Papercutz is relaunching the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys graphic novels -- and the first volumes of each are a delight.
The "Hardy Boys: The New Case Files No. 1" ($7) installment is titled "Crawling With Zombies," and revolves around new phenomena such as zombie walks and social media. It also presents something new for the Hardys, but as old as Cain and Abel: the normal competition and resentment between adolescent brothers.
This budding rivalry comes across naturally and organically, so much so that it has that "why didn't I think of that?" quality. But it's no surprise why it's done so well, because "Zombies" is the first in the series by new writer -- and comics legend -- Gerry Conway. The co-creator of the Punisher and former writer of virtually every major comics character has also written loads of television, including a stint as story editor for "Law & Order."
Why has this award-winning, veteran scribe signed on for Hardy Boys graphic novels? Turns out he's a fan.
"Working on the Hardy Boys in graphic-novel form is the fulfillment of a childhood dream," Conway said. "The first book I ever owned was 'The Mystery of Cabin Island,' and it inspired in me a love of fiction that continues to this day."
Conway asserts that the Hardys are "iconic American heroes -- as iconic as Superman or Tarzan." He ought to know, having written most of them, from Spider-Man to Batman.
"Like all iconic heroes, they're both larger than life and human-sized," he said. "As a boy, I saw my own imagination and eagerness for new experiences reflected in the adventures of Frank and Joe (and, of course, Chet); they were kinds of kids I wanted to be. When I realized I wasn't going to grow up and become the world's greatest amateur detective like Frank or Joe, I decided to become the next-best thing: someone who'd write about their adventures. Luckily, it only took me 50 years to get there."
Conway is joined by Paulo Henrique, who illustrated the last eight books in the previous series. Henrique draws in a manga style, but doesn't let his chibis and such get too intrusive.
