Point Blank: The Graphic Novel (Alex Rider)
As in Stormbreaker: The Graphic Novel (2006), rapid-fire action, appealing manga-style artwork, and a heavy reliance on the James Bond formula drive this second graphic adaptation of Horowitz’s best-selling Alex Rider books. The plot maintains the basic premise of the eponymous novel, published in 2002: Rider, a 14-year-old British spy, is sent to a mysterious Swiss boarding school to investigate the nefarious plot of its headmaster. With clear lines and carefully toned coloring, the art makes the most of the creepy castle setting, twisting passages, gadgets, and death-defying snowboard escapes, while the mix of perspectives and panel sizes helps to reveal clues in quick succession. Suspense builds right up until the terrifying conclusion, which, because it involves body doubles, has high impact in this visual format, which showcases the mirror effects. A sure hit with both fans and newcomers, particularly reluctant readers. Grades 6-9. --Gillian Engberg