Nimona

by Noelle Stevenson
published: Harper Collins, 2015
pages: 272

Ballister Blackheart is the most villainous man in the realm.  His arch nemesis, Goldenloin, is the only one who can and has stopped him.  That's all about to change.  When Nimona appoints herself Blackheart's evil sidekick, the villainy really begins.  Together Nimona and Blackheart will cause all sorts of chaos, that is unless Goldenloin and his knights can stop them.  Lines will be crossed, true character will be revealed and the definition of good and evil will be questioned by all.

One thing I love about Nimona is that it started as a web comic and then it was turned into a novel.  It makes me happy that so many people wanted to read this story on paper. There's a great positive message in this unique story that gives it the momentum it needed to become a graphic novel.

The art in this graphic novel is amazing!  I was really drawn to the art style in particular. The drawings are amazing and somewhat realistic in their cartoony fashion.  The colors fit the story so well.  There is lots of bright and vivid coloring, but also quite a bit of blue/green shading that gives the story a little bit of a sinister tone.

Nimona is a feisty and vibrant character that becomes more than just a sidekick to Ballister.  He may seem annoyed by her most of the time but their relationship is one of my favorite parts of this story.  Ballister sort of becomes a father figure for Nimona and she's like a kitten that is constantly getting into trouble and goofing around.  They balance each other very well.

This is one of the best graphic novels I've ever read.  I had a friend recommend it to me and I'm so so glad that I read it when I did.  Hands down, this graphic novel was funny, poignant, incredibly clever and a little bit diabolical.

This was the first true glimpse at Noelle Stevenson's work and it won't be my last.  I can't wait to catch up on the Lumberjanes comics and read anything else she publishes!

Stars: 5/5

Praise:

"If you're going to read one graphic novel this year, make it this one."
     --Kirkus Reviews

"At its core, Nimona is a story of rescue.  Each of the main characters rescue allies, friendships, the Kingdom, and ultimately, themselves... A vibrant solo work."
     --School Library Journal, starred review

"Sharp visuals, a nifty amalgam of fantasy and science fiction elements, and relationships drawn with complexity, wit, and depth create a world worth returning to again and again."
     --Publishers Weekly, starred review