YA Classics Turned Graphic Novels: ‘Baby-Sitter’s Club’ And ‘Nancy Drew’
Posted by meredith on 02-05-2009
When I first heard that old school classics like “Nancy Drew” and “The Baby-sitters’ Club” were being re-released as graphic novels I felt somewhat conflicted. Even though it thrilled me to think that a new generation could be embracing the fictional characters I loved to the point of obsession as a kid, there was also a purist part of me that couldn’t help but disapprove. Similar to the aversion I have to books re-released with movie posters for covers, this flashy method of delivery just seemed a bit… well, gimmicky. But then I gave it some thought and realized how wrong I was. With outdated serial books like these the comic book format is not a gimmick at all: it’s a brilliant modern update.
Not only is this infinitely better than the alternative (see the clunky Sweet Valley High remake), but the truth is these series lend themselves to graphic adaptation both in quantity, as well as quality. The latter is not to say that the storylines are any less entertaining than they were back in the day, but rather that they just don’t resonate with reality as much as they used to. Martin’s lighthearted, somewhat corny tone and Kristy and friends’ lesson-laden adventures in babysitting are simply better suited for two dimensional characters. Presented as such, tweens are much less likely to take offense at their cartoon-ish depiction.
Also, in terms of sheer numbers, these books may as well have been comic books from the get go. I personally collected (or was gifted) hundreds of regular BSC editions (not the mention Super Specials, Mysteries and the Little Sister series). Today, even though serials obviously still exist, with so many other forms of media and means of extending the reading experience beyond the page, there isn’t the same demand to churn out new editions in a rapid fire way. Readers are much more willing to wait for the next installment, and much more vocal about whether it reached their expectations (as Stephenie Meyer learned the hard way with the fourth “Twilight” book).
All said and done, I’m happy there’s still a place on bookshelves (and hopefully readers’ hearts) for these signature series from Ann M. Martin and Carolyn Keene.
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