DPS Only!

Starred review from August 22, 2022
Sixteen-year-old Vicky Tan navigates e-sports’ misogynistic atmosphere in this high-octane solo debut, originally a webcomic, by Velinxi (the Scum Villain series). Vicky has always supported her older brother, Virgil, username Aeneid, a top-ranked player of popular pvp game Xenith Orion, which is notorious for its boys’ club environment. She edits his videos, curates his social media presence, and cheers him on at tournaments. She also secretly moonlights as an equally high-ranked Xenith player; concealing her gender to avoid harassment, she plays online using voice modulators and the username Aegis. After landing a spot in a tournament, she must decide if she wants to fight for agency in her own life or to live in Virgil’s—and her alter ego’s—shadow forever. Velnixi’s bold lines, striking shadows, dynamic paneling, and vibrant, textured palettes stunningly illustrate Vicky’s cloud-nine highs and subterranean lows. This powerfully emotional graphic novel, set against a bombastic technicolor e-sports backdrop, tenderly navigates tumultuous, nuanced relationships and necessary conversations regarding toxic bro culture and being one’s authentic self. Vicky and Virgil cue as East Asian. Ages 13–17.

September 1, 2022
A talented gamer hides her identity and competes in an e-sports tournament. Sixteen-year-old Vicky Tan lives in the shadow of her older brother, Virgil, an e-sports champion and her legal guardian. Virgil always speaks for her, believes she hates video games, and chooses food she doesn't like, making it hard to communicate with him. Little does he know, Vicky has a secret: She not only loves playing Xenith Orion, the game he also plays, she's extremely talented and dreams of one day playing on stage and winning a tournament. Between her brother's unpredictability and the harassment and scrutiny women face in the male-dominated field, Vicky prefers playing as Aegis, her powerful alter ego. When the game developers announce an open tournament, Vicky and some new friends have the chance to realize their dreams. This is an emotion-filled story of family, friendship, growth, and identity based on a popular webcomic. Even readers unfamiliar with gaming will be able to enjoy it, as it includes enough explanation and background information. As the story develops, the misogynistic tendencies of the e-sports world are exposed, bringing awareness to the issue. Virgil and Vicky's sibling relationship also portrays the fine line between being protective and overbearingly toxic. Vicky and Virgil are cued Chinese American; there is a diverse cast of secondary characters. A captivating read for teens, especially those who enjoy e-sports. (Graphic fiction. 13-18)

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November 18, 2022

Gr 8 Up-The male-dominated world of competitive gaming sets up this story of siblings faced with difficult challenges. Virgil, 25, has been the legal guardian of teenage Vicky since they fled abusive parents. Virgil supports them through professional e-sports as the reigning champion, Aenid, whose reputation as a hot-headed intimidator isolates him from teammates but makes him the fan-favorite on social media. Vicky feels controlled by his overprotection, unable to make decisions or choose her own friends. As her secret avatar, Aegis, Vicky becomes Virgil's top competitor and a recruit in a ragtag team whose members include past victims of Virgil's bullying. As Aegis, Vicky confronts her brother, her past, and her fears. This graphic novel is issue- and plot-driven, with well-defined, racially diverse characters. Issues of gender bias in e-sports are addressed, as well as the commodification of gaming tournaments, pitting players motivated by fame and fortune against those playing for fun and friendship. The style is dynamic as action pops out of panels against washes of color. Tournament scenes are intense and evoke the thrill of battle, but lengthy and superfluous. Decisive editing could have streamlined the story into a more digestible graphic novel, but at almost 450 pages, the density is daunting. A side story about a kidnapper stalking teenage girls adds a real threat as Vicky fends off harassment by male gamers, but this plot point gets lost. Suggestive and violent language is used sparingly. VERDICT Recommended as an additional purchase where gaming is popular or for readers seeking stories of reconciliation, empowerment, and familial relationships.-Rebecca Jung

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 3, 2023
Grades 9-12 Vicky Tan is a timid high-school student whose brother happens to be an e-sports superstar. She spends most of her time helping his career as a competitive gamer playing the massively popular game, Xenith Orion, while leaving her own dreams on the back burner. Vicky fantasizes about being a competitive gamer herself, but she has always lived in her brother's shadow. Her life changes at a local gaming cafe, however, when a chance presents itself: a nationwide tournament is about to take place, and Vicky is hesitantly drafted into a newly minted team. She hides her identity from her brother, who is also competing in the tournament, and creates the persona of Aegis, who quickly becomes an internet phenomenon in the e-sports gaming world. But can her secret life stay secret forever? Velinxi's dynamic, cinematic visuals nicely suit this e-sports story (which started as a webcomic), and the theme of following one's own dreams is a solid one. Gamers or teens who like e-sports will appreciate this deep dive into the scene.

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