Module 13, Skeleton Key, the Graphic Novel

#1 Bibliographic Information

Horowitz, Anthony, Johnston, Antony, Kanako and Yuzuru (2009).  Skeleton Key: the graphic novel.  New York: Philomel Books.

#2 Summary

Alex Rider is 14 years old, and the best intelligence agent in Britain.  In this story, his country lends Alex to the U.S. CIA to get information on General Alexei Sarov, a suspicious Russian expatriate living in Skeleton Key, Cuba. Alex is sent there undercover to act as the son of two adult CIA agents.  When both of them are delayed in returning from an assignment, Alex searches for them, only to be captured by Sarov's stooge, where he learns that the agents are dead.  Sarov, who lost a son during wartime in Russia, feels that Alex could be his replacement.  Alex, however, disdains the idea, but his multiple attempts at escape are thwarted.  In Sarov's care, Alex learns that he plans to incapacitate the Russian President, and to detonate a nuclear bomb that will decimate Europe.  Sarov takes Alex to the site of the bomb, and, no longer desiring him as a son, leaves him handcuffed to be destroyed by the bomb.  But just in time, Alex escapes from his handcuffs and disarms the bomb, just as the Russian Army appears to give support, and take custody of Sarov.  But before they can, Sarov kills himself, leaving Rider guilt-stricken.  Back in Britain, Alex swears to never again be involved in government espionage and is able, once again, to be a 14 year-old, having fun with his friends.

#3 Reaction

Although the graphic art made this an interesting and quick read, I thought that the writing was full of stereotypes and predictability.  The Russians out to nuke the world, the deformed, maniacal assistant to Sarov, the elaborate killing methods (e.g., wanting to smash Rider in a mill, and then chaining him to the explosion site).  I also thought that Alex's character was a little bit too conceited; a too-big-for-his-britches brat.  Still, I suppose I can see how the fantasy would attract teenage readers--being a teen spy, or someone with a second identity, would definitely be fun to think about.  

#4 Reviews for Skeleton Key

Review #1

Is there a single innovative moment in this graphic adaptation of Anthony Horowitz’s third novel of teen super-spy Alex Rider? Not really, no. From the “pre-credits” sequence to the Bondian gadgets, from the megalomaniacal villain with a penchant for explaining things to the nuclear bomb–defusing climax, even the most inexperienced spy-fiction reader is likely to see what’s coming next. Does the adaptation contain any real substance or insight? Oh, come now. When the orphaned 14-year-old notes that he may lack a proper family but at least he gets to sun himself in five-star hotels, you can rest assured they’ve given up human drama in favor of bang-up action set-pieces. Does it have a place in your collection? Absolutely. It will be much enjoyed by those looking for a lightweight adventure with a high body count, a propulsive (though wordy) plot, and well-choreographed action rendered in capable illustration. Such readers might also be directed to Charlie Higson’s more thoughtful and involving Young Bond series, which is due to be adapted into graphic-novel form in 2010. Grades 7-10. 

--Karp, Jesse.  Review.  Booklist. Retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Skeleton-Key-Graphic-Novel-Rider/dp/product-description/0399254188/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Review #2

If America is the spiritual home of the superhero, Britain is Great because of spies and detectives. Our popular literary heritage is littered with cunning sleuths and stealthy investigators from Sherlock Holmes, Sexton Blake, Campion and Lord Peter Wimsey to the Scarlet Pimpernel, George Smiley and Harry Palmer. And Bond: James Bond…

In 2000 Anthony Horowitz produced Stormbreaker, the first of eight (and counting…) rip-snorting teen novels featuring 14 year old orphan Alex Rider: a smart, fit, sports-mad lad like any other, who suddenly discovers that his guardian Uncle Ian has also died. Moreover the deceased gentleman was apparently a spy of some distinction and had been surreptitiously teaching the lad all the skills, techniques and disciplines needed to become a secret agent…

Soon MI6 are knocking on his door…

As well as a major motion picture and video game, the books (the first three so far) have also been adapted to the comics medium; their easy blend of action, youthful rebellion and overwhelmingly comfortable 007-style pastiche winning many fans in the traditionally perilous older-boys book market. They’re really rather good…

I’m reviewing this particular graphic novel simply because it caught my eye on my last trip to the local library (how soft modern kids do have it; when I was a portly nipper you had to sneak comics into the place and read them concealed behind gigantic atlases or art books), but even though I’ve previously ignored them I can honestly say now that I’ll be seeking out the previous adaptations and eagerly waiting forthcoming ones…

Alex is a highly effective but reluctant agent, preferring the normal life of his boarding school to the clandestine machinations of espionage. However his occasional paymasters at MI6 are always looking for ways to exploit his obvious talents. A seemingly innocent offer to work as a ball-boy at the Wimbledon Tennis tournament leads to him foiling a huge gambling scam by a Chinese Triad.

Unfortunately this makes him a target for Triad vengeance, so his “boss” Mr. Crawford suggests a little trip to Cuba until the heat dies down.

Roll Credits…

Alex soon discovers he has been “borrowed” by the CIA to add camouflage to a reconnaissance mission involving Alexei Sarov, an old Stalinist Soviet general who is up to something particularly nasty with stolen atomic weapons from his isolated fortress on the Cayo Esqueleto or “Skeleton Key”.

Tasked with finding out what the old soldier is planning, the American agents at first make him less than welcome, resenting his presence and not trusting a “mere kid”, but I’m sure they changed their minds around about the moment when they got murdered…

Now the only operative in the game, Alex is soon captured by Sarov who proves to be an unbeatable opponent. Moreover he has a most unique fate planned for the boy after his plans for global annihilation are achieved: he wants to adopt him…

This is an immensely entertaining romp, hitting all the thrill-buttons for an ideal summer blockbluster, even though it’s told – and very convincingly – from the viewpoint of an uncertain boy rather than a suave, sophisticated adult. Donkin’s adaptation is sharp and witty, capturing the insecurities and verve of the young hero perfectly whilst the art by sisters Kanako & Yuzuru Takasaki is in a full-colour, computer-rendered manga style that might not please everybody but does work exceedingly well in conveying the softer moments as well as the spectacular action set-pieces.

Be warned however, even though this is a kid’s book there is a substantial amount of fighting and a large bodycount, and the violence is not at all cartoony in context. If you intend sharing the book with younger children, read it yourself first.

These books and their comic counterparts are a fine addition to our fiction tradition. Alex Rider will return… why don’t you join him?

--Wiacek, Win. (2010).  Skeleton Key: the graphic novel. Now read this!  Retrieved from: http://www.comicsreview.co.uk/nowreadthis/2010/05/14/skeleton-key-the-graphic-novel-an-alex-rider-adventure/

#5 Suggestions for Library Use

To play up the adventure of this series, the library could host its own spy-game, although that would take a lot of creative thinking.  Perhaps the library could create an Alex Rider facebook page, which would exclusively promote the series by providing summaries and reviews, and allowing readers to write their own reviews and comments.