“Sweet Valley Twins” Graphic Novel Adaptations To Debut This November!

The long-running Sweet Valley Twins series by Francine Pascal is getting a graphic novel adaptation by Random House Graphic, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books (RHCB). Sweet Valley Twins Issue 1: Best Friends is looking at a November 1, 2022, release date!

As someone who read a lot of Sweet Valley stuff as a child, I’m looking forward to the franchise continuing in graphic novel format for present-day readers. The upcoming debut of the first graphic novel in the series will be by writer Nicole Andelfinger and artist Claudia Aguirre (Lost on Planet Earth).

Take note; the graphic novels will be available simultaneously in hardcover and trade paperback formats. The second book in the series, ‘Teacher’s Pet’, will be published in 2023.

“I have such great love for Sweet Valley and all the amazing adventures I’ve been able to take Jessica and Elizabeth on. And now graphic novels are our newest adventure,” shared Francine Pascal. “It is so much fun seeing my characters practically alive! Nicole and Claudia have done an amazing job, and I’m very excited to work with them.”

In Sweet Valley Twins Issue 1: Best Friends, twin sisters Jessica and Elizabeth are ready to take on middle school while trying to figure out their dynamic. Starting middle school means a chance for new beginnings. Elizabeth’s all excited about organizing a school newspaper, with Jessica wanting to join the exclusive Unicorn Club. The story will see the twins figuring stuff about themselves and finding a way to stay friends.

“I remember absolutely devouring Sweet Valley Twins as a preteen and felt like I couldn’t get enough of the drama, the shenanigans, and of course, the sisters ultimately having each other’s backs,” said writer Nicole Andelfinger. “Being able to take the twins into the modern age has been an absolute joy. I can’t wait for a new generation of preteens to fall in love with Jessica, Elizabeth, and their friends!”

“Sweet Valley Twins is a series that has meant a lot to so many people,” shared GLAAD Media Award nominee and Eisner Award nominee Claudia Aguirre. “I loved bringing Jessica and Elizabeth to life in these graphic novels for new and old fans alike, and I hope everyone loves them as much as I do!”

From what I can remember, due to being a product of their time and the intended target audience, the Sweet Valley franchise didn’t really have much queer representation. From what I can remember, Tom McKay (Sweet Valley High) was gay. But that particular narrative had certain issues. Jessica and Elizabeth’s older brother Steven Wakefield came out as gay much later in the franchise.

Let’s see how the graphic novel adaptations will handle queer representation.

The upcoming Sweet Valley Twins Issue 1: Best Friends will consist of 224 pages. The hardcover (HC: 978-0-593-37647-8) can be yours for $20.99/$27.99 CAD. The trade paperback (TP: 978-0-593-37646-1) will cost you $13.99/$18.99 CAD. You buy the ebook (978-0-593-37649-2) for $8.99/$10.99 CAD.

As for the creative team, Claudia Aguirre is a Mexican lesbian comic-book artist and writer. She is a co-founder of Boudika Comics, where she self-publishes comics, and is a GLAAD Media Award nominee and Eisner Award nominee. Her comic works include Lost on Planet Earth with ComiXology Originals, Hotel Dare with Boom! Studios, Firebrand with Legendary Comics, Morning in America with Oni Press, and Kim & Kim with Black Mask Studios.

Nicole Andelfinger has written comics for popular franchises including Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Regular Show, Rugrats, Steven Universe, and more.

Are you excited about the Sweet Valley Twins graphic novels?

Let us know.

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(via press release)

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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