
David Browne
David Browne contributed 25 cover paintings to the Hardy Boys series in the early 1990s. Here, his covers are presented approximately in the order in which they were painted. In addition to the original paperback covers, from 1992 and 1993, covers from subsequent omnibus editions, final artwork, rough sketches and model photography are also shown.
More details about David can be found on the Artists page, while for specific information on the books themselves, please navigate to the Armada Format E page.
The Mystery of the Aztec Warrior
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The first cover that David Browne produced for the series, in late 1990 / early 1991. |
The Arctic Patrol Mystery
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The second cover that David Browne painted for the series. Based on a travel guide of Iceland; his agent thought it was too detailed. |
The Haunted Fort
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The third cover that David Browne produced for the Hardy Boys series. The painting was smaller than the first two, as Armada were beginning to push the deadlines. |
Danger on the Diamond
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The fourth painting that David Browne produced for the Armada Hardy Boys series and dates from 1991. |
The Mystery of the Desert Giant
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In an attempt to speed up the illustrative process, this painting was one of the smallest in scale. |
The Mystery of the Disappearing Floor
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David Browne plays the part of injured pilot Jack Wayne in this illustration. |
The Secret Agent On Flight 101
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This illustration was painted in early 1992. |
The Shore Road Mystery
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Painted in early 1992 by David Browne, this cover illustration is not one of his personal favourites. |
Footprints Under The Window
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This cover illustration dates from early 1992 and David Browne plays the part of the sinister figure in the background. |
The Crisscross Shadow
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The background of this cover, painted in early 1992, is based upon Death Valley. David Browne plays the bad guy trying to cut the rope. |
The Clue of the Broken Blade
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In this cover, which dates from early 1992, David Browne based the shady character in the cable-car on himself. |
The Clue of the Screeching Owl
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David Browne employed Kenny McKendry to play the part of the boy being carried from the lake, due to difficulties he had arranging photo sessions with the blond model. |
While The Clock Ticked
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David Browne's stepfather plays the part of the man hanging from the edge of the roof. Browne used his neighbour's roof as a reference for this particular illustration. |
The Mystery of the Melted Coins
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In this cover, Blackbeard is David Browne's step-father with a beard grafted on. |
The Wailing Siren Mystery
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David Browne's agent wanted a change of style, resulting in this colourful, almost psychedelic cover, which was produced in early 1992. |
The Clue In The Embers
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Another of Browne's 'psychedelic' efforts, the skeleton seen in this painting was actually made out of cardboard. |
The Great Airport Mystery
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This is another cover illustration produced in a psychedelic style. David Browne plays the part of the shotgun-wielding bad guy in the background. |
The Ghost At Skeleton Rock
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This cover was painted by David Browne in April 1992 and was one of the most difficult illustrations he had to paint for the series. The flag was photographed floating in his bath. |
The Hooded Hawk Mystery
The Flickering Torch Mystery
The Secret of the Old Mill
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Chet Morton is played by Browne in this cover illustration, although David admits that he had to broaden himself on the painting. |
The Secret of Wildcat Swamp
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The boulder in this illustration was based on a rock about 4-inches in size. David posed as one of the Hardy Boys in his garden, and grafted a head from a model onto his body in the final artwork. |
The Viking Symbol Mystery
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This was one of David's last cover illustrations for the series (painted near the end of 1992). The models were unavailable at this stage, so Browne took on the role of Frank, while Kenny McKendry played the part of Joe (although the blond model's head was grafted on in the final painting). The photographic references were taken in McKendry's living room. |
The Mystery of the Chinese Junk
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Dating from late 1992, this illustration was one of the last that David produced for the series. The boys in the painting were based on the photographs originally taken for the Danger on the Diamond cover. |
The Sign of the Crooked Arrow
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This was one of David Browne's very last cover illustrations for the series and dates from late 1992. |