Scorpia: The Graphic Novel (2004) (Alex Rider #5) by Anthony Horowitz. Who knew they were making these novels into GRAPHIC novels. Anthony Johnston, Emma Vieceli and Kate Brown, who did the illustrations, inks and whatever else was needed to translate this from just written words into a veritable storyboard for a movie. The have managed to maintain the youthful innocence of Alex yet combined it with the growing maturity that his past actions have demanded.
And very nicely done by this trio.
As to the story, which follows almost immediately after the fourth book, Alex is going to Venice on a school trip. Also he is following up on the mysterious word “Scorpia” uttered by the dying Yassen in the last book. With the trip nearly over, Alex is a bit desperate but fortune steps in, as it so often does in this kind of story, and Alex seems to have a solid lead. Pursing it means Alex gets swept up by the very people he was seeking and, surprisingly, recruited by them to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Things are explained to him about who actually killed his father (Surprise, it was MI6) which turns Mr. Rider into a hate filled weapon that can be used against the British establishment. Things take a pretty dark turn in this ting which helps nullify the feeling that these are just children’s or young teen books. Mr. Horowitz has brought his game up a notch or two from the standard fare that was produced in the first four books and I hope the ark continues.
And we also find out what really happened to Alex’s parents. As of now, but everything is subject to change.
Did I mention that the books look good, the illustrations and colors bright and the flow of the action depicted in a very articulate manner. This is a good team backing up the novel. ( )

Literary Merit: Okay
Characterization: Okay
Recommended: For libraries where this series is already established, or for avid readers of Anthony Horowitz
Level: Ages 9-12

In this installation of Alex Rider (Scorpia), Alex follows a lead that was given to him at the end of Eagle Strike to discover what really happened to his father. While I appreciate the continuation of the story line, Alex's impulse decision to join forces with the villain group Scorpia seems unrealistic and outside of what his character would choose. At the end Alex decides he really isn't a bad guy and goes back to the good side. Right.

Although the artwork is excellent, Alex's character is wildly different looking than in Eagle Strike, the previous graphic novel in this series. Due to the unbelievable story line and inconsistency in the series artwork, this novel is recommended only for readers/libraries where Anthony Horowitz is very popular. ( )