Alex Segura takes us on a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns in Alter Ego, a nearly perfect sequel to his hit Los Angeles Times Book Prize novel, Secret Identity, that I simply could not put down.
Annie Bustamante is a cultural force like none other: an acclaimed filmmaker, an author, a comic book artist known for one of the all time best superhero comics in recent memory. But she’s never been able to tackle her longtime favorite superhero, the Lethal Lynx. Only known to the most die-hard comics fans and long out of print, the rights were never available―until now.
But Annie is skeptical of who is making the offer: Bert Carlyle’s father started Triumph Comics, and has long claimed ownership of the Lynx. When she starts getting anonymous messages urging her not to trust anyone, Annie’s inner alarms go off. Even worse? Carlyle wants to pair her with a disgraced filmmaker for a desperate media play.
Annie, who has been called a genius, a sell-out, a visionary, a hack, and everything else under the sun, is sick of the money grab. For the first time since she started reading a tattered copy of The Legendary Lynx #1 as a kid, she feels a pure, creative spark. The chance to tell a story her way. She’s not about to let that go. Even if it means uncovering the dark truth about the character she loves.
Secret Identity is a book that fell right in my wheelhouse. A book that crosses from the comic book industry into the world of mystery novel. While I am always interested in more from a book I enjoyed, I was super satisfied with how Secret Identity ended. However, Alex Segura somehow was able to author a followup novel that rivals the first in the series like very few can do. Alter Ego elevates the duology to new heights and explores the comic book world even more in depth.
The addition of Annie Bustamante, a complex and compelling protagonist who is not afraid to challenge the status quo, added depth to the overall narrative. As she navigates the murky waters of the comic book industry, readers are given a glimpse into the inner workings of a world filled with secrets and betrayals. Alter Ego is an examination of the tension between creativity and consumerism while dealing with such topics as creator rights. Segura gives us a duel between the art and intellectual property, and the tug-of-war between legacy and profit. Segura has a keen ability to craft a story that delves into real-life issues comic book creators deal with while adding a layer of fiction, suspense and mystery to the story.
While on the surface Alter Ego is a story about comic creators fighting for something they believe in, Segura masterfully weaves in themes of intergenerational trauma, the complexities of parenthood, and the quest for personal identity. As the story unfolds, we get a gripping novel that reads like a thriller set in the world of comic book creation. A truly innovative and masterfully crafted novel.
Segura’s writing ability shines on each and every page, making for a novel we simply did not want to stop reading. The book is written for those die-hard fans of the inner workings of the comic book industry, while also offering an engaging and fast-paced story that any fan of mystery novels can enjoy. You don’t need any real comic book industry knowledge to dive into Alter Ego, but knowing a bit more makes the journey that much more fun. Segura have a working knowledge and appreciation for the art form is evident throughout, adding so much more to the story.
Finding a novel that meets all of the items on your checklist can be difficult, but Segura seems to have made it a bit easier for me. Novels such as Secret Identity and Alter Ego allow me to enjoy my passion for comic books while also sinking myself into a great mystery novel.
Alter Ego is truly a work of art filled with suspense, intrigue, family dynamics, and the inner workings of the comic book industry. While I thought the story was tied up with a bow in Secret Identity, I could not be happier to have just finished reading Alter Ego. This novel is a love letter to those who love comics, but can be enjoy by anyone looking for a great mystery novel.
Alter Ego hits bookstores everywhere on December 3, 2024 from Flatiron Books. Pre-order the audiobook, narrated by Frankie Corzo, on Libro.fm and support local bookstores.
