This was a cute, fantastical story with an interesting premise. I liked Nimona's character, but her past was sad. I also really liked Lord Ballister Blackheart and the banter between him and Nimona. I loved the ending. It had a sense of openness and ambiguity to it.

Noelle Stevenson is best known for being the creator of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power on Netflix, but Nimona is their graphic novel written far before that show was ever in motion. I got my hands on a copy in middle school and it’s now well worn and thoroughly read. The art style is whimsical, the use of color really great, and the humor can make pretty much anyone chuckle. Nimona was originally a webcomic, but if that makes you want to turn away, you should definitely give it a try anyways. Especially if you’re a fan of Lumberjanes, the comic that Stevenson worked on after the completion of Nimona.

Nimona was a fantastic read. I read it with my college prep class and it was wonderful to see peoples' reactions to the ambiguous ending. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates internet culture, funny sidekicks, or adventurous tales. 9/10

Did you read Nimona? Do you want to talk about it with others? Click the link below and register for a graphic novel book club, where we will discuss Nimona! All you need is your name and email to register! Hope to see you there!
https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/60075ee80c78da240031e9ab

By teen reviewer Ryan, Issaquah Library:
Nimona is my all-time favorite graphic novel. Noelle Stevenson (author of Lumberjanes and creator of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) seamlessly weaves together a story of friendship, love, and trauma so beautifully that it draws in anybody who gets their hands on it.

The story begins with an almost cartoon-like lightness. The villain Ballister Blackheart gains a new and unexpected shapeshifter sidekick: Nimona. They do was anyone would expect of a villain duo and wreak havoc in the kingdom, all while fighting off the heroic knight Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin. But as the story continues and more is revealed about Nimona’s and Blackheart’s pasts, the reader comes to discover the characters’ deeper emotions and inner turmoils.

Stevenson’s ability to pull the reader into her world of sci-fi fantasy with an incredible plot is astounding. Nimona explores themes that make people think. Partnerships that can turn into deep, caring friendships; how miscommunication can destroy lives; and most importantly, that not every hero is perfect, and not every villain is evil. Goldenloin and Blackheart run in circles around each other constantly until they learn to communicate and begin to learn more about their own pasts and what really went on behind the scenes.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone searching for a good read. Stevenson’s writing and illustrations are not only interesting, but they also have the amazing tendency to ensnare the reader into a land of pure magic.

This is SUCH a good novel. I really love the art style!

This is actually one of my favorite graphic novels. It’s funny, irreverent, and puts a whole new spin on the fantasy Good vs Evil genre. The art is adorable and there are several just truly breath-taking, emotional scenes that’ll make you sniffle. Such an amazing book.

Funny, mildly touching, and great storytelling overall.

Noelle Stevenson is known in my household as the writer/creator of Lumberjanes and the creator/show-runner of the new She-Ra series on Netflix, although we were not aware of her involvement with the latter until well after show viewing. Nimona predates both of these, created at Stevenson's ripe old age of her early 20's. It shows off Stevenson's storytelling prowess and talent at producing emotional beats. The artwork is not superb, but it is adequate, and particularly effective in emphasizing emotions through body posture (especially the hunched-over, arms hung limply mode of dejection). There is some great comedic timing also ("I'm a shark!"). My then-8-year-old daughter read it before I did, more than once, and thought it was terrific.

Nimona started great with the comedic aspect and villainous viewpoint. Blackheart and Goldenlion are the true leads of the book. I love how the author is teasing the relationship between the two characters but not acknowledging it since to cater to younger audiences.

The ending however is melodramatic (I love the evil dragon scene though haha)

Anyway if you want an easy read and fun to read book, I recommend Nimona.

Nimona - I love her. I actually laughed out loud throughout this graphic novel. I do hope more Nimona novels come someday, because what amazing characters!