Mr. Pizza's Hardy Boys Forum

Other Hardy Boys Series Discussion => Hardy Boys Graphic Novels => Topic started by: SDLagent on April 11, 2008, 02:31:43 AM

Poll
Question: How did you like "Live Free, Die Hardy''?
Option 1: 5 stars - great votes: 4
Option 2: 4 stars - good votes: 2
Option 3: 3 stars - average votes: 0
Option 4: 2 stars - below average votes: 0
Option 5: 1 star - horrible votes: 0
Title: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on April 11, 2008, 02:31:43 AM
The title of the 15th installment in The Hardy Boys Graphic Novel series has been revealed on Amazon.com as ''Live Free, Die Hardy!''. It will be released on November 25, 2008, in both paperback (http://www.amazon.com/Hardy-Boys-15-Undercover-Brothers/dp/1597071234/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207897054&sr=1-3) and hardcover (http://www.amazon.com/Hardy-Boys-15-Undercover-Brothers/dp/1597071242/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207897054&sr=1-4) format.

Note that the title is a play on the title of the most recent film in Bruce Willis's Die Hard series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard_series), ''Live Free or Die Hard'', in much the same way as ''A Hardy's Day Night'' is a play on the first Beatles film, "A Hard Day's Night".
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: tomswift2002 on April 11, 2008, 05:49:41 PM
I'm not trying to complain here, but can't Papercutz come up with some more original title's than spoofing movie titles?
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: Centrion on April 11, 2008, 06:50:26 PM
Yeah, A little annoying. Of course, they alreasy have done over 700 books, they have to be running out of names! :D
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: Q on April 13, 2008, 10:52:39 AM
At least it is better than the last one!
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: tomswift2002 on April 13, 2008, 01:22:26 PM
Quote from: Centrion on April 11, 2008, 06:50:26 PM
Yeah, A little annoying. Of course, they alreasy have done over 700 books, they have to be running out of names! :D

Well, look at the Star Trek series.  Over 700 episodes plus around 1200 print novels and short stories, and sure they are reusing a few names, but they are still able to come up with good titles.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: tomswift2002 on June 02, 2008, 03:17:42 PM
I just got #13 The Deadliest Stunt today, and at the front where it shows all the other graphic novels, there is a picture for Live Free Or Die Hardy, and the picture shows the Hardy's lying on the ground with the father and twin sister team from WARD standing over them.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: Q on June 03, 2008, 02:20:19 PM
So, Skywarp, when is the cover for Live Free, Die Hardygoing to appear on the website. ??? ???
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on June 04, 2008, 01:50:47 AM
Also notice that the name has been slightly changed from ''Live Free, Die Hardy!'' to ''Live Free or Die Hardy''. I guess because Papercutz hasn't been changing the cover lately so they feel the need to change the names.  :P

Quote from: Q on June 03, 2008, 02:20:19 PM
So, Skywarp, when is the cover for Live Free, Die Hardygoing to appear on the website. ??? ???

It would be nice if they did, but I don't think Papercutz is in the habit of sending SkyWarp book info before, like say Amazon, so keep checking there.

Unless SkyWarp asked...maybe they would then...
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SkyWarp on June 04, 2008, 06:00:06 PM
Quote from: HardyBoysWiki on June 04, 2008, 01:50:47 AM
Also notice that the name has been slightly changed from ''Live Free, Die Hardy!'' to ''Live Free or Die Hardy''. I guess because Papercutz hasn't been changing the cover lately so they feel the need to change the names.  :P

It would be nice if they did, but I don't think Papercutz is in the habit of sending SkyWarp book info before, like say Amazon, so keep checking there.

Unless SkyWarp asked...maybe they would then...

Hmmmm, I should see if I can ask them.  I got the high-res versions of the images for the upcoming video game just by asking.  Different company though, so who knows. 
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on June 04, 2008, 07:36:51 PM
Quote from: SkyWarp on June 04, 2008, 06:00:06 PM
Hmmmm, I should see if I can ask them.  I got the high-res versions of the images for the upcoming video game just by asking.  Different company though, so who knows. 

For their Tales of the Crypt series Papercutz wrote'', ''To request further information or preview art, please contact Papercutz editor Jim Salicrup at salicrup at papercutz dot com'', so it's probably the same with The Hardy Boys series.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: Centrion on July 03, 2008, 10:56:38 AM
That would be a pretty valuable asset to the website if they would send it to SkyWarp. Let's hope...
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on July 07, 2008, 04:27:40 PM
When are we going to see this cover? And I don't mean on this site, I mean any where...
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: tomswift2002 on July 07, 2008, 04:36:41 PM
It's in GN #13 on the "Books In..." page.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on July 07, 2008, 07:17:26 PM
Yes, I saw it. It's just so small!
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on July 08, 2008, 05:10:21 PM
SkyWarp now has the cover on the site! Unfortunately it's the same size as the version in Graphic Novel #13, since, by the looks of it, it is just that, a scan from GN #13. I guess Papercutz didn't send the cover.  :(

(http://www.hardyboyscasefiles.com/images/comingsoon/HBGN_015.jpg)
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: tomswift2002 on July 08, 2008, 06:54:21 PM
Quote from: HardyBoysWiki on July 08, 2008, 05:10:21 PM
SkyWarp now has the cover on the site! Unfortunately it's the same size as the version in Graphic Novel #13, since, by the looks of it, it is just that, a scan from GN #13. I guess Papercutz didn't send the cover.  :(

(http://www.hardyboyscasefiles.com/images/comingsoon/HBGN_015.jpg)

Plus, if you look at the top you can see that the top of the cover isn't quite straight.  So it looks like it is from GN#13.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on July 21, 2008, 03:12:10 AM
Even though it's not the greatest image in the world, great job SkyWarp, your the first and (so far) only site to have this image.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on July 21, 2008, 02:01:45 PM
It looks cool :)
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on August 05, 2008, 11:39:06 PM
A high-res version of the cover is now on Amazon!

http://www.hardyboyscasefiles.com/forums/index.php?topic=889.0 (http://www.hardyboyscasefiles.com/forums/index.php?topic=889.0)
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on August 17, 2008, 12:55:44 AM
Have any idea what will happen in this book?

I think the book might start with the Hardys hearing about the Noir sisters breaking their father out of jail. I don't know what the Noir's new scheme against the Hardys is though. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: NZone on August 17, 2008, 01:28:21 PM
Maybe the Noir sisters capture and brainwash the Hardys.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: Centrion on August 18, 2008, 07:35:36 AM
I wonder if it will involve Fenton any. Papa Noir didn't seem to happy with him.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on August 18, 2008, 11:52:19 AM
I loved the Poppa/Fenton talk, so I hope they clash again, and I think they will since I think Poppa's focus has shifted from Frank and Joe to Fenton.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on August 18, 2008, 04:08:25 PM
Here's the plot summary of ''Live Free or Die Hardy'':

Quote
Old foes return in an-all new adventure!

The evil female counterparts of the Hardy Boys, the Sisters Noir, and their equallyevil father return to create serious chaos!Joe and Frank are working out at a top-secret training facility on the grounds of A.T.A.C. headquarters when the com-pound is set-upon by Poppa Noir?s anti-justice organization. The only two people who are available to free the captured adult ATAC agents are the Hardy Boys,and they have their hands filled battling their opposite numbers, the Sisters Noir!
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: tomswift2002 on August 19, 2008, 08:21:00 AM
Funny thing is though, if its suppose to be a top-secret facility, how did WARD hear about it?
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: 003Robin457 on August 19, 2008, 11:24:19 AM
Mabey we'll find out in GN15. I think Papa Noir was anti-gov't and had ways of infultration (Spys, double agents, black mail) and when he heard of ATAC came up with  his own group WARD.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on August 25, 2008, 12:26:54 AM
I think WARD is a good addition to the GNs and this book looks really good. :D
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: 003Robin457 on November 15, 2008, 06:37:05 PM
Did anyone read the first few pages of #15 in GN#14? If so what do you think of the armored Hardys fighting the monsters? I liked it!
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on November 15, 2008, 09:55:59 PM
I liked it, since it wasn't an ATAC mission. The Hardy's actually have down time for once!
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: 003Robin457 on November 16, 2008, 10:27:20 AM
Some one should use a scan of the Battle Hardys as an Avatar! :D
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: 003Robin457 on November 21, 2008, 07:18:00 PM
I just got Live Free, Die Hardy. 8) It was very good. 9.5 out of 10 stars. ;D
Here are afew things about the book that I liked / didn't like: (I'll try to not spoil any thing but you never know, read at your own risk! :P)

-Okay first thing this book looks like it will set up for at least 1 more Noir Sisters book! 8)
-Secondly Papa Noir is refrenced only and does not appear. :-\
-Next I was kinda dissaponted that there was no big Noir Vs. Hardy fight scene, but don't get me wrong this book has lots of action. The Hardys take down like 9 other WARD agents, fight like 5 guys in an alley, and of corse the viedo game beggining.
-Also there is this part that has boxes about what the Hardys are thinking and it is inturesting expecaly since alot of them are about there views on each other.
-Also this is a very good Fenton and the boys story. ;D
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: hardy boys fan on November 24, 2008, 11:56:59 AM
i dont read graphic novels . what are they like
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: 003Robin457 on November 24, 2008, 12:05:44 PM
I love the UBs dont get me wrong, but I think the Graphics are better. It kinda reminds me of what a UB TV show would be like. I dont know if that makes sense to you or if thats just me.
One of the best things about them is you get to see the Hardys and the other characters and they did a good job desinging them.
Now GNs cost more money to make and are shorter but they are very intertaining, expecialy the Nior sisters ark (GNs #7, #10 & #15) where the Noir sisters working for WARD, an teenage antigovernment agency, are trying to takedown ATAC.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on November 26, 2008, 08:38:51 PM
I read ''Live Free, Die Hardy'' today.

WARNING: SPOILERS FOLLOW!

******************************************

Plot: The high-ups at ATAC plan a surprise birthday party for Fenton at ATAC HQ, but the Noir sisters manage to get past the high security, and crash the party. They quickly have all the guests captured...or so they thing. It seems they are unaware that Frank and Joe were invited.

Meanwhile in another part of the complex Frank and Joe are changing into suits for the party, when they hear gun fire. On their way to the to banquet hall, they have to hide from two WARD agents who were ordered to search the building. Joe takes them out, and the boys take their guns.

In the hall, Fenton lets the Noirs overhear him mention that if boys can secure the lab, they have the upper hand. Upon hearing this Shira sends her troops to the lab, where Frank and Joe have found a few gadgets to use against their enemies. They soon these gadgets to good use, and now only have the Noir sisters to deal with.

As this is going down, Fenton is tyring to talk Nicolina into handing over her gun. Saying that her father is a cruel man, but she can raise above her father. His sermon is cut short by Shira slamming her gun into the back of his head.

By this time the Hardys have sneaked in unnoticed, by hiding under the cart with Fenton's cake on it, much like they did back in #10 ''A Hardy's Day Night''. However, the sisters realize right away that the Hardys are hidden in the cart, and order them out...what they don't realize is that the candles on Fenton's cake are ATAC know-out gas candles. Both sisters are out cold in seconds.

Review: Although I was a little let down that there was no Hardy vs. Noir showdown, and that Poppa Noir only appeared in a flashback, the return of the Noir sisters does not disappoint!

Like I and Robin said, there was no big Hardy/Noir fight, but the Hardys fight with the ATAC personal almost made up for this. I'd say it was one of (if not the) best fight ever in the UB continuity.

I also really liked the addition of the narrative captions. Just really adds to the story, and reduces the Hardys sometimes seemingly forced dialogue.

A few things I thought were odd: (A) The word "WARD" is never mentioned, and hasn't been now, since #7 ''The Opposite Numbers'', despite the Noirs appearing in two books since then. (B) ATAC holding a birthday party at their base. Why not rent a fancy hotel? (C) Nicolina going good? I hope not! You'll have to read it for yourself to see what I mean.

The art was very good too. Aside from two overly cartoony frames, the art in this one is probably my favorite in the series. It looks more like American style comic art then ever before. Another thing about the art, is, it seems Laura and Trudy are back to looking like 20 year olds, like they did in the early graphics (well, maybe not quite that young but...).

Over all very good. Would be my favorite in the whole Graphic Novel series if there was more of a climax. Still, very, very high up on my list, despite this.

Oh, yeah, forget to mention this one felt like a Casefile, since we see Frank and Joe using high-power fire arms.

Rating: 5/5
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on November 28, 2008, 03:59:05 PM
So, other then Robin, no one else has read this one I'm guessing? If you haven't yet, your missing out.

I forget to mention in my last post, that the Hardys take out a total of 16 guys in this one. Probably a recored for the GN series. Not to mention the online game at the beginning. Some serious butt-kicking by the Hardy brothers of Bayport!
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: tomswift2002 on November 28, 2008, 06:08:39 PM
I just checked with chapters.ca and they still haven't shipped out the book.  The site is showing that it is instock, so I'm not sure why the book hasn't been shipped.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: Olivia on November 28, 2008, 06:25:08 PM
I'm always a couple months behind on the latest release, so.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: Centrion on December 07, 2008, 01:26:59 PM
Just read it, and it was really good. I wonder if Nicolina will turn good or not. First appearance of ATAC's Head Quarters.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: tomswift2002 on December 07, 2008, 01:27:25 PM
I just finished Live Free, Die Hardy! on Thursday.  It was pretty good, although I noticed some spelling and grammatical errors.  I was also surprised to see Frank and Joe arming themselves with guns, something that you only saw in the Casefiles and Revenge Of The Desert Phantom/The Skyfire Puzzle before.

Rating: A- or 8 out of 10.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on December 07, 2008, 07:20:43 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on November 28, 2008, 03:59:05 PM
So, other then Robin, no one else has read this one I'm guessing? If you haven't yet, your missing out.

I know I'm missing out! :'( My Library doesn't have it yet. :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: Olivia on May 10, 2009, 06:18:03 PM
As I mentioned, I forgot to read this one.

Anyways, I really liked it. It incorporated so much stuff, but the pace was smooth:

-An interesting ATAC assignment in the beginning
-Their school lives
-ATAC headquarters
-NOIR sisters
-Relationship with their father
-Good humour
-Clever plans/stunts
-Nice ending

However, I think they mixed up who Nicolina and Shira was. At first, they introduced Nicolina as the girl with the short, red hair and Shira with the long, plum hair. But the rest of the GN had it reversed.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: Bigfootman on May 13, 2009, 03:52:22 PM
Have not read it yet, but the GNs are always better then the UBs, so I will probily like it.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: 003Robin457 on July 06, 2009, 03:28:58 AM
Definantly falls under the essential GNs catagory.
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on July 11, 2009, 06:47:33 AM
You got to read it, Dan. I'm thinking of re-reading...
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: 003Robin457 on July 11, 2009, 09:52:41 AM
Did you just add the poll SDL?
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on July 11, 2009, 04:06:50 PM
Yeah, I did. I just realized last night that you could add polls to old topics, so I did it to a few...
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: 003Robin457 on July 13, 2009, 01:04:49 AM
LUCKEY!
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: hardygirl847 on January 10, 2010, 03:21:38 AM
Ok I just finished reading Live Free, Die Hardy and I'm confused. The cover is misleading...Why would they have a cover that barely has anything to do with the actual book? I liked it very much otherwise. I just thought this was strange.

Perhaps the cover is referring to something that has happened before? I haven't read these in succession or that many in fact. Perhaps I am just missing something.

If you have any ideas on this, I would appreciate a little insight.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: SDLagent on January 11, 2010, 04:46:11 PM
Often the covers don't seem to have much to do with the story for some reason. Maybe they make the covers in advance...?
Title: Re: Graphic Novel #15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Post by: hardygirl847 on January 11, 2010, 05:22:23 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on January 11, 2010, 04:46:11 PM
Often the covers don't seem to have much to do with the story for some reason. Maybe they make the covers in advance...?

Hmm...well it is definitely an attention getter. I mainly bought the book because some many of you liked it and of course the cover suggested danger for my boys. I guess I ended up being a little disappointed because it had nothing to do with the rest of the book.

I shall keep that in mind for future GNs. :)