Comic Review: Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: May 2015

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The graphic novel debut from rising star Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it "a deadpan epic."

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 is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.

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’d heard so much about this book, that there was no way it wasn’t on my radar. And I’m glad that I finally picked it up.

First of all, I will say that I was impressed, particularly with all the positive body-image in this book. The way that Nimona chooses to look while human, and then also the hinted romance between Blackheart and Goldenloin—especially with that second one. There’s also the corrupted government trying to control everything, using Blackheart and Goldenloin for their own purposes. Nimona’s reasoning behind sticking to Blackheart but never talking about herself or where she came from. The depth behind all of this was really well done, and surprising.

It all leads up to the ending, which was rather deserving, even if a little sad.

Aside from that, this was a fun book to read. All the scheming and tricks that they use, the comedic antics thrown in. The artwork is pretty, and I love that it’s all in color and hardback. It’s a very pretty book, for sure.

I was impressed with this book, and will hopefully be picking up more like it soon. Definitely recommended.