‘Toxic’ avenger: Britney Spears stars in comic book

PHILADELPHIA — Britney Spears is no stranger to music buyers and concert-goers. Now, her star power will be on display with web-slingers, shape shifters and superheroes.

The pop music star is the subject of a new one-shot comic book courtesy of Bluewater Productions Inc.'s ongoing "Fame" series that has seen it profile other celebrities, including Lady Gaga and actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, among others.

The publisher has also done comic book bios of Sarah Palin, Hilary Rodham Clinton and President Barack Obama, and plans one about Donald Trump, too.

The Spears comic will focus on her rise to stardom, her documented private life and her efforts to be understood, said Patrick McCray, who wrote the issue.

"She is far more complicated than most people realize. No matter what preconceptions you have about her, there will always be more layers and surprises," he said in a statement. "Beyond the performer, there is a real human being there, struggling for a real life, struggling to connect with her art, and struggling to be understood."

Slideshow: From pop princess to troubled mom (on this page)

Bluewater publisher Darren G. Davis said Spears' life reflected the core of the company's "Fame" line of biography titles has tried to achieve.

"She was created in the Internet Age to be put on a pedestal, but no one can stand the glaring lights of celebrity that intensely," he said. "The title seeks to find the person within."

The 32-page issue, illustrated by Ricardo Jaime, comes out Wednesday in comic book stores and online retailers.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Alley takes a tumble on 'Dancing with the Stars' (AP)

LOS ANGELES – Kirstie Alley and "Dancing with the Stars" partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy (MAKS'-ihm shmehr-KAWF'-skee) have taken a tumble in the ballroom during the live performance show.

Just seconds into their rumba routine to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on Monday, Chmerkovskiy fell to the floor, taking the 60-year-old actress down with him.

A limping, apologetic Chmerkovskiy later told the judges that his thigh "just gave out."

After a few moments the pair recovered and went on to earn the praise of the judges and a score of 21 - one point higher than their score for last week's quickstep.

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba says, "Sometimes tragedy leads to amazingly beautiful moments."

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Gowns, glasses, gems: Stars get Grammy ready (AP)

LOS ANGELES – On the top floor of a downtown high-rise, with 360-degree views of the city below, the Grammy Style Studio is outfitting nominees, performers and presenters with everything from fake tans to real diamonds.

Now in its eighth year, the Grammy Style Studio, presented by the Recording Academy, offers celebrity-friendly fashions, accessories and cosmetics from top brands and emerging designers to wear to Sunday's ceremony and other Grammy festivities.

Brian Lichtenberg, who has dressed Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, showed his collection of funky dresses trimmed with sequins and feathers, many with oversized shoulder pads. He also featured two pairs of Gaga-esque fur boots.

Couturier Lloyd Klein offered a range of red-carpet possibilities, from an embroidered, beaded gown to a sequin-encrusted sheer bodysuit with a flouncy cape.

"The Grammys are about having fun," said Klein, adding that he's inspired by Madonna and Rihanna. "The challenge is to be classic, safe and bring a little touch of rock 'n' roll."

Expect Bohemian looks at this year's show, said Osi Shoham, the designer behind Gypsy 05, a favorite of Christina Aguilera and Taylor Swift. Shoham said the soft colors, flowing fabrics and long dresses (like those she was showing) will rule the red carpet.

Roseanne Karmes, the designer and founder of SydneyEvan jewels, also expects to see "Bohemian, yet classic" looks at the Grammys. Her whimsical collection (favored by Rihanna) mixes beads with diamonds and gold, with tiger and peace-symbol motifs.

Charlie Lapson presented his collection of evening bags and statement jewels. Pinks, corals and metallics have been most popular, he said.

Men get into the glam at the Grammys, too. They could pick up bracelets and necklaces decorated with tiny diamond skulls by M. Cohen and blazers and slacks by Kanvis.

"I would love to throw a blazer on Quincy Jones," said Kanvis designer Kfir Levy.

Designer sunglasses are de rigueur in Hollywood, and guests at the Style Studio could snap up looks that aren't even available stateside yet. Marchon Eyewear featured the new line of Lacoste shades, Karl Lagerfeld's zipper-frame sunglasses that were just introduced in Paris, and cutting-edge 3-D sunglasses by CK3D.

"You can wear these right into a 3-D movie," said spokesman Robert Schienberg. "This is exclusive stuff that's not available to consumers. It's great to launch it on the red carpet."

Guests could also indulge in Epicuren's "Liquid Lift" facial, featuring the line's anti-aging products, beloved by Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani and Alicia Keys.

The Style Studio even had the basics covered: Visitors could swig from Neuro drinks and Icelandic Glacial water as they perused the offerings.

The 53rd annual Grammy Awards will be presented Sunday at Staples Center and broadcast live on CBS.

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Online:

http://www.grammy.com

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