Bayport Noir

Something that a lot of people do not know about me is that I love graphic novels. I was never into comic books as a kid. It wasn't because I didn't like the concept, I just didn't have access to the kind of stories I enjoyed – as the whole superhero thing just wasn't for me. But today, some of my favorite books are in fact of the drawn variety as the graphic novel section in the bookstore is one of the best places to find interesting detective stories – and you all know how much I love detectives stories.

Now imagine my joy when I spotted my favorite teenage detectives on the cover of a new comic book series – The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew have gone noir.

I am a bit of a purist when it comes to the Hardys and Nancy. While I do love the 1970s TV show for all it's campy glory, I could never get into any of the book series that put them together. But I guess there's always an exception, and that exception is:

"Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys: The Big Lie"

    

In true noir fashion, this new series starts on a very dark note when the Hardys find themselves in the middle of a corruption scandal that hits its peak when the boys are accused of murdering their own father. And when the whole town of Bayport turns against them they team up with an old friend to clear their names and find the real culprit.

What I love about this series is that even though it is a very modern and gritty take on the books, the characters are still recognizable and none of the conflicts feel forced. There is for example a rift between Nancy and her father — something that would usually be unimaginable — that is handled really well, and feels completely natural. Writer Anthony Del Col (Assassin’s Creed, Kill Shakespeare) and artist Werther Dell’edera (Batman: Detective Comics, House of Mystery) did not just throw these beloved characters into a noir universe, they found an organic way to make them a part of that universe — and I cannot wait to see more of it!

Get the first 3 issues on Amazon

And grab issue #4 this Wednesday (June 21)

For fans of:

The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, 

Veronica Mars, Riverdale

…and fans of Stratemeyer's mystery books will also appreciate a couple of fun cameos (those Bobbseys sure like to party). 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Documentaries

I'm finally at the finish line of this whole moving and renovating adventure and trying to get back into my regular Sunday posting routine. And today that means sharing a couple of must watch documentaries with you.

Mommy Dead and Dearest (HBO)

The thing that shocked me the most about this case was that I had never heard about it. Everything about it sounds too crazy too be true, but nope it actually happened. Mommy Dead and Dearest documents an extreme case of Munchhausen by Proxy. A mom tricked the whole world into believing that her daughter had every ailment one could imagine, until the daughter had enough and murdered her mother. It's as weird as it gets, but a must watch if you're a fan of true crime documentaries that are on the crazier side. 

Casting JonBenet (Netflix)

I've seen countless documentaries about this case (really, who hasn't?), but this one really stood out. Instead of a classic documentary, this is basically a casting session for a documentary where all the actors share their theories. It's definitely a fresh and unique approach and adds new interest to an old case.

American Epic (PBS) 

This three part event is the untold story of how the ordinary people of America gort to record music for the first time. Narrated by Robert Redford, and featuring performances from the likes of Willie Nelson, Elton John, and Jack White and T Bone Burnett who also lead theses truly epic recording sessions this series is an experience that every music lover will enjoy. And you're gonna want to buy the recordings right after. Trust me.  

Peace, Love and Lobster
Laura