"BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: Fantastic Deep Space Romances with the Stars of Art Nihilism" by Joy Rip is a totally new and different retelling of the famous fairy tale set in outer space. This uglier version of the classic fairy tale is more true-to-life and less heroic. In it, Joy Rip spins a tale ripped from the seamy side of the art world and its players. "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" -- a literary graphic novel by author & artist Joy Rip -- is based on the true story of an up-and-coming artist brutally murdered by a disillusioned fan. At its heart this graphic novel is about the world's replacement of religious culture by man-made culture such as art (and science, technology), and the further displacement of both religious and artistic culture by celebrity culture. It is happening everywhere... and it has been going on for a long time. What is the meaning and importance of art? What is the nature of success in the art world when face-to-face with art nihilism? What is the nature of any sort of success in life when confronted by the bigger picture of nihilism in general? Take a look at this unusual and surprising comic book epic by Joy Rip about a chance encounter between a girl named Beauty and an ugly artist called the Beast and see for yourself.