Review by Frank Plowright

Over a twenty year period from 1983 the Sweet Valley High young adult novels proved a phenomenal success, generating a TV show and several spin-off series. Such was their quantity, Francine Pascal’s name might be on the covers as writer, but there’s no way she could be that prolific. Given the success of the original series, it appears a strange decision to begin the graphic novel adaptations by focusing on the Sweet Valley Twins spin-off.

Twins Jess and Lizzie were already regulars before the series placing them in the spotlight, and transforming Double Trouble into Best Friends. It’s a coming of age story, with Jess and Lizzie discovering that despite having shared everything their entire lives, they actually have separate interests and need to explore them. Jess is the livelier of the pair, and so attracts the attention of the Unicorn Club, a select membership of the school’s elite girls, or at least that’s the way they see themselves. Lizzie is more interested in the opportunity to start up a school newspaper.

Readers need to pay close attention over the opening sequence of the twins leaving school and walking home as they’re dressed the same with identical accessories and hairstyles. So which is Jess and which is Lizzie? Claudia Aguirre’s subtle visual clue is Lizzie having a loose lock of hair over her forehead, a technique that’s maintained, although in later sequences they wear different clothes. Aguirre’s art impresses throughout. Her focus is people, who’re distinct and easily distinguished, with the obvious exception of the twins, and Aguirre shows how they feel exceptionally well.

Nicole Andelfinger brings out the essential conflict, pulling readers along with her. The Unicorn Club don’t accept anyone before running pledge tests, and these are mean-spirited. How far will Jess go in trying to do right by Lizzie? A horrible dilemma is set-up in a way ensuring readers know it’s completely wrong and squirm as it’s carried out. Beyond that, there’s a clever explanation still to come, and a crowd pleasing ending,

With Sweet Valley already such a beloved franchise Andelfinger and Aguirre ensure the graphic novel version captures the highs and lows of teen girl life, and anyone who loves the novels should also love the graphic novels. Teacher’s Pet is next.