Definitely the cutest book I’ve read this year. I had a smile on my face throughout the entirety of it. Run, don’t walk, to your local library or bookstore to read it. I really think it’d be enjoyable to graphic novel newbies as well as readers more versed in the genre. Nimona joins up as the sidekick to Lord Ballister Blackheart, a villain with a vendetta against the kingdom’s current hero, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin. Nimona is a complete joy to watch as she shapeshifts her way into and out of trouble. Not even the mighty Blackheart can reign her in when she puts her mind to something.
As enjoyable and funny as this novel is, there’s a darker side to this story as well. Blackheart and Goldenloin have a storied and tragic past that they’re trying, often badly, to work through. And all is not what it seems at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics. Thanks to Nimona, they uncover a problem larger than the epic feud between villain and superhero. As the story unfolds, both the reader and Blackheart begin to suspect Nimona herself has a mysterious, possibly troubling past.
I really hope Noelle Stevenson puts out more Nimona stories. Her artwork is simple but beautiful and supports the already interesting storyline. Everything about this book is charming, charming, charming. Something I’m definitely going to procure a copy of for my shelves. I mean, look at these cuties:
