Hey guys! So today’s review is a little bit different than usual because I’m reviewing a graphic novel! Disclaimer- I have not read that many graphic novels, nor do I know anything whatsoever about illustration, digital art, graphic design, or art in general. Now let’s move on to the review!
This book follows Nimona, a young shapeshifter with a penchant for mayhem. She finds a villain, Lord Ballister Blackheart, and single-handedly decides to become his sidekick. Unfortunately, this villain is much more like Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb: all bark and no bite. When he and Nimona join forces they are suddenly much more capable of committing actual treachery than before. Lord Blackheart grapples with his morals, his arch nemesis, and his new pizza-loving sidekick in this hilarious and heartfelt novel by Noelle Stevenson.
Okay y’all, I think I’m in love with Nimona. She is SO funny, witty, and badass all at the same time. One thing that I had never really realized about graphic novels is how incredible they are at conveying character. Even though this had fewer words than your average novel, I felt like I got to know the characters just as well. And I grew to love all of them. Nimona, with her pizza eating and her shark dog dragon shape-shifting, Lord Ballister Blackheart and his protectiveness of Nimona, even Sir Ambrosious Goldenloin and his confusion about good and evil. This novel had such a strong cast of characters, I really never wanted to leave them.
Also, Noelle Stevenson is a complete genius.
Reason one: She created this as a webcomic originally, as her senior thesis. It was then picked up by Harper Collins. How does that even happen?!
Reason two: She’s only twenty-five!
Reason three: She’s written for Disney, Marvel, and DC Comics.
Reason four: She’s giving accurate representations of queer people in the media! You would think that in this day and age that wouldn’t be a problem in the world, but unfortunately it is. And she’s doing a damn good job of it.
Reason five: She’s an inspiration. As a college student who wants to make a future in writing, it is so amazing to see other women out there kicking ass and taking names.
So yeah, basically I want to be Noelle Stevenson. And I want to read Nimona again. In fact, I think I’m going to go do that. But before I do that, I must once more impress upon all of you how important it is for you to read this book. It’s funny, it’s beautifully illustrated, and it will bring a smile to your face. I promise. Get it here Nimona
Final rating- 5/5
Thanks for reading my review, and until next time, happy reading 🙂
I don’t like graphic novels because there is something disjarring for me to read a story in panels. However, my daughter loves them and we use them a lot in homeschool. This looks exactly like something she would like to read. I need to show it to her.
So I’ve used disjarring my whole life. It doesn’t exist. HA! The word is just jarring. Oh well.
Omg that’s too funny! That’s happened to me before.
I think everybody is different. My kids are nearing school age and I love the idea of using graphic novels in that. My son is 3 and 1/2 and he loves them. More grown-up pictures he says…where he learned that, I don’t know, lol!
That’s a smart kid! And yeah, I feel like they could be a really nice transition for young readers who are beginning to move to more advanced material.
Although I’m not really into graphic novels, I’m intrigued! Great review!
Awwww thanks!
Oh my gosh, I also loved Nimona! Your review makes me want to read it ASAP! 🙂
Erica | Erica Robyn Reads
Go for it! I could read it a million times.
Oh, this one looks great! I’ve been wanting to read it. Also, I love graphic novels.
I’m thinking I should read more of them now.
This has literally been on my nightstand for MONTHS and I just haven’t gotten to it. I think it’s time to do so! Thanks for the review!
It’s definitely time! It only took me like an hour, it’s a quick read.
This looks so great! I appreciate that she’s so short in the novel, too. 😉 Also! I just realized that every time I come here I keep looking for recipes. Maybe add a “pair this book with…” and give a link over to your recipe? Kind of like wine and cheese!
Ooh that’s such a good idea! I’m totally stealing that!
I am a big graphic novel fan and wow! This woman sounds incredible! I loved your review 🙂 It had me laughing and I really want to pick this book up now! Thanks for sharing and I am a new blog follower 🙂
So glad to have you here! Welcome to the book nerd family 🙂
Thanks!
I’ve never actually read a graphic novel, but this one sounds cute, I do like a bad ass heroine!
Bad ass heroines are an automatic yes from me lol
I pretty much hate graphic novels… but I love web comics. And looking at the snippets you posted, I think my daughter would LOVE this. Pretty sure I’ll be buying it for her for Christmas.
You totally should! I would have loved to get this for christmas as a kid. Or now.
I loved this one, but I actually listened to the audiobook before realizing it was a graphic novel! the audio was similar to a play haha
Bahahaha that must have been confusing!
This looks so cute and fun!
It was such a fun read!
I’ve never read a graphic novel. The Asterix series many moons ago was about it! But based on your enthusiastic review, I might try it!