Nimona by Noelle Stevenson Published by Harper Teen, HarperCollins on May 12, 2015
Pages: 272
Format: Hardcover
Lord Ballister Blackheart never really wanted to be a villian, but the fate dealt to him left him with no choice. An intentional injury at the hands of his closest friend during a joust left him wounded, his arm replaced with a mechanical one.
When Nimona, a shapeshifter, walks into his life, begging to be his sidekick, it's hard for Blackheart to resist. While Nimona wants to wreak havoc on Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics, the very group that shunned Blackheart after his "accident," Blackheart simply wants to prove that the Institute isn't as innocent and heroic as the appear.
As the two begin to launch plans to reinstate Blackheart's name and reputation, it becomes evident there is a darker side to Nimona's powers. Her past is dark and mysterious, and something about the origin to her powers just isn't adding up. It could be that the darkness that lingers within her is more powerful than even Blackheart can control.
Works cannot begin to relay just how much I adored this graphic novel. Where do I even begin?
Nimona is a young, energetic, creative and spunky teenage girl. She’d like to think she’s there to save Blackheart, but it’s really her that needs saving. It’s apparent she was dealt a horrible fate, unable to fully trust anyone. Yet something about Blackheart makes this possible. Additionally, she abandons all gender stereotypes. She doesn’t shy away from a fight (actually, she’s quite drawn to them). The creatures she shifts into aren’t fluffy bunnies or anything cute like that, but powerful creatures like dragons and rhinoceroses. Sure, she’s a girl, but Stevenson proves that girls are far more than princesses with frilly pink dresses.
Additionally, the world Stevenson crafts is quite brilliant. Set in Renaissance times, but with the technology of modern times. Truly brilliant.
Finally, the duality of Blackheart and Ambrosius’ relationship. One is portrayed as an evil villain, yet it is he that is actually the victor or hero when it comes down to it. Refusing to injure or kill just because he’s a villain, Blackheart is desperate to regain his reputation without harming any innocent. Stevenson hints at a relationship that goes beyond the bounds of friendship with these two. My only critique about this graphic novel is that she didn’t take the additional step to make their homosexuality obvious, rather than vaguely hinting at it.
This critique won’t stop me from hunting down Stevenson’s future work. She gained me as a reader with Lumberjanes, and this graphic novel just proves how far her talent can go. Highly, highly recommended.
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