Nimona

by Noelle Stevenson
Nimona cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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  • ID: 8958
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-24
  • ISBN: 9780062278227
  • Publisher: HarperTeen
  • Published: 2015-05-12
  • Reviews: 3

Nimona is the graphic novel debut from Noelle Stevenson, based on her acclaimed web comic. It follows the chaotic duo of Nimona, a shapeshifting troublemaker, and Lord Ballister Blackheart, a villain with a grudge against the kingdom's heroes. Their mission to expose the corruption of the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics takes unexpected turns as Nimona's mysterious past and unpredictable powers come to light. The novel is filled with vibrant artwork, an exclusive epilogue, and bonus sketches that enhance the reading experience. /n/n The story is a brilliantly subversive take on traditional hero and villain tropes, filled with wit, action, and emotional depth. As Nimona and Lord Blackheart's bond deepens, they uncover secrets that challenge their understanding of good and evil. The novel's unique blend of fantasy, humor, and drama makes it a standout in the graphic novel genre, appealing to both longtime fans of the web comic and new readers alike.

Reviews
FunFandomBlog · 2023-09-11
enjoyable 4.50

Despite its melancholic undertones, the story is engaging and evolves into a deeper narrative. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments makes it a standout read.

This reviewer found Nimona to be a delightful read that balances humor and melancholy beautifully. They appreciated how the story, which initially appears to be a simple fantasy romp, slowly unfolds into a more complex and emotionally resonant narrative. The characters and their interactions are particularly noteworthy, adding layers of depth to the story. The reviewer also praised the unexpected emotional depth, which adds a unique touch to the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Despite the unexpected melancholy, I highly enjoyed Nimona.

    What looks from the outside to be a simple fantasy romp actually develops slowly but surely into a deeper narrative.

    The blend of humor and heartfelt moments makes it a standout read.

SFF Book Reviews · 2016-02-25
subversive 4.75

The story is brilliantly subversive and sharply irreverent, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The blend of science and symbolism adds depth to the narrative.

This reviewer praises Nimona for its brilliantly subversive and sharply irreverent approach to storytelling. They found the blend of science and symbolism to be particularly intriguing, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The reviewer also appreciated the unique characters and their dynamics, which contribute to the story's overall appeal. The irreverent humor and emotional depth make it a memorable read, standing out in the fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

    Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson.

    The story is not only witty but also emotional and had a incredibly interesting setting and plot.

    Nimona has oodles of charm and a ton of heart.

Amy's Smart Girls · Trilby Beresford · 2016-01-08
heartwarming 4.00

The graphic novel is a heartwarming tale with a unique art style that evolves throughout the story. The characters and their dynamics are particularly compelling.

Trilby Beresford highlights the unique art style of Nimona, which evolves beautifully over the course of the story. They found the characters to be well-developed and their interactions to be both humorous and heartwarming. The reviewer particularly enjoyed how the story balances lighthearted moments with deeper, more poignant themes. The evolution of the art style is also noted as a standout feature, adding to the overall enjoyment of the read.

Quick quotes

    Nimona is an eye-catching graphic novel, adapted from a web-comic.

    The cover shines with friendly colours and a smooth, warm look and feel.

    The story follows a vulnerable super villain, Lord Ballister Blackheart, and his unlikely ally, Nimona.

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