Nimona: A Beloved Graphic Novel and Basis for the Netflix Film

Nimona: A Beloved Graphic Novel and Basis for the Netflix Film

Now a Netflix animated film! Nimona is the New York Times bestselling graphic novel sensation from ND Stevenson, based on his beloved and critically acclaimed web comic. Kirkus says, “If you’re going to read one graphic novel this year, make it this one.” Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from ND 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 has been hailed by critics and fans alike as the arrival of a “superstar” talent (NPR.org). 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. Indies Choice Book of the Year * National Book Award Finalist *  New York Times  Bestseller *  New York Times  Notable Book *  Kirkus  Best Book *  School Library Journal  Best Book *  Publishers Weekly  Best Book * NPR Best Book * New York Public Library Best Book * Chicago Public Library Best Book Fans of ND Stevenson's beloved and bestselling Nimona  won't want to miss his moving memoir-in-pictures, The Fire Never Goes Out , featuring short essays, mini-comics, and photographs that span eight eventful years in ND's young adult life. Gr 7 Up—This celebrated webcomic, a mash-up of medieval culture with modern science and technology, is now available in print. Lord Ballister Blackheart, a knight, has assumed the role of a supervillain in order to expose the nefarious schemes of the kingdom's front organization, The Institute of Law Enforcement. The kingdom's champion is Lord Blackheart's nemesis and former best friend, Sir Ambrose Goldenloin. Blackheart's prickly relationship with Goldenloin further explores the limits of their friendship. Enter the title character, a brash young shapeshifter who doggedly follows Ballister until he agrees to take her on as a sidekick. Nimona's skills as a shapeshifter up the ante in the ongoing rivalry between Ambrose and Ballister. Despite her anger management issues, the teen becomes Ballister's invaluable ally and together they form an alliance of mutual trust and dependence. Action scenes dominate as Nimona shifts with Hulk-like ferocity from frightful creatures such as a fire-breathing dragon to a docile cat or a timid child. Dialogue is fresh and witty with an abundance of clever lines. A complementary color palette of Blackheart's muddy browns contrasts with Goldenloin's fresh transparent yellow-greens. Both color schemes highlight Nimona's intense reds. Readers will note subtle visual differences in webcomic images. The print edition includes an exclusive epilogue not available online. At its core, Nimona is a story of rescue. Each of the main characters rescue allies, friendships, the Kingdom, and ultimately, themselves. VERDICT A vibrant solo work from "Lumberjanes" (Boom!) cocreator.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY "Filled with memorable character that will delight teen readers." - CNN "From its first panel, Nimona draws you into a narrative combining shark jokes, a shadowy institution and a startling amount of heart. So whether you’re young or old, a comics newbie or a seasoned veteran, make the decision to explore the fantastical world Stevenson has created. You won’t regret it." - Paste Magazine “At its core, Nimona is a story of rescue. Each of the main characters rescue allies, friendships, the Kingdom, and ultimately, themselves… A vibrant solo work.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “Sharp visuals, a nifty amalgam of fantasy and science fiction elements, and relationships drawn with complexity, wit, and depth create a world worth returning to again and again.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Nimona, with all her flaws, breaks away completely from what women are allowed to be in popular fiction.” - Vanity Fair “[Stevenson’s] voice is clear and precise, [his] drawings confident, [his] use of color growing in depth and assurance as the story progresses.” - New York Times “Over the course of the collected Nimona, it’s possible to watch artist [ND] Stevenson blossom from a student to a superstar.” - NPR.org “Graphic novel fans will finish the book in a gallop and then want to start right back at the first page.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “[ND] Stevenson has a knack for capturing the humor and heart in a s