Nimona
by N.D. Stevenson
Graphic-Novels, Fantasy, Comics, Young-Adult, Fiction, Lgbt, Graphic-Novels-Comics
The graphic novel debut from rising star N.D. Stevenson, based on his beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it “a deadpan epic.” Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones. Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are. But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona’s powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.
Recommendations from Common Sense Media
Age Recommendation: 13+
What Parents Need to Know:
Parents need to know that Nimona is based on an award-winning Web comic and tells the story of a shape-shifting girl who wants to be the sidekick of a supervillain. Set in a fantasy world full of knights, witches, and dragons, the story is action-packed and frequently funny, with a strong-willed female protagonist who isn’t afraid of speaking her mind. Violent scenes are generally cartoonish and not likely to disturb sensitive readers. There is little sexual content or substance use, and potentially strong language is limited to “dammit,” “damn,” “hell,” “crap,” and “pissed.” Nimona is also available as an audiobook.
Educational Value: 5/5
Nimona plays with the conventions of heroic fantasy and presents a more-complex-than-usual meditation on heroism and villainy.
Positive Messages: 5/5
It’s never too late to apologize for your mistakes. It’s not always easy to tell who’s a hero and who’s a villain.
Positive Role Models: 5/5
Nimona is brash, stubborn, fearless, and loyal, ready to defend her mentor in any way imaginable. She enjoys breaking the law, however, and needs to learn to temper her enthusiasm for adventure with compassion for her opponents.
Violence & Scariness: 3/5
There’s plenty of violent action in Nimona, but it’s generally cartoonish, bloodless, and not likely to upset sensitive readers. Blackheart loses an arm in a jousting “accident.” There are sword fights, a brawl in a tavern, attacks by dragons and other wild beasts, and ray-gun battles.
Sex, Romance & Nudity: 1/5
Ballister develops a romantic relationship with a female scientist.
Language: 3/5
Swearing is limited to “dammit,” “damn,” “hell,” “crap,” and “pissed.” Each is used less than a half-dozen times.
Products & Purchases: n/a
n/a
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking: 1/5
Adults drink presumably alcoholic beverages in a tavern.
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