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.
I love this.
Nimona is this unapologetic, excited girl with totally unexplained superpowers. She's a shapeshifter, or a skin changer, or... well honestly who cares because Sir Blackheart's evil career needs some serious boosting and HERE COMES NIMONA.
This graphic novel is a really well thought-out story about a girl who is lost, two old friends forced by the Institution to be enemies, and a system in power too busy entertaining its own ideas to worry about its people. There's deep sentiment and delightful silliness in the panels. I really enjoyed it.
As a graphic novel, it's brief. The characters and world aren't really as well developed as in a novel. That said, for the little slice of life you get to see them, they're delightful. I certainly wish there were additional volumes, but Nimona is based on a webcomic. I love the characters' fears and struggles, and enjoyed trying to spot Nimona in various panels.
Many of the best scenes were "filler" - moments where Nimona is complaining about sardines in pizza or hiding in Blackhart's cape from a scary movie.
This was a great little book and a wholly recommend it. I don't typically pick up graphic novels, and this one is fantastic.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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21 March, 2018:
Finished reading
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21 March, 2018:
Reviewed