Snakehead: An Alex Rider Graphic Novel
#7 of 13 in Alex Rider Series
What’s inside...
Seventeen-year-old superspy Alex Rider regains consciousness in an Australian hospital after falling from space (see Ark Angel). Almost immediately, ASIS—the Australian Secret Intelligence Service—recruits him. Partnered with his long-lost godfather, he goes undercover to penetrate Snakehead, a Southeast-Asian crime syndicate involved in everything from refugee smuggling to international terrorism. From Darwin to Indonesia’s shadowy ports and a secret island base in the Timor Sea, Alex races to stop a tsunami bomb, face betrayal, and confront questions of family, loyalty, and identity in a high-octane, full-color graphic adaptation.
Character compass
Alex Rider
Major Winston Yu
Anthony Sean Howell (Ash)
Smithers
Mrs Jones
Jack Starbright
Alan Blunt
Discussion points
Why does Alex agree to another mission despite past dangers?
How does the graphic format change your understanding of action scenes?
What real-world problems does Snakehead resemble?
How do trust and betrayal shape Alex’s decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Compare panel artwork to film storyboards for media literacy.
Locate story settings on a map to integrate geography.
Role-play ethical choices Alex faces to deepen empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Alex repeatedly chooses to act despite fear and danger.
Real-World Application: Facing school challenges or standing up for friends.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking over blind trust
Explanation: Alex questions Ash’s motives and evaluates evidence.
Real-World Application: Evaluating online information and peer pressure.
Example Lesson: Global empathy
Explanation: Story exposes human-smuggling and refugee struggles.
Real-World Application: Understanding news about migration and supporting relief causes.
Example Lesson: Environmental responsibility
Explanation: Villain’s tsunami bomb threatens ecosystems and people alike.
Real-World Application: Discussing disaster preparedness and environmental protection.