"The Case of the Missing Adults" is completely different from the prior two Dynamite forays into the Nancy Drew universe. "The Big Lie" was set in a dark, pulp world, while "The Case of the Cold Case" (a/k/a "The Palace of Wisdom") was simply a modern take on the teen detective. "The Case of the Missing Adults," however, takes Nancy, Frank, and Joe into a world for young readers to enjoy. The three teen detectives are still in high school, with Nancy having just moved from River Heights to Bayport (what is it with Dynamite wanting to make everything in Bayport???) and beginning her first day of school at Bayport High School. Needless to say, she runs into Frank and Joe and before you know it, the three are off to solve the mystery of what-in-the-world happened to all of the grown-ups?
The mystery itself involves an entire city of adults who go missing on Nancy's first day of school. The teachers are gone, the custodial and culinary staff are gone - heck, even the police are gone! Where did all the grown-ups go? While most of the kids in Bayport are loving the complete lack of supervision, Nancy, Frank and Joe know that something is afoot and start searching for answers. Could it have something to do with the upcoming science fair? And why is it that the adults in the nearby town of Vansant (Bayport's bitter rival) are still around, and life over there seems as beautiful and as perfect as ever? A come-to-life science skeleton, coded commercial, and a midnight van to Vansant provide Nancy and the Hardy Boys with the clues they need to find the culprit behind the mass kidnapping!
The art is somewhat rudimentary, as artist Bob Solanovicz creates a cartoony world where all of the teenagers, despite being high schoolers, all appear to be pre-teen in appearance. I realize this is the artistic style that seems to be the "in thing" right now with children's books (look at Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, and similar books on the shelves right now, and you will see the very simplistic, somewhat childish art that graces the covers and interiors of those books), but this style of art does not truly appeal to me. While I did enjoy this story, the art was a huge detraction for me. That being said, with the art being what it is, and the story being so enjoyable (when read with a kid's perspective in mind), I could very easily see this graphic novel being made into a cartoon for television that would likely be very successful. It has all of the elements that seems to appeal to children today, and quite frankly, it would offer some much-needed role models for the children to look up to (something that is sorely missing in most cartoons and children's books today!).
I'm guessing there are plans (hopes?) for Dynamite to do more in this series of graphic novels, as the book ends with the statement, "Nancy Drew & the Hardy Boys will return to crack cases, do homework, and break hearts." The book also closes out with some character sketches by the artist, as well as some fun little "detective games," such as a crossword puzzle, a "spot the difference" game, a comic page to color, a connect-the-dots image, and a memory game. While not particularly difficult (for an adult), the games offer some fun activities for the children and pre-teens at whom the comic is aimed.
One final saving grace for the book is the fact that it comes in hardcover, with a glossy finish - making it perfect for shelving with the Nancy Drew books. I was expecting soft cover, so was surprised when it arrived and was hardcover format. A definite plus for the book!
RATING: 7 bowls of cold chili with corn chips out of 10 for bringing Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys to yet another new audience with a cute little story that any age can enjoy!
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