Review: Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Nimona
by Noelle Stevenson
Published by Harper Voyager
Paperback (purchased)
Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy

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.

Nimona's reckless, shapeshifting sidekick with thirst for blowing stuff up and killing heroes. I didn't click with her for some reason and I found her a bit annoying at the beginning. However, I absolutely fell in love with the supervillain, Lord Ballister Blackheart, and his nemesis Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin. Ballister is a villain with morals and he's basically a huge science nerd which was so adorable. Ambrosius is an Institution trained hero with lots of morals and soft spot (love) for Ballister. Their banter, fights, and rulers for fighting is hilarious and adorable; I spend the whole comic shipping them because they are fated.

I wouldn't mind a sequel with more Ballister and Ambrosius, and cameo from Nimona.

Nimona is an action packed and fun graphic novel, which I definitely recommend to check out and read. The art is beautiful and the story is brilliant. There is plenty of villainous plans, fighting against the Institution, blowing up things, and friendships.

4 of 5 stars

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