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News and reviews about the Hardy Boys Mystery Series by Franklin W. Dixon.
‘HARDY BOYS: THE HIDDEN THEFT’ PC GAME
Jesse McCartney and Cody Linley to Provide Voice Talent for Frank and Joe Hardy
Toronto, Canada, May 14, 2008 – Tapping the talents of two of Hollywood’s rising young stars, JoWooD and DreamCatcher Games, leading worldwide publishers and distributors of interactive entertainment software, working in conjunction with Resnick Interactive Development, LLC, today announced that they have signed on teen media titans Jesse McCartney and Cody Linley to lend their talents as the voices of Frank and Joe Hardy in the forthcoming PC game, The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft.
“Securing the voice talent of Jesse and Cody really enhances the overall entertainment experience for our fans,” said Byron Gaum, Global Product Marketing Manager, DreamCatcher Games. “We are thrilled to be working with both stars on making The Hidden Theft one of the most captivating Hardy Boys mysteries to date.”
“It’s very exciting having Jesse McCartney and Cody Linley on the project,” said Mike Adams, Producer of The Hardy Boys franchise for DreamCatcher Games. “They are such great young talents, and I look forward to working with them both.”
Emmy award-winning daytime actor and platinum-selling recording artist Jesse McCartney makes his way back to the videogame space as he takes on the voice of elder brother Frank Hardy in The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft. Now a veteran at lending his voice to a videogame character, Jesse will help guide Hannah Montana star, Cody Linley as he rounds out the famous mystery solving duo by lending his voice as Frank’s younger brother, Joe Hardy.
In The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft, the vault of the Spencer Mansion is robbed, and the Bayport Police call on the Hardy Boys to help tie up some loose ends, but they soon find themselves in the middle of a major criminal investigation that takes them on an adventure all over Bayport, and even into New York City . But the pieces don’t add up, and Frank and Joe find themselves embroiled in a drama of sinister proportions. Is the recent theft linked to something from the past? Can Frank and Joe find and decipher the clues in time to prevent another crime from happening?
Developed by XPEC Entertainment Inc., The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft is expected to be available for PC users this fall at retail outlets nationwide. For more information about The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft please visit www.dreamcatchergames.com.
About The Hardy Boys
With over 100 million copies of their beloved books in print, America ’s original crime scene investigators, Frank and Joe Hardy, are riding a wave of classic retro popularity combined with a whole new attitude.
Since 1928, Simon & Schuster and Grosset & Dunlap have published The Hardy Boys classic editions, currently selling over 1 million copies annually. The new contemporary series Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers, featuring the boys as spies for American Teens Against Crime launched in 2005, with an additional Super Mystery published every summer.
About DreamCatcher Inc.
Established in 1996 and located in Toronto , Canada , DreamCatcher Inc. is a leading worldwide publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for Windows® as well as the leading hardware platforms, including Xbox 360™, PlayStation® 3, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™.
DreamCatcher is owned by JoWooD Productions, an Austrian based videogame publisher traded on the Vienna stock exchange. DreamCatcher markets its products under two popular labels: DreamCatcher Games, featuring the critically-acclaimed, bestselling game Painkiller; and The Adventure Company, the number one brand for PC adventure game sales worldwide including award winning titles such as Syberia and Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None.
About Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Online, and international companies in Australia , Canada , and the United Kingdom . For more information, visit our website at www.simonsays.com.
About Resnick Interactive Development, LLC
Established in 2000 and located in Los Angeles , CA Resnick Interactive Development, LLC, is a boutique talent acquisition and audio production company exclusive to the videogame marketplace. Todd Resnick has been the Casting Executive on over 50 videogame titles with a number of foreign developers and publishers. His expertise aids in delivering A-List actors to Game Makers worldwide. Resnick Interactive also recently launched the online game music utility www.gamecues.com.
May Titles Released
Three Hardy Boys titles are set for release this May:
Undercover Brothers
Deprivation House (#22)
Mission: To join the cast of a new reality show called "Deprivation House" and determine who's behind the death threats received by other contestants.
Graphic Novel
13: The Deadliest Stunt - Hardcover - Paperback
When a mysterious saboteur infiltrates the Miss Teen Stunt Americana competition, Joe and Frank are assigned to back up one of the contestants... Lind'Z Rider, the most flamboyant and impulsive A.T.A.C. agent ever! As if the competition stunts weren’t dangerous enough, Frank and Joe must stop the saboteur before someone dies!
Nancy Drew - Hardy Boys Super Mystery
2: Danger Overseas
Mission: Solve the mystery of an American girl in the middle of Rome with no memory of how she got there.
New Titles!
Four new titles have been announced - two Undercover Brothers and two graphic novels.
Undercover Brothers:
25: Double Trouble - 11/08 For Sale
Mission: Unknown at this time!
26: Missing Double - 1/09 For Sale
Mission: Unknown at this time!
Graphic Novels:
14: Haley Danelle's Top Eight! - 2008
Author: Scott Lobdell Art: Paulo Henrique
Issued in Hardcover - Paperback
This is one of the rare cases that aren’t assigned by A.T.A.C.... when Joe and Frank’s friend, Haley Danelle learns the friends on her MyFacePlace page’s Top Eight are disappearing one at a time, she turns to the Hardy Boys for help in finding them!
15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Author: Scott Lobdell Art: Paulo Henrique
Issued in Hardcover - Paperback
Mission unknown at this time!
Artwork and other information will be posted as it becomes available.
Undercover Brothers:
25: Double Trouble - 11/08 For Sale
Mission: Unknown at this time!
26: Missing Double - 1/09 For Sale
Mission: Unknown at this time!
Graphic Novels:
14: Haley Danelle's Top Eight! - 2008
Author: Scott Lobdell Art: Paulo Henrique
Issued in Hardcover - Paperback
This is one of the rare cases that aren’t assigned by A.T.A.C.... when Joe and Frank’s friend, Haley Danelle learns the friends on her MyFacePlace page’s Top Eight are disappearing one at a time, she turns to the Hardy Boys for help in finding them!
15: Live Free, Die Hardy!
Author: Scott Lobdell Art: Paulo Henrique
Issued in Hardcover - Paperback
Mission unknown at this time!
Artwork and other information will be posted as it becomes available.
The Hardy Boys Mysteries, 1927-1979: A Cultural and Literary History
The Hardy Boys Mysteries, 1927-1979: A Cultural and Literary History by Mark ConnellyHardcover due in May 2008.
Description (from the publisher McFarland & Company)
In its 80 year history, the Hardy Boys series has sold over 50 million books in over 25 languages, and it has inspired five television series and many stage plays, websites, comic books, graphic novels, and computer games. It has shaped the way millions of American children see themselves and society, and has shaped the way young people around the world perceive American values. This book follows the birth and development of the original Hardy Boys series, and follows their history through 1979. Topics covered include the writing of Stratemeyer and McFarlane; the so-called “weird period;” the Cold War and the disco age; race, class and gender; family values; law and order; and the use of action rather than violence. Appendices provide a bibliography of Hardy Boys books, opening lines from 20 novels, and selected “Hardyisms.”
About the Author
Mark Connelly is an English instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Undercover Brothers #24
I don't have a synopsis or cover art yet and will post them when they become available.
Undercover Brothers
24: Murder House
Mission: Unknown at this time!
Due in September
Undercover Brothers
24: Murder House
Mission: Unknown at this time!
Due in September
Hardy Boys Super Mystery #3 Announced
Hardy Boys Super Mystery #3 "Haunted" has been announced for an August 2008 release.
I don't have the cover art or plot synopsis yet and will post them as they become available.
Pre-Order From Amazon.com
I don't have the cover art or plot synopsis yet and will post them as they become available.
Pre-Order From Amazon.com
Graphic Novel 13 Announced
13: The Deadliest Stunt - 2008
Author: Scott Lobdell Art: Paulo Henrique
Issued in Hardcover - Paperback
Mission: When a mysterious saboteur infiltrates the Miss Teen Stunt Americana competition, Joe and Frank are assigned to back up one of the contestants... Lind'Z Rider, the most flamboyant and impulsive A.T.A.C. agent ever! As if the competition stunts weren’t dangerous enough, Frank and Joe must stop the saboteur before someone dies!
Undercover Brothers #23 Announced
23: House Arrest - 7/08 For Sale
Mission: Unknown at this time!
I'll post the cover art as soon as it becomes available.
Mission: Unknown at this time!
I'll post the cover art as soon as it becomes available.
Undercover Brothers #22 Announced
22: Deprivation House has been announced for a May 2008 release.
For Sale From Amazon.com.
Volume One of The Murder House Trilogy
Mission: Unknown at this time!
This volume introduces a much needed new cover art style.
Undercover Brothers Graphic Novel #12 Announced
12: Dude Ranch O' DeathAuthor: Scott Lobdell Art: Paulo Henrique
To be issued in Early March 2008
When several teens from a “tough love” western camp go missing, Frankand Joe Hardy go undercover on the open range! But what happens when the undercover brothers are surrounded by kids who enjoy being bad and corrupt administrators who intend to keep them that way?
For Sale From Amazon.com: Hardcover - Paperback
Hardy Boys Guide To Life - New Edition
This is a new mini-edition.Hardcover: 143 pages
Publisher: Running Press Book Publishers (April 30, 2007)
Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.8 x 0.8 inches
Available from Amazon.com
Undercover Brothers #20 Announced
# 20: Feeding Frenzy is slated for release next JanuaryFor Sale from Amazon.com
Mission: To uncover the truth behind a mysterious death at the first qualifying round for Football Frank's Super Bowl hot dog eating contest.
Undercover Brothers Graphic Novel #11 Announced
11: Abracadeath - December 2007Author: Scott Lobdell Art: Paulo Henrique
Issued in Hardcover - Paperback
When some of the world's most amazing magicians start disappearing (and not in a magical way) Frank and Joe Hardy pit themselves against a trio of powerful young masters of illusion!
Artwork For New Super Mystery
Terror On TourScheduled for a June release.
The Hardy Boys team up with Nancy Drew to investigate a mystery centered on the Rockapazooma rock & roll tour.
Can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com
Undercover Brothers #19 Announced
19: Foul Play has been announced for a November 2007 release.For Sale From Amazon.com
Mission: Infiltrate Pinnacle College's top-seeded football team to investigate rumors that someone on the inside is being bribed to throw the championship game.
Hardy Boys Graphic Novel #10 set for September release
10: A Hardy's Day Night - Sept. 2007Author: Scott Lobdell Art: Paulo Henrique
Available for pre-order in Hardcover - Paperback
Mission Unknown At This Time!
You younger fans might might not get the play on the title of the first Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" (your mother should know!)
Hardy Boys Season 2 DVD Coming
Order Season 2 From Amazon.com!It's been a long wait for the second season of "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries," but Universal has announced the release the 5 disc set on June 12, 2007.
22 episodes are included:
The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Meet Dracula (2 Part)
The Mystery of King Tut's Tomb
The Mystery of the Hollywood Phantom (2 Part)
The Mystery of the African Safari
The Creatures Who Came On Sunday
The Strange Fate of Flight 608
Acapulco Spies
Nancy Drew's Love Match
The Mystery of the Silent Scream
Will the Real Santa...?
The Lady on Thursday at Ten
Oh Say Can You Sing?
The House on Possessed Hill
Sole Survivor
Voodoo Doll (2 Part)
Mystery on the Avalanche Express
Death Surf
Arson and Old Lace
Campus Terror
Episodes will be presented in Full Frame (1.33:1), along with English mono audio. Suggested retail price is $39.98 which will probably discount down to about $30.00 or so.
Order Season 2 From Amazon.com!
Season 1 is still available.
Bye-Bye Applewood
According to Paul Mular (co-author of Hardy & Hardy Investigations), Applewood Books has not renewed their licensing deal with Simon & Schuster and will not be releasing any new books.
Announced titles (#17 & up) will not be issued.
It is unknown at this time if the titles already in print (#1-16) will still be available.
This writer has long castigated Phil Zuckerman, the head of Applewood Books, as being an arrogant egomaniac and, well, just an obnoxious jerk. This latest news does nothing to change that opinion. In fact, to my surprise, it has even lowered my opinion of him.
Announced titles (#17 & up) will not be issued.
It is unknown at this time if the titles already in print (#1-16) will still be available.
This writer has long castigated Phil Zuckerman, the head of Applewood Books, as being an arrogant egomaniac and, well, just an obnoxious jerk. This latest news does nothing to change that opinion. In fact, to my surprise, it has even lowered my opinion of him.
"The Hardy Man" film project still alive!
"Hardy Men": Cruise, Stiller take on "Boys"
By Borys Kit
Tue Feb 13, 2007 9:28AM EST
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Tom Cruise and Ben Stiller are teaming up for "Hardy Men," a buddy action comedy based on the fictional teen sleuths known as the Hardy Boys.
The long-in-development project sees the Hardy Boys grown up but not speaking to each other, having been estranged for many years. They are forced to overcome sibling rivalry when they reunite to solve a mystery.
Shawn Levy is attached to direct the film for 20th Century Fox, which is hoping for a shoot in 2008. The project is out to writers. Stiller and Levy are stars on the Fox lot thanks to their collaboration on the holiday hit "Night at the Museum," which has earned more than $460 million at the worldwide box office to date.
"The Hardy Boys" was a long-running book series that began in 1927 and was written by various ghost writers under the pen name Franklin W. Dixon. The series focused on two teenage brothers, Frank and Joe Hardy, amateur detectives who often assisted their father, a private detective, in solving crimes.
The original series, which ran through 1979, encompassed 58 books, many of which were updated over the years. There also were subsequent book series as well as graphic novels and comic books.
In addition, the two brothers have appeared in several TV incarnations. Tim Considine and Tommy Kirk played the siblings on episodes of "The Mickey Mouse Club" in 1956 and '57. Parker Stevenson and Shaun Cassidy handled the title roles in an ABC primetime series "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries," which ran from 1977-79.
Cruise and Stiller previously teamed up to shoot a behind-the-scenes spoof of "Mission: Impossible II" for the MTV Movie Awards.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
This project has been in the planing stages for at least 7 years!
See old issues of The Bayport Times for more info.
Hardy Boys Dolls
Manufactured by the Tonner Doll Company.Their website describes them as follows:
Frank & Joe Hardy are ready for their latest mystery – also separately available are various adventure sets with sleuthing accessories designed for imaginative play and mystery-solving; their faces are hand-painted, and they come in clothing as shown; each includes a display stand. The Hardy Boys™ (using the Harry Potter-scale proportions) stand app. 17” tall (Frank is app. ½” taller than Joe) and are crafted of fine quality vinyl/hard plastic with hand-painted faces and synthetic wigs; they each have 14 points of articulation.
They are priced at an astounding $129.99 EACH!
Also offered for sale are several "Adventure Sets" which consist of different clothing and accesories for a mere $49.99 each!
In this writer's opinion these are the butt-ugliest, most over-priced pieces of junk I've ever seen. They both look like a couple of pre-pubescent girls - especially Joe! And what's up with those eyeglasses?
New Undercover Brother Titles Announced!
Three new Undercover Brothers titles for 2007 release have been anounced.
These titles are available for pre-order from Amazon.com
Bayport Buccaneers (#16)
Murder At The Mall (#17)
Pushed (#18)
I'll post more details as they become available.
Nancy Drew & The Hardy Boys - Back Together Again!
Starting in June of 2007, everybody's favorite sleuths will be teaming up again in a new series of books co-authored by Carolyn Keene and good old Franklin W. Dixon!
The first title is Terror On Tour and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com.
No artwork is available yet.
I don't know if this series will continue the 1st person narrative style used in the Girl Detective and Undercover Brothers books.
The first title is Terror On Tour and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com.
No artwork is available yet.
I don't know if this series will continue the 1st person narrative style used in the Girl Detective and Undercover Brothers books.
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