30 review for Scorpia: The Graphic Novel

1. 

   5 out of 5

   J.D. – Aug 10, 2017

   All of the action readers find in Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider books are displayed in attractive detail in this graphic novel, right from the beginning, and I am happy to say that the action adds to, rather than takes away, from the book’s plot. Confession: I have used the Alex Rider books, both the traditional novels and the graphic novels, in my own classroom now for almost a decade. So maybe I’m a little biased. There is the requisite amount of intrigue and suspense in the book, and the level All of the action readers find in Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider books are displayed in attractive detail in this graphic novel, right from the beginning, and I am happy to say that the action adds to, rather than takes away, from the book’s plot. Confession: I have used the Alex Rider books, both the traditional novels and the graphic novels, in my own classroom now for almost a decade. So maybe I’m a little biased. There is the requisite amount of intrigue and suspense in the book, and the level of violence is never such that I would feel uncomfortable sharing this book with a student. That being said, I enjoyed the book as an adult reader and appreciate the ending, which definitely leads into questions for the next entry in the series. In true form with the spy genre, Alex travels through exotic locations on his way to unraveling the mystery behind Scorpia. All of these details and places are depicted very well in the book’s artwork. Readers of Ian Fleming’s books will no doubt enjoy the way Horowitz uses the spy genre for young adults – there is no small mystery as to why Horowitz is currently writing the most recent Bond novels. I can also see how introducing this book series to a young reader might captivate them and encourage them to read Horowitz’s novels or other books of this genre. Scorpia was written by Anthony Horowitz and Antony Johnson and illustrated by Emma Vieceli and Kate Brown. Recommended for older and younger readers alike – anyone who appreciates the comic book/graphic novel medium. My review was based on an advance copy.

2. 

   4 out of 5

   Patricia – Apr 06, 2016

   Good, but I didn't like the illustrations and the dialogues / monologues as much as he first several. Changed graphic artists?

3. 

   4 out of 5

   Zohal – May 17, 2019

   Wow, I forgot how good the plots for Alex Rider books are. It's a shame the art for the graphic novel adaptations aren't very appealing.

4. 

   5 out of 5

   Becky B – Jan 22, 2017

   Following a lead given to him by Yassen, Alex Rider takes advantage of a school field trip to Venice to hunt for Scorpia. He knows nothing about Scorpia except his father was once a part of it. Alex manages to get into Scorpia, but they tell him some horrifying things about MI6 and his father. And then they give him a mission...a mission against MI6. Meanwhile, Scorpia is planning something, something that will harm thousands of tweens in London. Can Alex figure out the truth and which side to Following a lead given to him by Yassen, Alex Rider takes advantage of a school field trip to Venice to hunt for Scorpia. He knows nothing about Scorpia except his father was once a part of it. Alex manages to get into Scorpia, but they tell him some horrifying things about MI6 and his father. And then they give him a mission...a mission against MI6. Meanwhile, Scorpia is planning something, something that will harm thousands of tweens in London. Can Alex figure out the truth and which side to align with in time? I'll be honest, it has been over a decade since I read the original novel this is based on, so I'm foggy on how well this adapted the original. From what I can remember, it's got all the main points in there. The graphic novel still conveys all the tension and confusion, and I think kids will eagerly snatch this up. (The original series, and the first four books in the graphic novel adapation series are all quite popular, so I have no doubt this will be read many, many times.) Notes on content: 1 moderate swear word. No sexual content or decency issues. There is violence on page, including a shooting with blood shown and a head stabbing...only recommended for middle school and above.

5. 

   5 out of 5

   Anne – Nov 17, 2017

   Action packed story with vivid supporting graphics make this a strong candidate for struggling/reluctant readers. Although it is not the first in the series, there was enough information given to easily follow the story line. May also be an inducement for readers who enjoy it to pick up the text version next. Excellent addition to a graphic novel collection. Alex finds out that his father may not have been the type of person he had always thought he was. In order to find out more, he gets Action packed story with vivid supporting graphics make this a strong candidate for struggling/reluctant readers. Although it is not the first in the series, there was enough information given to easily follow the story line. May also be an inducement for readers who enjoy it to pick up the text version next. Excellent addition to a graphic novel collection. Alex finds out that his father may not have been the type of person he had always thought he was. In order to find out more, he gets involved with an agency of super-villains known as Scorpia.

6. 

   4 out of 5

   Ellyn → Allonsythornraxx – May 29, 2018

   I'm really enjoying the graphic novel series as it goes on, it's a bunch of fun. If you're younger and like video games or spy stories without lots of details this is the series for you! This installment did have an artist change so the artwork and colouring is different, but it was still really good and I enjoyed it!

7. 

   5 out of 5

   Rubi – Dec 03, 2017

   I couldn't WAIT for this graphic novel, I finished it too quickly lol Only this is I don't exactly like how Mrs. Rothman (or however you spell it, slipping my mind atm), was drawn. She was supposed to be gorgeous and she just looked old and withered. Other than that, good read. Pretty true to the novel and amazing artwork. Loved it!

8. 

   5 out of 5

   Krista – Apr 30, 2018

   Ah, Scorpia, otherwise known as 'the one where our hero Alex Rider gets heckin' mad and joins a terrorist organization'. Let the good times role!

9. 

   4 out of 5

   Bruce – Dec 23, 2017

   Scorpia: An Alex Rider Graphic Novel, by Anthony Horowitz and Antony Johnston, is an abridged illustrated version of the fifth novel in this series. Here Alex Rider, a teen boy turned secret agent, searches for the truth of his past and parents, joining and dodging sinister forces bent on creating havoc on society. This is a continuation of the Alex Rider series. I found the story enticing, the illustrations drawing me in to learn more about the character. As this is the first time I’ve been Scorpia: An Alex Rider Graphic Novel, by Anthony Horowitz and Antony Johnston, is an abridged illustrated version of the fifth novel in this series. Here Alex Rider, a teen boy turned secret agent, searches for the truth of his past and parents, joining and dodging sinister forces bent on creating havoc on society. This is a continuation of the Alex Rider series. I found the story enticing, the illustrations drawing me in to learn more about the character. As this is the first time I’ve been introduced to this story, I was pleased to discover that this book can stand alone, with essentially no gaps. The closest thing that comes to mind is the Cody Banks features made some time back, but without the humor and childish pranks. This story is a serious work that plunges an innocent teenage boy into constant life and death situations. Alex Rider is a believable character, and written in a style that I can root for him. He pulls no punches and tries his best to do what is right according to his conscience. He’s a hero and a good role model for readers who enjoy these types of stories. Most of the words are clean, the pacing of the story is brisk and a real page turner for me. This is the first Alex Rider book I’ve read and it was a real pleasure to discover. I highly recommend it for teen readers, as well as for all who enjoy a spy thriller.

10. 

    5 out of 5

    Wayne McCoy – Aug 03, 2019

    'Scorpia: The Graphic Novel' by Antony Johnston and Anthony Horowitz with art by Emma Vieceli is the 5th graphic novel based on the Alex Rider graphic novel series. Alex is on a class trip to Italy, but he is also following up on the one word clue he's been given previously: Scorpia. What he finds is a shadow organization that may have had ties to his father. Alex wants to find out more. When he gets recruited in to Scorpia, they want to train him to be a killer, but he doesn't want to. They send 'Scorpia: The Graphic Novel' by Antony Johnston and Anthony Horowitz with art by Emma Vieceli is the 5th graphic novel based on the Alex Rider graphic novel series. Alex is on a class trip to Italy, but he is also following up on the one word clue he's been given previously: Scorpia. What he finds is a shadow organization that may have had ties to his father. Alex wants to find out more. When he gets recruited in to Scorpia, they want to train him to be a killer, but he doesn't want to. They send him on a mission to MI6 to assassinate, but what will Alex do? I'm familiar with this series, but I've not read any of them. The story is fine, but seems a bit morally ambiguous. Alex seems confused about who he is, but he's a teenager, so is suppose that is normal. I found the art to be lacking, and very unimpressive. The story is also dialogue heavy at times, and that made it feel ponderous to read. I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Candlewick Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

11. 

    5 out of 5

    Praxedes – Sep 29, 2019

    This is the best Alex Rider Graphic novel yet. It has a bit of everything (action, connection to Alex's mysterious family, intrigue, betrayal, etc.). But more importantly, it takes place in Italy, where I live :). It's always fun to see places you know in a work of fiction! The artwork is simple but conveys the plot well. The letterist relies a bit too much on bold type, but it isn't too distracting. A perfect book for reluctant Middle School readers.

12. 

    4 out of 5

    RAV – Aug 20, 2019

    This was an okay book, but I'm pretty sure the author and illustrator just added pictures to the original story. But, it is a very good story and is not hard to follow along like some graphic novels.

13. 

    5 out of 5

    Sandra – Aug 02, 2019

    Artwork was great, story was ok.

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Donna Luu – Feb 06, 2018

    Suspend disbelief and these are a bit more enjoyable. The cliffhanger ending is such a teaser.

15. 

    5 out of 5

    Joy Davenport – Oct 28, 2019

    Confused: over-simplified but pg-13 language. For 9yo or 13yo? Better to leave it as a mid school book and graphic novel.

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Fabi – Apr 14, 2017

    17 Apr, 2017: The book is much better 26 Feb, 2019: I actually liked it more this time, I’ve found some new things in this graphic novel.

17. 

    5 out of 5

    Matthew Purnell –

18. 

    4 out of 5

    Evan –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Hagan –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Joanne –

21. 

    4 out of 5

    Liz –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    TheTinFoilHatter –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Derryn –

24. 

    4 out of 5

    Abdul Sami – Jun 01, 2017

    read

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Sam –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Chloe Trotter –

27. 

    5 out of 5

    Clara –

28. 

    4 out of 5

    Camden –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Sydney –

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Tahlia –