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itsheyfay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, and Pandemic/Epidemic
sauvageloup's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
a really fun rollercoaster of a graphic novel, v different from the film but with it's own up sides
pros:
- interesting exploration of good and evil, morality and immorality. we see the same look at what makes a hero or villain as in the movie, but nimona is a lot more dubious morality, as is the director and ambrosius. ballister holds his position of no murder wherever he can, but does have no compulsions of robbing a bank and is a more established and badass villain.
- ballisters character was very interesting, he praises and accepts nimona more, encourages her as his sidekick, and has much less doubt than movie bal. the theme of nonbinary-ness is less emphasised and instead we look at morality more. he has far more of a reason to be a villain with ambrosius deliberately chopping his arm off, and then the institute being ableist.
- ambrosius was much darker, and refused to admit he did wrong till late in the book. they were never rly affectionate on page before the final page, and no kisses. much more of an arch nemesis than a breakup vibe.
- nimona was still likeable despite her gung ho attitude to murdering guards. she sees very black and white while ballister is aware of nuance. whilst childish, she isnt a child much in the comic until shes actually captured, which made her character feel different. I felt there was also a different focus on trauma, isolation and the impact of it, nimona in the movie seemed affected in her depression and suicide attempt with the sword and her upset over the little girl's reaction, whereas comic nimona reacts with pure rage most of the time and doesnt forgive ballister, who cant get through to her through talking and has to use a weapon against her. it showed that sometimes support comes too little, too late and she was experiencing a trauma response.
- I did overall appreciate the more adult feel of the comic with ambrosius's darker personality, the director's torture of nimona, nimona's constant violence, the gory art, the physical altercation between bal and ambrosius in the pub, etc.
- I liked the art style a lot and would like to reread to appreciate it more. the dialogue is fab too, there was no weak bit.
- the plot spread over a wide time line with a few flashbacks too, and was woven together very well. everything from the planting the virus in the apples, the different institution perspectives, nimona's fake background, bal and ambrosius's relationship and fighting flowed together really well and added interesting complexity.
- the side character of dr blitzmeyer was interesting too, a fellow scientist like ballister. he sees her indifference to his reputation as friendship, whereas she is surprised by his trust and openness. she was a bit of a plot device but added comedy and i liked her.
- there are really funny bits too, amidst the dark aspects, with funny dialogue. some came off better in movie, but the textual jokes were great too.
- I liked the twist too of nimona being able to separate herself into two selves and control the other one. she becomes her anger and her vulnerable side, separated. the monster and the inner child. when separated they lose the balance that let them trust and work with bal. cool and interesting application of nimona's abilities.
cons:
- nimona is harder to like with her unsympathetic disregard for people's lives and as much as its understandable, you get to love her more through ballister than because of herself at least at first. I felt movie nimona had her sad backstory played up more, and her violence played down.
- compared to the movie, I missed the transgender focus and the theme of acceptance and moving past prejudice. perhaps a result of the authors developing gender identity. the added on screen gayness of bal and ambrosius was great too.
- did think the other scientist was a bit of a plot device and we didnt see much of her.
- liked the flashbacks to gloreth and nimona's friendship in the movie, not present in the comic.
overall, very enjoyable and different from the movie in a lot of ways, but with parallels too.
pros:
- interesting exploration of good and evil, morality and immorality. we see the same look at what makes a hero or villain as in the movie, but nimona is a lot more dubious morality, as is the director and ambrosius. ballister holds his position of no murder wherever he can, but does have no compulsions of robbing a bank and is a more established and badass villain.
- ballisters character was very interesting, he praises and accepts nimona more, encourages her as his sidekick, and has much less doubt than movie bal. the theme of nonbinary-ness is less emphasised and instead we look at morality more. he has far more of a reason to be a villain with ambrosius deliberately chopping his arm off, and then the institute being ableist.
- ambrosius was much darker, and refused to admit he did wrong till late in the book. they were never rly affectionate on page before the final page, and no kisses. much more of an arch nemesis than a breakup vibe.
- nimona was still likeable despite her gung ho attitude to murdering guards. she sees very black and white while ballister is aware of nuance. whilst childish, she isnt a child much in the comic until
- I did overall appreciate the more adult feel of the comic
- I liked the art style a lot and would like to reread to appreciate it more. the dialogue is fab too, there was no weak bit.
- the plot spread over a wide time line with a few flashbacks too, and was woven together very well. everything from the
- the side character of dr blitzmeyer was interesting too, a fellow scientist like ballister. he sees her indifference to his reputation as friendship, whereas she is surprised by his trust and openness. she was a bit of a plot device but added comedy and i liked her.
- there are really funny bits too, amidst the dark aspects, with funny dialogue. some came off better in movie, but the textual jokes were great too.
- I liked the twist too of nimona
cons:
- nimona is harder to like with her unsympathetic disregard for people's lives and as much as its understandable, you get to love her more through ballister than because of herself at least at first. I felt movie nimona had her sad backstory played up more, and her violence played down.
- compared to the movie, I missed the transgender focus and the theme of acceptance and moving past prejudice. perhaps a result of the authors developing gender identity. the added on screen gayness of bal and ambrosius was great too.
- did think the other scientist was a bit of a plot device and we didnt see much of her.
- liked the flashbacks to gloreth and nimona's friendship in the movie, not present in the comic.
overall, very enjoyable and different from the movie in a lot of ways, but with parallels too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Confinement, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, and Vomit
just_one_more_paige's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Every once in a while, as you know, I get in the mood for a graphic novel (thought recently I’ve been filling that mood with Lore Olympus). But there are more, if you’ll recall, like The Prince and the Dressmaker, The Girl from the Sea (which is actually written by Steveson’s partner, as my random Googling has just informed me – cool!), On a Sunbeam, and, of course Heartstopper. This is one I’ve held on the backburner for some time now, and with the new Netflix adaptation having just come out (which I’ve heard great things about and am really excited to watch), I decided to go for it. Because, book first, always. #booknerd
Pitted against each other, in a tale as old as time are the villain with a vendetta, Lord Ballister Blackheart, and the hero defending the governmental structures, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin. When our titular MC, Nimona, shows up and offers her shape-shifting services to Blackheart, to help his take down the Institution, he reluctantly accepts. And though their methods are polar opposites, order and science versus chaos and destruction, the find themselves becoming more than just a good team, but relationally important to each other. While on the other side of the law, Goldenloin struggles with serving the powers that be while not compromising his own morals…well, not any more than he already has, in an action that cost him the friendship (and more?) of Blackheart himself.
My goodness, I did not expect this to be so freaking funny! I mean, I laughed three times in the first couple chapters, out loud! It’s a snarky humor that’s both self-aware and punchy, and I loved it all. Speaking of self-aware, the clear self-awareness in the story (you can tell just from the names of our opposing forces – Blackheart and Goldenloin? – I mean come on, LOL) lends itself perfectly to the irreverent tone of the unfolding plot. Like, if you were a fantasy-loving kid (and I assume probably remain so as an adult…), this graphic novel is the stuff of your dreams, but with an edge of hilarity because it takes those common tropes and uses them effectively but with deep humor. It’s just so fun.
And then, somewhere in there and a bit unexpectedly, this also hit my feels! I felt like Blackheart actually, a bit blindsided by the connections (and reconnections) that he didn’t plan to make, or even want to make, but found himself with in the end. Like, the sweet and cautious tension between him and Goldenloin gave me butterflies in my belly. And the Nimona-Blackheart dynamic was just…heart-swelling. And my goodness that ending and epilogue just melted my giant swollen heart all the way down with the bittersweetness and hope and reconciliation and the special kind of belief/defense/loyalty/support that is always welcome but means even more when it comes out even when the person it’s meant for isn’t there to receive it directly. OMG. Yes.
And let’s not forget all the drama and action in the plot itself: dragons and swordfights and explosions and taking down evil authorities and so much shapeshifting! It’s packed full and oh so much fun! Plus, the illustrations are simple, but fit the story just right, in style and coloring.
This was just such a fun (and funNY), fast, entertaining, sarcastic and surprisingly heartwarming read! Netflix adaptation, here I come! Also, I absolutely will now be checking out more of Stevenson’s work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
prinsessenora4's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Amazing!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Torture, Police brutality, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Vomit, Death of parent, and Pandemic/Epidemic
angelfireeast24's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Confinement, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
finchthearcher's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
zombiezami's review against another edition
4.0
My only note is that Stevenson should not have included skin-walkers, since Native folks have been pretty adamant that they don't want non-Natives using that lore.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed it!
Otherwise, I really enjoyed it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Confinement, Cursing, Vomit, and Abandonment
Minor: Cultural appropriation, War, and Pandemic/Epidemic
angelsfw's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abandonment
nat_kiverse's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Violence, Grief, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail