DPS Only!

by Velinxi

Overview

High school student Vicky lives a secret life. To most, she is a meek pushover, often in the shadow of her e-sports superstar of a brother, Virgil. Unknown to anyone, however, she dons a secret identity when she logs on to play Xenith Orion, the multiplayer game dominating the e-sports scene. She knows firsthand the harassment female gamers often experience, but when an opportunity arises in a local tournament, Vicky—mask in hand—cannot resist the challenge. Sneaking around and hiding only works for so long, and once the truth comes out, what will it mean for Vicky and those who trusted her?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781524883133
Publisher:	Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication date:	12/14/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	432
File size:	98 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Velinxi is the creator of DPS Only! and the ongoing webcomic Countdown to Countdown. Her greatest passion lies in storytelling through illustrations, which she has been doing for the past few years (with varying stages of success). You can find more of her work on Twitter and Instagram @Velinxi.
 

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW

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.) (Publishers Weekly, Publishers Weekly)

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)
(Kirkus Reviews, Kirkus Reviews)

From the Publisher

11/18/2022

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

School Library Journal

2022-08-17
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)

Kirkus Reviews