Title: Nimona
Author: N.D. Stevenson
First published May 12, 2015
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Nimona is a thrilling graphic novel by the talented N.D. Stevenson. This book is an adaptation of his widely acclaimed web comic, which won the Cartoonist Studio Prize from Slate.
Brace yourself for a captivating adventure filled with science, symbolism, dragons, and of course, nemeses. This subversive and irreverent epic follows the story of Nimona, a mischievous young shapeshifter with a penchant for villainy, and Lord Ballister Blackheart, a vengeful villain with a score to settle.
Together, they set out to expose Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his cohorts at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics as the charlatans they truly are. But as their mission escalates into a brutal battle, Lord Blackheart discovers that Nimona’s powers are as enigmatic as her past.
Her unpredictable wild side may be more perilous than he ever imagined. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel features a special epilogue not found in the web comic, bonus conceptual sketches, and revised pages.
Nimona is a must-read for fans of the web comic and is sure to win over many new readers with its dark humor, intricate storytelling, and memorable characters.
About the Author
Meet ND Stevenson, the talented author and illustrator behind the acclaimed works Nimona and The Fire Never Goes Out. As a co-creator of the popular series Lumberjanes and the showrunner for the award-winning Netflix show She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Stevenson has made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry.
Currently residing in sunny Los Angeles, Stevenson continues to inspire readers and viewers alike with their unique and captivating creations.
Editoral Review
Nimona by N.D. Stevenson is a graphic novel published on May 12, 2015. The author, Noelle Stevenson, is an award-winning illustrator, writer, and cartoonist known for her unique narrative style and captivating illustrations.
The book falls under the genre of science fiction, with themes of identity, power, morality, and friendship. The plot centers around a young girl named Nimona, a shapeshifter who teams up with the villainous Lord Ballister Blackheart to wreak havoc on the kingdom of Knights.
As the story progresses, the duo navigates the complex political landscape of the kingdom, while confronting their own identities and values. Along the way, they befriend a heroic knight named Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin, and the three characters engage in a series of unpredictable and exciting adventures.
One of the strengths of Nimona is the depth and complexity of its characters. Nimona herself is a dynamic and unpredictable force, with a tragic backstory that fuels her desire for revenge.
Lord Blackheart, meanwhile, is a sympathetic and nuanced villain, whose motivations and loyalties are constantly in flux. And Sir Ambrosius, the archetypal knight, is revealed to have his own secrets and struggles.
The world-building in Nimona is also impressive, with Stevenson creating a fully-realized and intricate fantasy universe. The setting combines medieval and modern elements, with futuristic technology and magic coexisting alongside knights and dragons.
This inventive blend of genres is both amusing and thought-provoking, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about fantasy and science fiction. Stevenson’s illustrations are another strength of the book, with the artwork serving as a visual anchor for the story.
The character designs are distinctive and memorable, with Nimona’s mercurial appearance and Lord Blackheart’s flamboyant outfit standing out in particular. The action scenes are also expertly choreographed, with a sense of movement and energy that propels the story forward.
However, one potential weakness of Nimona is its pacing. The story can feel rushed at times, with major plot developments occurring abruptly and without much buildup.
Additionally, some readers may find the humor in the book to be too irreverent or juvenile for their tastes. Overall, Nimona is a delightful and engaging graphic novel that is well worth the read.
With its complex characters, inventive setting, and captivating illustrations, it is sure to appeal to fans of science fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels in general. For a book that can entertain while also grappling with timely social issues, Nimona is a standout choice.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
