Mr. Pizza's Hardy Boys Forum

General Hardy Boys Discussion => Network Briefings - Hardy Boys News => Topic started by: SDLagent on April 03, 2009, 11:57:53 PM

Title: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on April 03, 2009, 11:57:53 PM
Both the 18th and 19th titles in The Hardy Boys Graphic Novel series have been confirmed on Amazon.com. Book #18 ''D.A.N.G.E.R. Spells the Hangman! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1597071609?ie=UTF8&tag=hardboyscasee-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1597071609)'' and #19 ''Chaos at 30,000 Feet! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1597071692?ie=UTF8&tag=hardboyscasee-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1597071692)'' will be released in September and November, respectively. As you can see below, these titles introduce a new cover style to the graphic novels, following the example of the novels, which switched to this design in May of last year.

(http://www.hardyboyscasefiles.com/images/comingsoon/HBGN_018.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1597071609?ie=UTF8&tag=hardboyscasee-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1597071609) (http://www.hardyboyscasefiles.com/images/comingsoon/HBGN_019.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1597071692?ie=UTF8&tag=hardboyscasee-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1597071692)
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on April 04, 2009, 01:42:52 AM
The cover design of the Nancy Drew graphics will also be revamped:

(http://bookmanager.com/m.php?b=2I2Vb7SB21hLV1ng0baMiva5NnORY3T6)

So, what do you guys think of these changes? I know I wasn't in support of the change, when SkyWarp posted that poll about this, while back...but after seeing these I like it better. You can see more of the artwork with the new look.

Keep in mind, that I'm pretty sure the final product will look a little different, considering the black behind the ''Papercutz'' word mark on HB #18, and the lack of credit on #19 and the ND title. Also note, the line that reads ''based on the series by Franklin W. Dixon'' is missing. I suspect this, too, is only the case for this pre-release version, but if it's not, do you like this change?

The only problem I'll have is, if they change the book spines. It'll mess-up how they look on my bookshelf! I don't think they will, though, considering the graphics never had the same spins as the S&S novels, anyway.

Now, on to the actual stories. After two un-aw-inspiring titles in ''Shhhhhh!'' and ''Word Up!'', Scott Lobdell delivered with these titles (one thing though: enough exclamation points already!). The title ''D.A.N.G.E.R. Spells the Hangman!'' really makes you wonder (as does the mysterious cover) and I'm already interested in this story. ''Chaos at 30,000 Feet!'' sounds interesting, too.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: Bigfootman on April 04, 2009, 06:31:12 AM
Wow, now they are taking cover ideas from casefiles ::) . (See Danger Unlimited)
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: Bigfootman on April 04, 2009, 06:33:44 AM
Gahhh! My posts aren't working!
I was saying, I now notace they are using the title of a sucky Hardy Boys book for an ND GN.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: tomswift2002 on April 04, 2009, 01:49:54 PM
It also appears as if Papercutz is shortening the release time between books from 3 months to 2, since #18 is scheduled for a September 15, 2009 release (according to Amazon.com), while #19 is set for a November 24, 2009 release.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SkyWarp on April 04, 2009, 01:52:35 PM
Quote from: Dinosaur Dan on April 04, 2009, 06:31:12 AM
Wow, now they are taking cover ideas from casefiles ::) . (See Danger Unlimited)

I thought the exact same thing I when I saw that cover. Although I somehow dount they did it on purpose, I think its just coincidence.

With that said, my concern is also the spines.  I have never been a fan of changing spines in a series for the same reason that it makes the books look strange on the shelf.  ARGH!  That is my biggest gripe in the Casefiles series and a continued gripe in the UB series.  But I am betting the spines WILL change.   They've sort of changed one already though after #4.  So I hope any change now will not be much different than the change from #4 to #5. 
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: tomswift2002 on April 04, 2009, 01:54:05 PM
At least these covers look better than the photograph-paste-and-cut covers being made by Photoshop that Simon & Schuster is putting out for the new mainstream novels. 

And I agree, the cover to "30,000 Feet" is reminiscent of Danger Unlimited.  Hopefully the book will be as good as the Casefiles novel.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on April 04, 2009, 02:15:18 PM
Quote from: SkyWarp on April 04, 2009, 01:52:35 PM
I thought the exact same thing I when I saw that cover. Although I somehow dount they did it on purpose, I think its just coincidence.

With that said, my concern is also the spines.  I have never been a fan of changing spines in a series for the same reason that it makes the books look strange on the shelf.  ARGH!  That is my biggest gripe in the Casefiles series and a continued gripe in the UB series.  But I am betting the spines WILL change.   They've sort of changed one already though after #4.  So I hope any change now will not be much different than the change from #4 to #5. 

Maybe we should tell Papercutz we don't want the spines to change. I don't think it's to late, considering #18 doesn't come out until September.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: tomswift2002 on April 04, 2009, 02:25:56 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on April 04, 2009, 02:15:18 PM
Maybe we should tell Papercutz we don't want the spines to change. I don't think it's to late, considering #18 doesn't come out until September.

True, it may not be too late.  But at the same time it might be, since we are just under 6 months away from the release date, so I would think that #18 might already be at the printers, or close to being sent to the printers, so that there is enough time the print up the thousands of copies that Papercutz needs in order to release the book, and then also giving them time to ship the books to their distribution centers and on to the distribution centers for the various bookstores that are carrying the books.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: Olivia on April 05, 2009, 01:09:14 AM
I don?t know what I think. It looks like it morphed into one series - like they turned the Hardy Boys into one cartoon series instead of having two separate lines of books.

I mean, it?s good because it ties them together and the style's fine. It's just that the GNs don't seem as visually distinct anymore. Of course, I know in person I'll definitely see and feel the difference.

I'm not negative on this but I'm not purely positive either, I guess *shrugs*
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: 003Robin457 on April 05, 2009, 05:57:25 AM
Wow sweet cover art!
Quote from: SDLagent on April 04, 2009, 01:42:52 AM
The only problem I'll have is, if they change the book spines. It'll mess-up how they look on my bookshelf! I don't think they will, though, considering the graphics never had the same spins as the S&S novels, anyway.
Just what I was thinking! Please don't change the spines! At least not too much.
Quote from: tomswift2002 on April 04, 2009, 01:54:05 PM
And I agree, the cover to "30,000 Feet" is reminiscent of Danger Unlimited.  Hopefully the book will be as good as the Casefiles novel.
Yes they are very similar but this one (or mabey bouth) is probally just trying to imitate North by Northwest.
Quote from: SDLagent on April 04, 2009, 01:42:52 AM
Now, on to the actual stories. After two un-aw-inspiring titles in ''Shhhhhh!'' and ''Word Up!'', Scott Lobdell delivered with these titles (one thing though: enough exclamation points already!). The title ''D.A.N.G.E.R. Spells the Hangman!'' really makes you wonder (as does the mysterious cover) and I'm already interested in this story. ''Chaos at 30,000 Feet!'' sounds interesting, too.
Judging buy the cover ''D.A.N.G.E.R. Spells the Hangman!'' isa speling be but the Hangman sounds mysterious. Who is this mysterious man? Altouugh I get it hangman like the game. BTW is that Phil and Callie on the cover?

''Chaos at 30,000 Feet!'' agin is a real intreaging cover and title. If the book is North by Northwest-ish then we might see the Hardys on the run or a good gov't/ATAC story. Will WARD appear?
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: 003Robin457 on April 05, 2009, 05:58:47 AM
Quote from: tomswift2002 on April 04, 2009, 01:49:54 PM
It also appears as if Papercutz is shortening the release time between books from 3 months to 2, since #18 is scheduled for a September 15, 2009 release (according to Amazon.com), while #19 is set for a November 24, 2009 release.
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: FrankJoeATAC on April 06, 2009, 02:38:31 PM
I don't really like the new cover art. IMO it makes Frank and Joe look all rough and tough instead of detectives. Notice the flaming dice on Frank's vest?
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SkyWarp on April 06, 2009, 04:17:40 PM
I like the new design, but am not too keen on the hot pink and electric blue colors.  The previous few books have had more of what I like in artwork.  Now if they can just combine the new design with the older artwork, I would be most happy.  :)
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on April 06, 2009, 04:25:19 PM
I think the art looks pretty good, but, like you say, the colors are a little over the top.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: 003Robin457 on April 06, 2009, 08:19:09 PM
We don't like neon? ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on April 06, 2009, 08:52:08 PM
WHen I first looked at it, I actually blinked my eyes a few times to get udes to the color. :D
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: 003Robin457 on April 06, 2009, 09:09:46 PM
And then where ever you looked you could still see the cover since the lights burned it into your eyes.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on April 06, 2009, 11:22:34 PM
Yeah, I'm seeing it in my sleep.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: Olivia on April 07, 2009, 02:24:17 PM
Quote from: FrankJoeATAC on April 06, 2009, 02:38:31 PM
I don't really like the new cover art. IMO it makes Frank and Joe look all rough and tough instead of detectives. Notice the flaming dice on Frank's vest?

Wow, I didn't even notice that.

See, maybe it's the little things that I'm not too keen on. I don't know.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on April 08, 2009, 07:47:04 PM
Paulo Henrique says:

QuoteThanks for pointing out the cover to ?Danger Unlimited.? I hadn?t seen that yet. It?s a weird coincidence. When I was working with Jim and Mike on the covers to Hardy Boys 18 and 19, Mike and I came up with the idea to ?pay homage? as he says, to ?North by Northwest,? a great movie. That is where the idea came from.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on April 09, 2009, 05:28:10 PM
Paulo Henrique posted this, among other logo-less cover art, today, on his blog.

(http://papercutz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/coverhb18-by-ph_color-294x300.jpg)

Tell him what you think:

http://papercutz.com/blog/2009/04/09/hardy-boys-cover-art/
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on April 12, 2009, 12:57:17 AM
Hmmm...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xG-n1z3FlTQ/Sc__PAlMf7I/AAAAAAAABUI/40R1kSXlRAc/s1600-h/ND19_COVER.jpg
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on April 13, 2009, 06:50:21 PM
What was that picture supposed to be? I can't see it.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on April 13, 2009, 11:09:47 PM
Click the link and leave a comment for the artist.

EDIT: Oh, I see what you're talking about, now. Not the Hardy picture the other one...does this work?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xG-n1z3FlTQ/Sc__PAlMf7I/AAAAAAAABUI/40R1kSXlRAc/s1600-h/ND19_COVER.jpg
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on April 15, 2009, 09:19:21 PM
Oh, wow. Cool.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: Bigfootman on April 16, 2009, 06:09:12 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on April 08, 2009, 07:47:04 PM
Paulo Henrique says:

Sorry about accusing you guys of ripping of the cover of Danger Unlimited, it just looked very close.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on June 01, 2009, 02:31:24 AM
Here's the plot summary for these books from Amazon.com. First the summary for D.A.N.G.E.R. Spells the Hangman:

QuoteFrank and Joe go undercover at a national spelling bee where a mysterious madman known as the Hangman is determined to erase the competition!  Teens from across the globe have been invited to attend, and A.T.A.C. and the Hardy Boys have to do everything they can to keep the Hangman from spelling disaster!

When I saw the cover I thought the bad guy, in this one, would be awesome! Sounds like Scott Lobdell's falling back on his superhero writing for this one.

And here's what the plot for Chaos at 30,000 Feet! looks like:

QuoteWhen inner city kids are gifted pilot lessons from a flight school, several of them go up but don't come down!  Where did they go?   Where did they land?  Could they not have landed at all?  Joe and Frank take to the skies in this high flying adventure as the undercover brothers seek get to the bottom of this mystery... even if they have to sail the clouds to get the answers!

Both sound good. Notice the last one makes no mention of ATAC. Hopefully this means we're getting another non-ATAC story.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: 003Robin457 on June 03, 2009, 01:06:03 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on June 01, 2009, 02:31:24 AM
Sounds like Scott Lobdell's falling back on his superhero writing for this one.
Never a bad thing. 8)
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on July 04, 2009, 03:30:44 PM
http://hardyboys.wikia.com/wiki/D.A.N.G.E.R._Spells_the_Hangman

Looks like the cover has been changed slightly.

Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: tomswift2002 on July 04, 2009, 05:04:39 PM
Why does Joe look so ticked off on the cover???
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on July 05, 2009, 01:30:12 AM
I guess he doesn't like the Hangman!
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: HB@1718 on July 05, 2009, 04:12:31 PM
But Joe's a good guy. And good guys don't like bad guys.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: SDLagent on July 05, 2009, 11:29:30 PM
Exactly.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on July 06, 2009, 10:52:25 PM
Ew, they looked mad and ripped. :P
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: Bigfootman on July 07, 2009, 07:58:07 AM
Chaos at 30,000 Feet! Also has a simular cover to a Scooby Doo comic.
Title: Re: New Hardy Boys Graphic Novels
Post by: 003Robin457 on July 07, 2009, 03:00:09 PM
Witch was also probally imitateing North by North West.
Seriously am I the only one who has seen this movie? It's a classic!