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Alex Rider: The Graphic Novels #6
Ark Angel: The Graphic Novel
Alex Rider is in hospital and determined to put his spying days behind him. But he is forced back into action when the vicious terrorist group Force Three takes him prisoner. Alex makes his escape - yet his most perilous adventure is only just beginning. Alex must stop Force Three in their attempt to destroy Russian billionaire Nikolei Drevin and his revolutionary space hotel Ark Angel; but this time, the teenage superspy will have to push himself to the limits - and beyond.
A bold and stylish graphic novel adaptation of the sixth novel in Anthony Horowitz's acclaimed Alex Rider series.
A bold and stylish graphic novel adaptation of the sixth novel in Anthony Horowitz's acclaimed Alex Rider series.
176 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2020
15 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Antony Johnston
337 books387 followers** Sign up for Antony's newsletter at http://ajwriter.substack.com **
Antony Johnston is one of the most versatile writers of the modern era.
The Charlize Theron movie Atomic Blonde was based on his graphic novel. His murder mystery series The Dog Sitter Detective won the Barker Book Award. His crime puzzle novel Can You Solve the Murder? reinvented choose-your-own-story books for a mainstream audience and was a Waterstones Paperback of the Year. The Brigitte Sharp spy thrillers are in development for TV. And his productivity guide The Organised Writer has helped authors all over the world take control of their workload.
Antony is a celebrated videogames writer, with genre-defining titles including Dead Space, Shadow of Mordor, and Resident Evil Village to his credit. His work on Silent Hill Ascension made him the only writer in the world to have contributed to all of gaming’s ‘big three’ horror franchises.
His immense body of work also includes Marvel superheroes such as Daredevil and Shang-Chi, the award-winning Alex Rider graphic novels, the post-apocalypse epic Wasteland, and more. He wrote and directed the film Crossover Point, made entirely in quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic.
An experienced podcaster and public speaker, he also frequently writes articles on the life of an author, and is a prolific musician.
Antony is a former vice chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, a member of International Thriller Writers and the Society of Authors, a Shore Scripts screenwriting judge, and sits on the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain’s videogames committee. He lives and works in England.
Antony Johnston is one of the most versatile writers of the modern era.
The Charlize Theron movie Atomic Blonde was based on his graphic novel. His murder mystery series The Dog Sitter Detective won the Barker Book Award. His crime puzzle novel Can You Solve the Murder? reinvented choose-your-own-story books for a mainstream audience and was a Waterstones Paperback of the Year. The Brigitte Sharp spy thrillers are in development for TV. And his productivity guide The Organised Writer has helped authors all over the world take control of their workload.
Antony is a celebrated videogames writer, with genre-defining titles including Dead Space, Shadow of Mordor, and Resident Evil Village to his credit. His work on Silent Hill Ascension made him the only writer in the world to have contributed to all of gaming’s ‘big three’ horror franchises.
His immense body of work also includes Marvel superheroes such as Daredevil and Shang-Chi, the award-winning Alex Rider graphic novels, the post-apocalypse epic Wasteland, and more. He wrote and directed the film Crossover Point, made entirely in quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic.
An experienced podcaster and public speaker, he also frequently writes articles on the life of an author, and is a prolific musician.
Antony is a former vice chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, a member of International Thriller Writers and the Society of Authors, a Shore Scripts screenwriting judge, and sits on the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain’s videogames committee. He lives and works in England.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 4, 2020
James Bond Jr., I mean Alex Rider, was somehow recruited by MI-6 as a teenager. In this story, he meets a Russian oligarch who definitely has aspirations of one day becoming a Bond villain. Both the writing and art are pretty simple.
Received a review copy from Candlewick Press and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Candlewick Press and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
June 23, 2020
You can also find my review here: https://rww.home.blog/2020/06/21/1561/
This is my first ever grapic novel!
I’ve read and reread the Alex Rider series a few times before, and I remember Ark Angel pretty well, so this graphic novel was like a reread for me.
The story was shorter than the original, but I can understand why. It must take an eternity to illustrate 150+ pages, let alone more than 300 pages! I still really enjoyed the story even though, the novel was shortened in a way that I wish most TV adaptations were shortened: leave out the unnecessary stuff and keep the important stuff.
I used to think that comic books/graphic novels aren’t ‘real’ reading, but I’ve gotten rid of that stupid bias now! It definitely reads like a book and I have to admit, I love looking at the pictures!
The illustration style was easy to follow and understand. The characters fit with the descriptions I had in my mind and I think I’ll definitely read more of these types of books in the future!
*Thank you to Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first ever grapic novel!
I’ve read and reread the Alex Rider series a few times before, and I remember Ark Angel pretty well, so this graphic novel was like a reread for me.
The story was shorter than the original, but I can understand why. It must take an eternity to illustrate 150+ pages, let alone more than 300 pages! I still really enjoyed the story even though, the novel was shortened in a way that I wish most TV adaptations were shortened: leave out the unnecessary stuff and keep the important stuff.
I used to think that comic books/graphic novels aren’t ‘real’ reading, but I’ve gotten rid of that stupid bias now! It definitely reads like a book and I have to admit, I love looking at the pictures!
The illustration style was easy to follow and understand. The characters fit with the descriptions I had in my mind and I think I’ll definitely read more of these types of books in the future!
*Thank you to Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2020
I received a digital review copy from the publisher,this does not influence my review in any manner.
This is one good spy thriller book!
Our protagonist saves a boy earning himself a invitation to stay with a multi-billionare who wishes to open up a hotel... in space.On the other hand,some secretive pro nature activists (not),will stop at no ends to foil this project of his.
Alex is caught in a mashup of governments,secret agencies, multibillionaires and some very dangerous people before he can stop himself.
There were literally so many twists and turns in this book.
👍
This is one good spy thriller book!
Our protagonist saves a boy earning himself a invitation to stay with a multi-billionare who wishes to open up a hotel... in space.On the other hand,some secretive pro nature activists (not),will stop at no ends to foil this project of his.
Alex is caught in a mashup of governments,secret agencies, multibillionaires and some very dangerous people before he can stop himself.
There were literally so many twists and turns in this book.
👍
June 13, 2020
Oh Yeah, I’m Back All Right.
Ark Angel: An Alex Rider Graphic Novel is another exciting adventure with Alex Rider. Ark Angel is one of my favorite Alex Rider books, and I was pleasantly surprised how close, author Antony Johnston, set up the dialogue and important plot points from the novel. Amrit Birdi’s art is fantastic, and captures the serious sarcasm of Alex perfectly. It is great to see Alex in action, as he adapts to widely different settings. I especially loved the ending panels, as Birdi uses light and movement lines to both represent falling action and Alex’s newfound resolve. Though, some of the ominous mood, humor, action tie ins, and Alex’s overall inner struggle written by Anthony Horowitz is lost. This is not a replacement for the novel, but a companion. Alex is back, and in any form, is a pleasure to read.
Ark Angel: An Alex Rider Graphic Novel is another exciting adventure with Alex Rider. Ark Angel is one of my favorite Alex Rider books, and I was pleasantly surprised how close, author Antony Johnston, set up the dialogue and important plot points from the novel. Amrit Birdi’s art is fantastic, and captures the serious sarcasm of Alex perfectly. It is great to see Alex in action, as he adapts to widely different settings. I especially loved the ending panels, as Birdi uses light and movement lines to both represent falling action and Alex’s newfound resolve. Though, some of the ominous mood, humor, action tie ins, and Alex’s overall inner struggle written by Anthony Horowitz is lost. This is not a replacement for the novel, but a companion. Alex is back, and in any form, is a pleasure to read.
December 1, 2020
Ark Angel is book 6 in the Alex Rider series. This is the graphic novel adaptation.
Alex is in a hospital, recovering. There is another boy close to his age in the room next door. When sinister men break in during the middle of the night and Alex overhears their plot to kidnap the other boy, he foils their plan. However, because of this, he is now embroiled in a madman's scheme to use a space hotel to destroy the Pentagon!
Lots of action and adventure in clear, engaging graphic novel format. What's not to love? I'm sure there are details from the book that haven't made it into this version but I think this is very appealing for reluctant/emerging readers or those who just prefer this format.
Alex is in a hospital, recovering. There is another boy close to his age in the room next door. When sinister men break in during the middle of the night and Alex overhears their plot to kidnap the other boy, he foils their plan. However, because of this, he is now embroiled in a madman's scheme to use a space hotel to destroy the Pentagon!
Lots of action and adventure in clear, engaging graphic novel format. What's not to love? I'm sure there are details from the book that haven't made it into this version but I think this is very appealing for reluctant/emerging readers or those who just prefer this format.
August 26, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.
I have read some of the adult novels that Anthony Horowitz has written but this is my first Alex Rider experience. Being a teacher of younger elementary I found the graphics and content to be too explicit for that age group. I think the level of detail will be engaging for more mature kids and teens. Since reading this I have picked up a few of the non-graphic novel Alex Rider books and I'm really looking forward to reading them.
I have read some of the adult novels that Anthony Horowitz has written but this is my first Alex Rider experience. Being a teacher of younger elementary I found the graphics and content to be too explicit for that age group. I think the level of detail will be engaging for more mature kids and teens. Since reading this I have picked up a few of the non-graphic novel Alex Rider books and I'm really looking forward to reading them.
September 18, 2020
LOVED IT! Loved the novel, and the graphic novel brought it all back to me😍
I feel bad for Paul (the villain's son), but at least he realized Alex wasn't wrong. I hope they continue making ALL the Alex Rider novels into graphic novels! Cant wait for the next one. This one left off with him in Australia amd for us fans....we know what happens next but I'd still be amazing to see it in action packed artwork. I can praise this enough
I feel bad for Paul (the villain's son), but at least he realized Alex wasn't wrong. I hope they continue making ALL the Alex Rider novels into graphic novels! Cant wait for the next one. This one left off with him in Australia amd for us fans....we know what happens next but I'd still be amazing to see it in action packed artwork. I can praise this enough
June 8, 2020
It is a bit sinful to declare, I know, but this might as well be my first experience of Alex Rider books. I'm sure I read a previous graphic novel adaptation, but can't for the life of me remember anything beyond a potentially silvery-blue/grey skiing scene on the cover. Anyway, this part whatever of the series starts with Alex in hospital, and immediately putting his life on the line to protect an oligarch's son by initially pretending to be him, when eco-terrorists come calling. When said oligarch tries to thank him with the seven star luxury his roubles can afford him, our hero Alex is only then made aware just how much the man's business interests are of concern to the CIA and so on, and just how malevolent the tree-huggers might be feeling about it all…
The thing is, I can't tell if this is supposed to be this errantly cheesy. With not a page of the original novels turned in my household, I can't tell if the expert improvisation – and then a whopping bit of tightrope-walking – in what almost counts as the pre-credit sequence is supposed to be played straight. It certainly feels like Horowitz imbued this with some attempt at verity, which I would have expected with my limited experience of his TV work and more mature reads, but the cheesy pseudonym the CIA give themselves in order to hide in plain sight may well be the last straw for some seeking a realistic drama. Alex Rider only seems capable of being too good to be true, and have incredible powers at thinking aloud to tell us what's going on. Talking about derring-do without a hair out of place, his power with the interior monologue is flawless.
I had thought, with a corporate name and not a single person credited to the artwork, that the visuals would let the side down here. But no, it seems to be either the original source, or the adaptation. And when the shark gets well and truly jumped later on here, there's no need to apportion blame. This is an errant mess of glamour and risibly unrealistic action. Very much like the echt James Bond, then, and very much not what I thought I'd end up reading. One and a half stars.
The thing is, I can't tell if this is supposed to be this errantly cheesy. With not a page of the original novels turned in my household, I can't tell if the expert improvisation – and then a whopping bit of tightrope-walking – in what almost counts as the pre-credit sequence is supposed to be played straight. It certainly feels like Horowitz imbued this with some attempt at verity, which I would have expected with my limited experience of his TV work and more mature reads, but the cheesy pseudonym the CIA give themselves in order to hide in plain sight may well be the last straw for some seeking a realistic drama. Alex Rider only seems capable of being too good to be true, and have incredible powers at thinking aloud to tell us what's going on. Talking about derring-do without a hair out of place, his power with the interior monologue is flawless.
I had thought, with a corporate name and not a single person credited to the artwork, that the visuals would let the side down here. But no, it seems to be either the original source, or the adaptation. And when the shark gets well and truly jumped later on here, there's no need to apportion blame. This is an errant mess of glamour and risibly unrealistic action. Very much like the echt James Bond, then, and very much not what I thought I'd end up reading. One and a half stars.
November 11, 2020
4.5 stars / 5
I found this comic on NetGalley and was interested in, so I requested it. I’m a big Alex Rider fan, I loved the whole series. That’s why I was interested in the comics. This comic version of the 5. or 6. book in the series (I don't remember exactly), I haven't read the previous ones as comics (yet!!!). I read this as a novel 3-4 years ago, so I didn’t remember the story so much anymore, so it was partly a new experience, but reading it reminded me of things.
I can’t complain about the story because I basically loved it. Although I missed a few things from the novel, so I stay with the novel version, but if I just want to get back into Alex’s world, all I have to do is catch a comic and go through the story in 2 hours. I must also point out that this part is wherein the novel I thought it was too much, it was already beyond the limits of reality.
I really liked the drawing style. I also enjoyed this form of the story, and now I was encouraged to re-read the entire series, albeit in comic form.
My Hungarian review:
NetGalley-n találtam ezt a képregényt, és érdekelt milyen lett, ezért jelentkeztem rá. Nagy Alex Rider sorozat rajongó vagyok, imádtam az egész sorozatot. Ezért is érdekelt, hogy milyen lett a képregény. Ez a rész a 5-6. rész (nem emlékszem pontosan) képregény változata, az előzőket nem olvastam képregényként (még!!!). Ezt a részt 3-4 éve olvastam, így a sztorira már annyira nem emlékeztem, így részben új élmény volt, de azért olvasva eszembe jutottak a dolgok.
A történetre nem lehet panaszom, mert azt alapból imádtam. Bár pár dolgot hiányoltam, amit csak a sima könyv tudott átadni, így maradok a könyv változatnál, de ha csak vissza akarok kerülni Alex világába elég csak előkapni egy részt, és 2 óra alatt végigmenni a sztorin. Ki kell még emelnem, hogy ez a rész az, ahol könyvben is úgy gondoltam, hogy ez már túl sok, ez már túl megy a realitás határán.
A rajzstílus nekem nagyon tetszett. Élveztem ezt a formáját is a történetnek, és most kedvet kaptak, hogy bár képregény fomrában újra olvassam az egész sorozatot.
I found this comic on NetGalley and was interested in, so I requested it. I’m a big Alex Rider fan, I loved the whole series. That’s why I was interested in the comics. This comic version of the 5. or 6. book in the series (I don't remember exactly), I haven't read the previous ones as comics (yet!!!). I read this as a novel 3-4 years ago, so I didn’t remember the story so much anymore, so it was partly a new experience, but reading it reminded me of things.
I can’t complain about the story because I basically loved it. Although I missed a few things from the novel, so I stay with the novel version, but if I just want to get back into Alex’s world, all I have to do is catch a comic and go through the story in 2 hours. I must also point out that this part is wherein the novel I thought it was too much, it was already beyond the limits of reality.
I really liked the drawing style. I also enjoyed this form of the story, and now I was encouraged to re-read the entire series, albeit in comic form.
My Hungarian review:
NetGalley-n találtam ezt a képregényt, és érdekelt milyen lett, ezért jelentkeztem rá. Nagy Alex Rider sorozat rajongó vagyok, imádtam az egész sorozatot. Ezért is érdekelt, hogy milyen lett a képregény. Ez a rész a 5-6. rész (nem emlékszem pontosan) képregény változata, az előzőket nem olvastam képregényként (még!!!). Ezt a részt 3-4 éve olvastam, így a sztorira már annyira nem emlékeztem, így részben új élmény volt, de azért olvasva eszembe jutottak a dolgok.
A történetre nem lehet panaszom, mert azt alapból imádtam. Bár pár dolgot hiányoltam, amit csak a sima könyv tudott átadni, így maradok a könyv változatnál, de ha csak vissza akarok kerülni Alex világába elég csak előkapni egy részt, és 2 óra alatt végigmenni a sztorin. Ki kell még emelnem, hogy ez a rész az, ahol könyvben is úgy gondoltam, hogy ez már túl sok, ez már túl megy a realitás határán.
A rajzstílus nekem nagyon tetszett. Élveztem ezt a formáját is a történetnek, és most kedvet kaptak, hogy bár képregény fomrában újra olvassam az egész sorozatot.
March 11, 2024
A graphic novel adaptation of Alex Rider's 6th adventure. In this one, he is mistaken for another young man in the hospital and prevents the other teen from being shot/kidnapped. The boy's wealthy father then recruits him to go on holiday with them to his island in the Caribbean where his space hotel construction launches from. Alex has noticed some odd things about this wealthy man, Nikolei Drevin, and his suspicions are confirmed when the CIA recruits him to spy on him for them on his trip to the Caribbean.
It has been a really long time since I read the original (I think I read it when it came out), but based on what I can remember this seems like an adequate adaptation to graphic novel form. The story loses a little something being summarized, but it is still an enjoyable spy story.
Notes on content:
Language: About 20 minor swears plus 2 illustrations in which Alex gives someone the finger (he's trying to subtly start a fight so he can get free).
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are several fight scenes and dangerous situations. Two people die in explosions, a couple get shot, others get punched/kicked, there's an attempted drowning, and more. Some blood on page, but it is kept very minimal.
Ethnic diversity: Alex is White British, other MI6 agents are mostly White British, Nikolei is White Russian, Nikolei's assistant is Black American, Nikolei's scientist is Korean.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: A father plans to have his son abducted and his finger cut off just to throw others off his scent.
It has been a really long time since I read the original (I think I read it when it came out), but based on what I can remember this seems like an adequate adaptation to graphic novel form. The story loses a little something being summarized, but it is still an enjoyable spy story.
Notes on content:
Language: About 20 minor swears plus 2 illustrations in which Alex gives someone the finger (he's trying to subtly start a fight so he can get free).
Sexual content: None
Violence: There are several fight scenes and dangerous situations. Two people die in explosions, a couple get shot, others get punched/kicked, there's an attempted drowning, and more. Some blood on page, but it is kept very minimal.
Ethnic diversity: Alex is White British, other MI6 agents are mostly White British, Nikolei is White Russian, Nikolei's assistant is Black American, Nikolei's scientist is Korean.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: A father plans to have his son abducted and his finger cut off just to throw others off his scent.
March 1, 2024
I love this book. I originally read the version without the pictures, and it was awesome (my review for that below) but the graphic novel gives the book a whole new - better - perspective on the narrative. I would highly recommend reading the graphic novel version, especially if you have already read the original. The pictures are high quality and allow you to understand more about the story. The graphic novel follows the original almost word for word.
** spoiler alert ** This book is incredible. It is easily one of my favourite books of all time. It was epic throughout the entire book, and I never wanted to put it down. All the aspects a perfect, the betrayal, the support, the gadgets, the action, the sports, and the cool fine details. I feel like I watched a movie with the amount of detail that Horowitz put into this book. The kite surf vs. Boat chase was awesome, and the book felt like it had so many different things go on, I feel like I read a series, rather than a single book. My favourite part was probably when Alex Rider went to space, it was epic, especially the description. The only slightly negative thing I would say about the book is the ending. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen once he got back to earth, but it only mentioned the sea before the book ended. However, that has got me seriously gripped and I can not wait to read the next book.
** spoiler alert ** This book is incredible. It is easily one of my favourite books of all time. It was epic throughout the entire book, and I never wanted to put it down. All the aspects a perfect, the betrayal, the support, the gadgets, the action, the sports, and the cool fine details. I feel like I watched a movie with the amount of detail that Horowitz put into this book. The kite surf vs. Boat chase was awesome, and the book felt like it had so many different things go on, I feel like I read a series, rather than a single book. My favourite part was probably when Alex Rider went to space, it was epic, especially the description. The only slightly negative thing I would say about the book is the ending. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen once he got back to earth, but it only mentioned the sea before the book ended. However, that has got me seriously gripped and I can not wait to read the next book.
August 18, 2022
This book is about Alex Rider who is in a hospital recovering from a bullet wound. He ends up saving the son of a rich billionaire's son, and gets invited by him to a holiday. There he finds out that Nikolai Drevin is planning to put a space hotel, the first ever. After some investigation, Alex discovers that Nikolai plans to blow it up and destroy the Pentagon. Alex goes up and stops the hotel from exploding.
My favourite character is Alex, and my favourite part is when Alex sneaks into Drevin's base.
My favourite character is Alex, and my favourite part is when Alex sneaks into Drevin's base.
January 20, 2021
I'm huge fan of Anthony Horowitz and was curious to read one of his Alex Rider story.
I had a lot of fun and appreciated the well written story, the characters and the world building.
The graphical part is interesting and I liked it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I had a lot of fun and appreciated the well written story, the characters and the world building.
The graphical part is interesting and I liked it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 20, 2023
i went to the social science library to read an alex rider graphic novel from the bodleian closed stacks. loved this very quick read with gorgeous pictures. so much nostalgia and it was nice to have a tangible image behind the audiobook i listened to the other day.
September 5, 2023
I don't care if mrs jones was white in the books she was NOT white in the past 5 of these and it was really a jumpscare seeing her (at least she was only in it for 2 pages)
definitely not my favourite. not 2 stars in a this is BAD way but in a this is the worst of the graphic novels way
definitely not my favourite. not 2 stars in a this is BAD way but in a this is the worst of the graphic novels way
September 7, 2024
I haven’t finished this graphic novel and I may not. I love the original story but why did the artist make Mrs jones white??? All previous graphic novels had her similar to the actress who played Mrs jones in the movie…
Or was this a poor printing decision on the publisher end?
Or was this a poor printing decision on the publisher end?
Want to read
June 6, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
September 15, 2020
Action! Action! Action! sometimes at the expense of a hole - less timeline but still fun.
May 10, 2021
Reminds me of Elon Musk now...
July 29, 2022
While I enjoy any Alex Rider story this one was a little outside of my taste with a Russian Billionaire building a space hotel and a group of environmental terrorist.
October 2, 2024
IT WAS GOOD
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews