to the expanded trade offering still available exclusively at Wal-Mart. It will retail for $3.99.

Although the title is exclusively available in Wal-Mart stores now, "Fame: Justin Bieber,"" the graphic novel, will be released nationally through a variety of retail outlets, online venues and comic book shops in late March. The book retails for $7.99.

The "Fame" series was launched earlier in 2010 as a companion piece to the successful "Female Force" and "Political Power" biography titles. The comic allows Bluewater to delve into the celebrity culture and understand how a person rises to fame, deals with the new-found celebrity and continue to produce in the public eye. That includes actors, sports figures, recording artists and royals.