The Hardy Boys have several must-read comics in their long line of mysteries. The brothers-turned-detectives solve Nancy Drew-like mysteries and some of their cases include robberies and murder, while others focus on paranormal happenings like those in Scooby-Doo. The original books were meant for children and teenagers, but as the series has evolved, new formats to the classic stories have made them appeal to a broader audience. This is exemplified in several issues of the comics that take on a tone similar to mystery noir movies from the 1930s and 1940s. With Hulu ending The Hardy Boys series, fans are looking for new mysteries.
Like The Hardy Boys TV show, there are differences between the books and the comics. While many of the comics focus on the core ideas of the original book series, the comics use modern technology and fashion to show that the stories are new. Many of the best Hardy Boys comics take on a darker tone, so those who loved the stories as children can still enjoy the comics as adults. The comics also include crossovers with other famous sleuths that fans have wanted for a long time. These comics are a great place to start for all fans.
10 The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew: The Big Lie #1
A crossover between The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew is a must-read for any mystery fan. While there is debate over whether The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew show is better, this comic sets that all aside to see the teen detectives work together.
The Big Lie #1 starts a dark and twisting series that showcases The Hardy Boys as Nancy's last hope as she tries to escape a crime syndicate. This series is marketed toward older teens and adults, making it perfect for those who grew up with the books. (via Amazon) While the elements of the characters are the same, they take on a darker disposition.
9 The Death Of Nancy Drew
The Death of Nancy Drew follows The Big lie as The Hardy Boys struggle to cope with the grief of losing Nancy but also having to solve the case. The comic illustrates which of The Hardy Boys is the better investigator and why the brothers work so well together.
It continues to thread a dark and twisting storyline and shows the investigators as mature adults. Unlike other Hardy Boys stories, there are fewer straightforward explanations for the things happening around them. As with the first issues in the series, The Death of Nancy Drew is suspenseful and will have readers struggling to solve the mystery independently.
8 To Die Or Not To Die? Hardy Boys Adventures 1
For readers who are looking for the original mysteries but in a new format, there are The Hardy Boys Adventures graphic novels. This issue combines four stories into one volume.
While these comics are similar to detective movies that give viewers enough clues to solve the mystery themselves, the nostalgia around this series makes it a must-read. This series is an excellent place to start for people who have never encountered The Hardy Boys before, as the new format doesn't overly change the storyline or morals of the characters. The series is meant for younger readers but can still be enjoyed by adult readers who like mysteries (via Amazon).
7 Hardy Boys Graphic Novels: Undercover Brothers #1 The Ocean Of Osyria
The Hardy Boys were reimagined for a new series of mystery stories ad graphic novels. The Ocean of Osyria is the first in the new series and a must-read for those who want to explore the latest version of the characters.
The stories include the most common tropes seen in mystery movies, which is not different from the original books but they make the brothers more tech-savvy, so they align with what modern readers are looking for. The brothers' world is expanded in this series, showing them traveling around the globe to solve cases rather than staying in their hometown.
6 Hardy Boys The New Case Files #1: Crawling With Zombies
The Hardy Boys aren't immune to getting involved with the paranormal and spooky, but in this comic, they are only playing dress-up. Crawling with Zombies features the Hardy brothers in zombie makeup as they try and solve a murder during a zombie crawl.
This is the perfect issue for long-time readers who have seen The Hardy Boys in every setting they can imagine and need something new to enjoy. Like some of the must-read Nancy Drew comics, the paranormal element isn't overwhelming but it does drive the story, as it allows the brothers to be undercover while they investigate. This comic is the beginning of a series for younger readers.
5 Hardy Boys Graphic Novels #17: Word Up!
Hardy Boys Graphic Novel #17 features the brothers in a high-stakes situation, unlike other mysteries where they are in no immediate danger. In this case, the brothers have to save their school and themselves from a bomb that will harm the entire student body.
The older stories featuring the brothers feature them in similar situations, which gives this story a sense of nostalgia. However, modern threats and settings keep the story fresh for long-time readers. Much like the most intelligent, famous TV detectives, the brothers have to rely on their brains more than their physical strength to stop the villain of this story.
4 The Hardy Boys Graphic Novels #16: Shhhhhh!
In another one of their undercover cases, The Hardy Boys are tasked with protecting the child of a foreign dignitary. This is only made more complex as they are forced to be quiet while in a library and get attacked by villains who are just as smart as they are.
Unlike other Hardy Boys books, their mother is an integral part of the story as an active character. In other stories, the teenage detectives' mother is often a mystery herself or has been killed off before the series takes place. With her help and insight into her character, much is revealed about the boys that haven't been shared with readers.
3 Hardy Boys Graphic Novels #20: Deadly Strategy
The 20th issue of The Hardy Boys graphic novels presents a friendship like Scooby-Doo and the gang as they come together with other teenage investigators. This creates a web of cases that would have never been solved should the teens not come together.
This issue is significant for readers who have read other graphic novels as some knowledge of other cases helps understand the story but is not required. The graphic novel also shows how the Hardys work with those they don't consider good friends, like Nancy Drew. The complex storyline is compelling but not too difficult for younger readers to enjoy.
2 Hardy Boys Graphic Novels #10: A Hardy's Day Night
When a kidnapper comes for one of their mentors, The Hardy Boys have to die to solve the case. To get their villain, the boys will have to show intelligence like Velma from Scooby-Doo.
This story takes place over 24 hours, and the boys are under a tight time crunch making the story suspenseful. Several mysteries are taking place at once, making the storyline even more complicated and testing the boys' strengths are detectives. Even though there are some far-fetched elements to the story, they do not take up too much of the story, so readers don't get lost in the dramatic details.
1 Hardy Boys Graphic Novels #19: Chaos At 30,000 Feet!
The 19th issue of The Hardy Boys takes the boys away from the agency they have been working and learning at and throws them into another classic mystery. While working as reenactment workers, the brothers must stop deadly accidents that don't seem unplanned.
This story has tense moments similar to those seen in a scary non-horror children's show, as planes are the primary source of danger. The story also has historical elements for those interested in the history of aviation and the real-life mysteries surrounding trailblazing aviators. As with most of their adventures, there are high stakes should the brothers fail to stop the story's villain, making it one of the more exciting books.
