Vicious

A brilliant story about superpowers, ambition, envy, and desire.

When Victor and Eli were first roommates in college, they were both smart, conceited, and lonely guys who saw the same drive and ambition in one another. During their senior year, they discover an interesting possibility: that someone may gain superhuman talents if the correct circumstances are met. Their common study interests are in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and apparently supernatural phenomena. However, things go terribly wrong when their thesis shifts from being academic to being experimental.

Ten years later, with the help of a young girl whose quiet demeanour belies her extraordinary talent, Victor escapes from jail with the intention of catching up to his former buddy, who is now his enemy. Eli, meantime, is determined to destroy every single superpowered individual he comes across, with the exception of his sidekick, a mysterious lady with an unwavering resolve. The archenemies have gone out to exact retribution, armed with immense strength on both sides and motivated by the memories of loss and treachery. But who will survive in the end?

Through the use of colourful writing, V. E. Schwab creates a gritty comic-book universe in Vicious, where heroes aren't always those who possess abilities and loyalty is questioned.