Mr. Pizza's Hardy Boys Forum

Other Hardy Boys Series Discussion => Hardy Boys Graphic Novels => Topic started by: SDLagent on September 01, 2009, 02:52:15 PM

Title: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on September 01, 2009, 02:52:15 PM
QuoteWhen A.T.A.C. agents across the country start getting strange and bizarre cases, it's up to Joe and Frank Hardy to find the computer hacker responsible! Anyone smart enough to break into A.T.A.C. security certainly has the skills to make things difficult for the Hardy Boys - even in what seems to be the empty Bayport High School in the middle of the night. But even the Undercover Brothers will be surprised when they uncover their adversary's true identity! With cameos by Lindsay Rider, the Sisters Noir, and Dennis Hogan, this special case involves a list of suspects that includes almost everyone the Hardy Boys have ever met!
This from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Hardy-Boys-20-Deadly-Strategy/dp/1597071838/). This sounds great.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: tomswift2002 on September 01, 2009, 03:26:01 PM
Doesn't that first line sort of sound like the plot for Rocky Road?

Of course I like how the Noir Sisters will be in the story.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on September 01, 2009, 06:38:42 PM
Yeah, it does, except on a bigger scale. Which is always better..."the bigger, the better".
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: joshuamiguel on September 02, 2009, 12:30:47 AM
cant w8 to read that comic. Best HB Graphic Novel plot Ive ever read.

Althou, this would be good if its in an actual Hardy Boys UB novel...  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: 003Robin457 on September 02, 2009, 06:35:03 PM
Awesome, afew more days.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on February 22, 2010, 04:17:25 PM
I'm starting to think Deadly Strategy might be the final title in The Hardy Boys Graphic Novel series. Not only has a new graphic novel series been announced, but the next two titles, #21 and #22, should have been revealed by now. Also, the plot summary sounds like it would make a good series finale.

I hope this isn't the case, but if it is, at least this series looks like it's going to go out with a bang. A nice change from other Hardy Boys series that get discontinued with a title that doesn't give any indication it's the final story.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: hardygirl847 on February 24, 2010, 04:19:47 PM
No! Say it isn't so! I am still trying to catch up on my GNs and picked up some at the library today. Are you basing this off of the new Case Files GN that are starting soon too?

But I agree...if they are going to end it then it should be a good one! :)

It would help if they sold them in stores too probably. Not getting enough face time is surely not helping them!
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: tomswift2002 on February 24, 2010, 07:06:51 PM
In my area the last time that I saw a Graphic Novel in the "new" bookstore (haven't seen any in the used bookstores) was back in 2005 when #'s 1 and 2 were coming out.  And, as far as I know, we don't have any comic book stores in the area.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on February 25, 2010, 12:26:16 AM
I've seen them in lots of stores, including box stores like Walmart.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: MacGyver on February 25, 2010, 12:30:59 PM
I used to be able to find both The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew graphic novels at Barnes & Noble all the time, but now they've quit carrying them it seems. And most of the comic book shops I've gone to don't carry them either generally due to lack of sales. (Though they can always order it specifically for you if you want.) I'll probably just have to get the next few graphic novels through Amazon.com- of course, #19 is currently slated for March 16th. according to Amazon.
If #20 is indeed the last title, it definitely seems like a great one to go out on.
It will be interesting to see how things transition to this other "New Casefiles" series.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: hardygirl847 on February 25, 2010, 11:29:07 PM
Maybe it is a location thing too because I see less and less of them. I look every time but give up. I guess the internet is still my new best friend when it comes to buying and finding all things Hardy. :)
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: tomswift2002 on February 26, 2010, 07:40:05 PM
I was just checking chapters.ca and they are saying that the 4 hardcover box sets are all in the Top 10 Bestselling Hardy Boys books that they carry (with the other six being filled by: (#3)The Hidden Harbor Mystery-G&D, (#4)The Great Airport Myster-G&D,  (#5)What Happened At Midnight-G&D, (#6)Mystery of The Samaurai Sword-G&D, (#7)Mystery At Cabin Island-G&D, (#10)The Sinister Signpost-G&D).

I also checked the popularity and GN's #15 and #19 are in the Top 2 places (Casefiles #33 Collision Course comes in at #3).
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on March 16, 2010, 08:19:43 PM
It's starting to look more and more like Deadly Strategy will be the last title in the series. I got my copy of Chaos at 30,000 Feet today, and in the "Watch Out for Papercutz" section, Jim Salicrup says, of the book in question, "it's a big one"!

QuoteAnd wait till you see HARDY BOYS Graphic Novel #20 "Deadly Strategy"! In an all-new adventure that involves the mysterious Ocean of Osyria jewels - those jewels are like the Castafiore Emerald or the Pink Panther Diamond! - you'll be seeing the return of many familiar faces - both friends, and mostly foes - from previous HB adventures! Whatever yo do don't miss HB #20 - it's a big one.

Plot elements from the first story, the return of characters from past stories including the series' main nemesis (the Noirs)? This looks like a finale if ever saw one! Of course this all could just be because, at volume #20, this is a milestone title.

Also, Salicrup begins the "Watch Out" section by thanking the whole creative team on The Hardy Boys, making a point of mentioning that Scott Lobdell has written each and every HB title for Papercutz, thus far. This, to me, reads like something you'd say near the end of a series.

But who knows? We'll just have to wait and see when the book finally comes out,  in (hopefully) two months!
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: tomswift2002 on March 17, 2010, 07:58:39 AM
I just got an email saying that my copy of Chaos is on its way.  But it does sound like a rather big story, similar to The Secret Of The Island Treasure and True Thriller.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: MacGyver on March 17, 2010, 10:00:53 AM
QuoteAnd wait till you see HARDY BOYS Graphic Novel #20 "Deadly Strategy"! In an all-new adventure that involves the mysterious Ocean of Osyria jewels - those jewels are like the Castafiore Emerald or the Pink Panther Diamond! - you'll be seeing the return of many familiar faces - both friends, and mostly foes - from previous HB adventures! Whatever yo do don't miss HB #20 - it's a big one.
Nice! I'm pretty psyched for this story. And I love that they referenced both the classic Peter Sellers (and much later Steve Martin) Pink Panther films (and cartoons, of course :D)- and then the Castafiore Emerald- YES! Love the Tintin reference. 8)
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on March 25, 2010, 12:18:37 AM
I wonder how Dennis Hogan will fit into this story.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: hardygirl847 on April 01, 2010, 12:14:06 AM
Sadly, Deadly Strategy is now slated to come out July 6! :( It was supposed to have come out yesterday.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on April 01, 2010, 05:43:58 PM
...and May 25 in Canada.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: hardygirl847 on April 02, 2010, 10:51:19 PM
GRR!!! *pouts while she waits*
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on May 24, 2010, 10:17:46 PM
Now, this book isn't coming out until August. I wonder what the hold-up is?
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: MacGyver on May 25, 2010, 06:27:47 PM
Maybe with this delay the title will be longer and super awesomer than usual. ;)
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: tomswift2002 on May 26, 2010, 02:41:05 PM
Well it appears that both the Canadian and American release dates have been synched together, since Amazon.com and Amazon.ca (and Chapters.ca) are showing an August 3, 2010 release date. 

Considering that The Children Of The Lost was just released, and the next book isn't due till October (aside from Gold Medal Murder), maybe Simon & Schuster asked Papercutz to move the release date back to mid-August to have a "regular" level Hardy boys book available in the summer.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: hardygirl847 on June 02, 2010, 07:51:24 PM
I know there are all kinds of reasons that could cause push backs but it's annoying. The months in the year are always the same. The production of a book is planned out etc...It shouldn't be such a big deal to get something out on time. Right?!
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on June 03, 2010, 02:26:58 AM
Maybe they keep pushing it back just to hype-up the fans more.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: hardygirl847 on June 03, 2010, 04:42:15 PM
Well maybe...but it's annoying!!
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: tomswift2002 on August 05, 2010, 05:17:06 PM
Has anyone received their copy yet?  I see Amazon has pushed the released date back from August 3 to August 31, 2010.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on August 09, 2010, 06:45:11 PM
No I haven't. This is getting strange.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: MacGyver on August 19, 2010, 11:08:44 PM
Just curious for an update. Amazon still has August 31st. listed for release, which is next Tuesday. Anyone with preorders heard anything new?
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on August 19, 2010, 11:30:25 PM
Nope. But my bookstore doesn't phone me until it's in.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: tomswift2002 on August 20, 2010, 05:37:32 PM
I haven't even pre-ordered it yet.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: MacGyver on September 12, 2010, 09:10:24 PM
So here we are in September now- anyone seen this book yet? I will probably order it from Amazon soon- as soon as I have the cash to spare that is.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on September 13, 2010, 10:41:54 PM
I got my copy, today. Finally!

After the first read, I'm actually a little disappointed but probably only because I was really looking forward to Deadly Strategy. Anyway, here, for your reading pleasure, is the back cover summary:

IS THIS THE END OF THE HARDY BOYS?!

Frank and Joe Hardy are wanted men- falsely accused for crimes they never committed that involve almost every one of their past missions! On the run, Frank and Joe encounter old friends and foes but must find out who has framed them before it's too late- and A.T.A.C catches them!
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: Q on September 14, 2010, 10:05:11 AM
That's it...?!?!?!?!
Where's the spoilers?
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on September 14, 2010, 06:30:10 PM
I'll post spoilers soon. After I've reread it. That's a pretty sweet back cover summary, though, eh?
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on September 15, 2010, 01:00:11 AM
Frank: I HATE TO SAY IT BUT THIS IS ONE CASE WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO SOLVE WITHOUT ALL THE RESOURCES OF A.T.A.C.
Joe: OLD SCHOOL, FRANK? THAT'S COOL. ANY IDEAS?
Frank: A FEW...

One of my favourite quotes from the story. Anyway, as promised, full spoilers are up on The Hardy Boys Wiki. I have to warn you these full spoilers and include the villain's identity, so, if you just want a bit more info but don't want to have the surprise ending ruined, don't read passed the fourth paragraph.

http://hardyboys.wikia.com/index.php?title=Deadly_Strategy
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: Q on September 15, 2010, 08:15:16 AM
Man, I never expected that person to be the villain.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on September 15, 2010, 06:10:42 PM
Yeah, me neither. Good twist.

Overall I really enjoyed this story and thought it was fitting series finale but, as I often do, I found myself wishing it could be a few pages longer.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: MacGyver on September 15, 2010, 10:22:09 PM
Sounds really cool- good to know it's finally available. I look forward to reading it as soon as I have some free cash to spend on it. 8)
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: MacGyver on October 03, 2010, 12:04:05 AM
I got my copy of this one today so I am excited about reading it and discussing it more here soon. :)
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on October 03, 2010, 02:14:54 AM
Finally someone to discuss it with!
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: tomswift2002 on October 05, 2010, 12:53:40 PM
I found the story should've been spread across two books, not one.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: SDLagent on October 06, 2010, 02:04:02 AM
Quote from: tomswift2002 on October 05, 2010, 12:53:40 PM
I found the story should've been spread across two books, not one.

Same here. Good idea, though, eh?
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: MacGyver on November 15, 2010, 10:30:07 PM
The graphic novels usually remind me some of the '90s The Hardy Boys TV show as far as pacing goes. Both are cramped for space and wind up cramming a lot of stuff in very quickly. So that tends to be an issue with the graphic novels, though I can generally figure out what's going on for the most part, especially after reading through it again.
And yes- I finally read #20 Deadly Strategy - this one was really good. A very fitting story for Scott Lobdell to go out on and I'm thankful he included all the back issue references there, so I didn't have to be left wondering which story was which. (Because it's honestly been quite a while since I've read some of these issues- I've read them as they were released.) It was nice to see Chet Morton, Callie Shaw and Iola Morton all in the story again. Some of the appearances from past characters don't seem to make much sense though- I'm particularly wondering about the sudden appearance of the Great Marconi and how he was able to help The Hardys. Sure, he's grateful for the help they gave him and probably would help them with anything if he could- but it seemed really convenient he was on hand at just the right moment to help the Hardys. Maybe it's because of his magical powers as a magician ;) But I also knew the author was purposely trying to reference most all the past cases and so he worked in cameos wherever he could. And though I don't know if I totally expected the villian pictured at the start of chapter 8- that seemed like it would be too obvious- but I definitely didn't expect the villian revealed in chapter 9. The whole thing reminded me some of "The Wizard of Oz" scene at the Emerald City toward the end.
Anyway, a fun read and a great splash page at the end. I also liked the tie-in to the next case. That was even more reminiscent of the original 58 books even more so than the preview pages that they did in previous graphic novels. By the way, who is it that arrests Frank and Joe in chapter 7?
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: hardygirl847 on November 16, 2010, 06:25:27 PM
Definitely a storyline I would have loved to have seen dragged out more. A lot was fit into a small space. It was still great, but could have been greater. For what they had to work with, it was awesome. I actually haven't read every single one yet so it was fun to see the stories I have read and haven't intertwine.

To answer your question, the cop that arrests them does look familiar. However, I haven't read them all to know who it is for sure. :(
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: Olivia on December 15, 2010, 08:47:43 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on November 15, 2010, 10:30:07 PM
It was nice to see Chet Morton, Callie Shaw and Iola Morton all in the story again.

Anyway, a fun read and a great splash page at the end. I also liked the tie-in to the next case. That was even more reminiscent of the original 58 books even more so than the preview pages that they did in previous graphic novels.

Yeah, I liked how their friends are in the beginning, their father is near the end, and then it's just them two running towards what's next.

Very nice ending and tribute.
Title: Re: Deadly Strategy (spoilers)
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on January 04, 2011, 02:47:02 PM
I liked this book! I thought it would have been better if it was a little longer, but yeah, it was a good one :)