About

Nimona is a standalone graphic novel written by Noelle Stevenson.

Nimona book cover

Blurb

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.

Review

I mostly enjoyed this graphic novel. I've seen it recommended as a light-hearted comic and I was in a desperate mood for one. The novel certainly has plenty of hilarious moments, but I wasn't prepared for the violence.

I liked the art, especially the attention to minor details that became relevant soon after. I revisited a few sequences to fully appreciate the brilliance.

The setting was odd (medieval and futuristic mix) - disorienting at first but grew on me as the novel progressed.

I enjoyed the first half more than the second half. The ending was a mixed bag for me.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟☆

What others are saying

From Alex's review on goodreads:

Nimona was such a fluffy yet meaningful read. It proves as a light escape from reality and into the world of dragons, heroic laws, good villains, broken doors and mostly SHARKS!!! I loved the art-style and the use of so many literary devices within the words and graphics that allowed the story to fly off the pages and straight into my heart.

From Tash's review on goodreads:

At first shift, Nimona is the story of a skilled, yet impulsive, villain side kick and her ornery master, Ballister Blackheart. I was expecting the classic mentor-mentee relationship ala Batman and Robin, but I was pleasantly surprised that it's way more than that. Let's just say it's more like Batman and Joker. Together, they do whatever it is villainous duos do, create chaos and mayhem, and work on fulfilling personal vendettas against the Institution and their #1 hero Sir Goldenlion.

Bingo

/r/Fantasy/ 2021 bingo categories:

  • A Selection from the r/Fantasy A to Z Genre Guide
  • New to You Author (HM)
  • Backlist Book
  • Genre Mashup