Malled, by Scott Lobdell (Graphic Novel)

Bibliographic Information:
Lobdell, S. (2006). Malled. Graphic novel illustrated by Daniel Rendon. Papercutz. ISBN: 1597070149

Book Awards:
None.


Plot Summary:
Joe and Frank Hardy work for ATAC (American Teens Against Crime), and when duty calls, they must respond. In this case, they are investigating some strange accidents at the new mall that will soon open in Bayport. In the guise of being teenagers "testing" the mall (along with two girls), they show up to meet the owner, the insurance agent, the head of security and others for a tour. All goes awry when they discover that they and the others are trapped inside the mall with someone who is trying to kill them! They must solve the mystery and save the girls-- and the price of failure is death.

Critical Evaluation:
The down-to-earth Hardy Boys have gotten a somewhat disconcerting face lift in the graphic novels. The trite dialog and non-memorable one-liners are like bad superhero comics. All of the female characters are all built like centerfolds, with too-tight and too-short clothing. The two teenage girls display absolutely no redeeming character traits whatsoever-- they are silly, cowardly, shopaholics without a brain between them. Frank and Joe perform feats best left to Spiderman, and act like 30-year-old men. For someone who used to read both Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, this was a big disappointment, and is not at all suitable to the relatively young age group (9-12) at which it is aimed. Twelve- to fourteen-year-olds who are low level readers might like it.

Reader's Annotation:
Frank and Joe Hardy are trapped in a closed mall with a murderer. Who is it? Can they escape and catch the bad guy as the mall comes down around their ears?

About the Author:
Born in 1963, Scott Lobdell is a well-known comic book writer. He invented an off-shoot of X-men called Generation X, and has worked on the main series as well. He has written the majority of the Hardy Boys graphic novels.

Genre:
graphic novel, mystery

Curriculum Ties:
Art

Booktalking Ideas:
How many ways to kill someone can you find in a mall?

Interest Age:
11+

Challenge Issues:
Portrayal of female characters.
Deal with by: explaining that this is typical of comic book females. Refer to collection development policy. If dispute continues, parents' wishes regarding their own children will be respected.

Reason Included:
This classic mystery series can pull in new readers in this format, but I don't think it was done all that well.