Publisher's Weekly Review
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. (Oct.)
Kirkus Review
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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
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.
