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haileyhardcover's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Until I read Heartstopper this year, I had never picked up a graphic novel before - it just didn’t seem like my thing. I LOVED Heartstopper, though, so I’m giving more a chance. Enter: Nimona.
This was a very cute story that tugged at my heart a bit more than I thought it would. I loved that it’s in full color and the art is beautiful. Nimona herself is quite funny, but I know I would be more of an exasperated Ballister Blackheart if I had to deal with her IRL. That said, I did feel like the story was longer than it needed to be. As I got to the end, I found myself not riveted by the action and reveals but, rather, getting kind of sleepy… Still, it is certainly worth the read.
I will also note that, since this is my year of reading only queer books, I was a little disappointed on that front. The queerness is implied, but not outright acknowledged. I hear the movie is much more gay, so I’m excited to watch it now.
This was a very cute story that tugged at my heart a bit more than I thought it would. I loved that it’s in full color and the art is beautiful. Nimona herself is quite funny, but I know I would be more of an exasperated Ballister Blackheart if I had to deal with her IRL. That said, I did feel like the story was longer than it needed to be. As I got to the end, I found myself not riveted by the action and reveals but, rather, getting kind of sleepy… Still, it is certainly worth the read.
I will also note that, since this is my year of reading only queer books, I was a little disappointed on that front. The queerness is implied, but not outright acknowledged. I hear the movie is much more gay, so I’m excited to watch it now.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture and Abandonment
knightylight's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This story was a delight to explore, and ND Stevenson's art and storytelling is fun and unique. Nimoma and Ballister's friendship truly carry this story, and seeing their relationship grow is lovely. They're both funny and witty, but also just very hurt people who learn to find comfort in one another's friendship. The story does end on a bittersweet note, but doesn't leave you without hope either. I only wish there was more to read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, and Classism
Moderate: Violence and Vomit
Minor: Homophobia
luminary_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Blood, Medical trauma, and Fire/Fire injury
tsukk's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Minor: Police brutality, Medical trauma, and Classism
michaelion's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
i love when baby girls are rambunctious vicious monsters. i love when friends to enemies to lovers. i love when monarchies burn. i love when gay people. i love when gay people!!! gay people!!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Death
Moderate: Confinement, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
ambenicole418's review against another edition
adventurous
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
This was a really good graphic novel! It was funny, heartfelt, and I really enjoyed Nimona and Ballister’s characters and their dynamic. They definitely remind me of more mentally stable versions of Jinx and Silco from Arcane lol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Torture, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse and Abandonment
shelvesofivy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Gun violence, and Police brutality
Minor: Death and Murder
uranaishi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Police brutality, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Abandonment
Minor: Body horror, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
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