National Book Award Finalist * New York Times Bestseller * New York Times Notable Book * Kirkus Best Book * School Library Journal Best Book * Publishers Weekly Best Book * NPR Best Book * New York Public Library Best Book * Chicago Public Library Best Book * A Spring 2015 Indie Next List Pick The New York Times bestselling graphic novel sensation from Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic. Kirkus says, "If you're going to read one graphic novel this year, make it this one." Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel has been hailed by critics and fans alike as the arrival of a "superstar" talent (NPR.org). Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc.
Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are. But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.
Nimona is a rather odd graphic novel. It focuses on the villains of a story instead of the heroes and in doing so makes you sympathetic to their stories and their goals. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this comic, but I’m very happy with what was delivered.
The first thing to note about Nimona, is that she is a bad guy…she loves to reek havoc and destruction and she’s quite good at turning a normal situation into one of chaos. She’s killed people and set fire to innocent people’s homes, but there is still something in her that makes her completely likable. She’s chaotic and goofy but she’s also dark and brooding. Getting to know her is equal parts hilarity and heartbreaking. Lord Blackheart is the nemesis of Sir Goldenloin, and he is particular in the way he opposes Goldenloin and the Institution. He has a code of ethics, but Nimona is the wrench in his plans. She helps me grow but also shows him when it’s too much. I love the odd balance between these two. They build a friendship that is heartfelt and connected but also teeters on the verge of shattering. Blackheart’s story is really pushed forward by her. I have to say I loved the fact that this book doesn’t focus just on a battle of good vs evil, but also goes into the gray areas where good can be evil and vice versa. We get to see villains painted in a good light and heroes in a bad, we get to see them fight against not only each other but themselves.
The art is pretty similar to Lumberjanes and even in its simplicity, it has a lot of emotion to it. I love the character designs for everyone and the weird wonderful mash-up of fantasy and science fiction!
I’m definitely a Noelle Stevenson fan now! Between this and Lumberjanes I have to say she’s particularly good at creating simple stories with tons of little heartfelt layers.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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2 April, 2017:
Finished reading
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2 April, 2017:
Reviewed