It used to be that there was a pretty strong dividing line between comic books and “real” books. When we were kids, books were revered, accepted as the only true means of developing language and comprehension skills, while comics were things to be devoured like cookies – sweet but devoid of any nutritional value.

How times have changed. The illustrated tomes being published today often contain the kinds of stories that would have been reserved for slim, grade-specific volumes piled on classroom shelves. And they usually work. Even the lamest of storylines gains something when partnered with frames of expressive art.

Such is the case, at least, with Dracula Madness, the first installment of a new series from author Mary Labatt and illustrator Jo Rioux, aimed primarily at young girls. The story introduces us to Samantha, a bossy, food-obsessed sheepdog with an attitude problem. Upon arrival at her new home in the sleepy town of Woodford, Sam is befriended by her 10-year-old next-door neighbour Jennie. Relying on a reader’s acceptance of all things fantastical and improbable, Labatt allows Jennie to “hear” Sam’s thoughts, and the two soon begin trawling the neighbourhood, looking for ways to entertain themselves.

Cowed a bit by Sam’s unpleasant demeanour, which would give any surly teen a run for her money, Jennie seeks to entertain the dog by showing her the local “spooky” house. Shenanigans ensue, eventually involving Jennie’s friend Beth as well.

Though it’s called Dracula Madness, the literary reference is a throwaway. Beth provides a few salient details about the vampire (from a comic-book version of the tale, no less), but any bogeyman type of character would have worked just as well. Rioux’s drawings are pleasant and clear, with strong lines and an obvious manga influence, especially in Sam’s stylized appearance. Richly detailed backgrounds enhance, rather than distract from, the figures.

The book is billed as a mystery, and while all the elements are there (a forbidding house, a reclusive neighbour, things that go bump in the night, etc.) there is very little suspense here. The dialogue is a bit stilted, though it keeps the story moving. But only the youngest readers are likely to be satisfied with the mystery’s resolution. Hopefully, Labatt will find a way to up the ante in subsequent installments, making the stories as interesting as Rioux’s art.

Despite its flaws, Dracula Madness is still stronger than Soccer Sabotage, which suffers from an identity crisis that undermines what could have been a light but entertaining read.

This is Liam O’Donnell’s third book starring siblings Nadia and Devin in Orca’s Graphic Guide Adventure series. In it, the duo attempts to figure out who has pushed Nadia’s soccer coach down a set of stadium stairs at the championships in Toronto.

The themes here are more mature than in the Labatt book, though the suggested reading level is only slightly higher. Rather than the benign suggestion of a spooky ne’er-do-well, we’re presented with a tale of attempted murder, intrigue, and budding romance.

Which would be fine, were all those elements in the foreground of the book. But given the title, there has to be some soccer involved as well, and that’s where the story collapses. Instead of simply using the soccer tournament as a backdrop for the mystery, O’Donnell attempts to teach the reader a bit about playing the game as well. Instructions are delivered by various characters as if straight out of a manual. It’s distracting, and adds nothing to the story other than a vain attempt to elevate the book to something educational rather than simply entertaining.

Again, the art saves the day: Mike Deas’ illustrations are full of life. This is especially true in the soccer scenes, where vibrant colours and a sure hand give the images the impression of real movement. The characters also have a cartoon-like quality, with exaggerated square jaws and subtle shading.

Balancing entertainment value and substance is always a tricky feat, one which neither of these books quite pulls off. Though their graphic format will likely draw young readers in, neither tale seems destined to become a favourite.