One Direction unveils new single, comic book

Fans of One Direction might’ve wondered if Christmas had come early Thursday morning when an unauthorized version of the U.K. boy band’s new single leaked online.

A characteristically peppy piece of high-gloss party pop, “Live While We’re Young” serves as the lead track from One Direction’s upcoming sophomore album, “Take Me Home”; Columbia Records rush-released a music video for the song following the leak (available below).

But hold onto your moptops, kids, because there’s more: Today Bluewater Productions announced the arrival of “Fame: One Direction,” a comic-book account of the group’s ascent from the English “X Factor” (where Simon Cowell conjoined the five elaborately coiffed members) to the Olympics’ closing ceremony (where it performed “What Makes You Beautiful” aboard a moving big rig). The book is the latest edition in the publisher’s continuing “Fame” series, which has also featured Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Big Time Rush.

“Comic books and e-books are increasingly being utilized by schools and libraries as tools to encourage youth to read,” Bluewater President Darren G. Davis said in a statement. “Kids that are resistant to reading, as I once was, may be more likely to read a comic book featuring their favorite band.”

“Fame: One Direction” is available digitally for the Nook, the Kindle and the iPad and in physical form from Comic Flea Market. As for “Take Me Home,” it’s scheduled for release in the United States on Nov. 13, a mere nine months after One Direction’s hit debut, “Up All Night.”

Maybe we’ll get some fan fiction while we wait?

ALSO:

Fiona Apple arrested on drug charges

Pregnant Shakira drops out of music festival

Did Lady Gaga unveil a new rap song last night?

PHOTOS AND MORE:

PHOTOS: Iconic rock guitars and their owners

PHOTOS: The Rolling Stones at 50

John Cage, radical composer for the 20th century