The Hardy Boys: The New Case Files Vol. 1 Crawling with Zombiesby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Based on the series by Franklin W. Dixon, this graphic novel series modernizes the Hardy Boys with all-new adventures and investigations. Frank and Joe Hardy are investigating something deeper behind the zombie crawls happening all over their city.I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel on its own, and as a modernization of the classic series I read when I was younger. This new series has a lot going for it. First, it's a comic in full color! It looks good enough to be animation, and reminds me of series I've seen on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. The designs and art definitely have an anime-inspired feel to them (including some almost-chibified faces). I love the contrasting designs for Joe and Frank, including their cute button noses, that actually remind me of the original time frame in which The Hardy Boys was created. Second, they give us zombies in the first issue. Zombies are very "in" right now and zombie walks or zombie crawls do actually happen. So kudos to the creators for not just using zombies, but making it something many readers will associate with as everyday life. Plus, the zombie depictions and the monsters they see while being drugged are awesome and creepy; the monsters especially remind me of Silent Hill. Third, this detective duo has been totally modified. They are members of a secret organization called American Teens Against Crime, who sends them encrypted messages through video games — this first issue even has them upgrading to the newest system, which does everything you'd want your system to do and more. They make good use of the Internet, and they have the skills and physical prowess to pull off stunts on motocross bikes while outrunning gunmen on bikes. Both boys have their own distinct personalities, and often conflict over whether it's better to plan or "do this Indiana Jones style and make it up as we go along." Their arguing is used as humor and is often accompanied by weird, exaggerated, cartoony expressions, but I like that it takes their combined efforts and ideas to solve the mystery. This particular mystery has quite a twist that left me a bit shocked at the realism surrounding the geek girl's plight. I was a bit miffed at the random comment "when a goth girl calls you 'handsome,' she doesn't mean it as a compliment." That, coupled with the stereotypical comments about goths and the zombie crawl irked me and led me to believe that the writer has obviously never interacted with goths — maybe he should stay away from random inserts like this that have nothing to do with the story. From what I've seen, it's not the goths that are zombie-crazed and it's not the goths making up the majority of people that attend something like a zombie crawl. At least Joe called her "cute." While the zombies keep this whole thing on the funny side, there's very real, very dangerous things going on which make this quite a good read. Plus, I very much like Frank's would-be girlfriend. She's smart, computer-savvy on the social networking side and she knows how to handle her man. The Hardy Boys: The New Case Files is off to a great start. It's a series that girls and boys can enjoy, and I would easily hand this title out to middle and high schoolers, as they will identify closely with the age and activities of the main characters. It's only $6.99 too, meaning you have no excuse for not checking it out at least. There's a good sense of humor balancing the darkly serious side, all wrapped in a fun adventure that only seems slightly far-fetched for reality. I can't wait to read volume 2. Written: November 5, 2010
|
|
|
Home |
Features |
Columns |
Culture Vultures |
Report Card
Indicia | Contact | Archives © Sequential Tart, 1998 – 2021 |
