Nimona by Noelle Stevenson is a fantasy and science fiction graphic novel, that was started by the author as web-comics during her studies in 2012 and this year in May was first printed by HarperCollins. Noelle Stevenson is an co-author of the series Lumberjanes, but let’s be honest, we know about her because of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell – she is the one who created the cover art we’ve been adoring and although I did not like Fangirl, I loved the art work. Apparently Nimona’s fans can get hyped because it has a deal to turn the graphic novel into an animation.
It is set in a place that looks like Middle Ages, but has robotics and weaponry more advanced than we should expect in near future, and, oh… looks like a children’s book.The graphic novel is about super villain Ballister Blackheart, his side-kick Nimona and his arch-enemy/friend Ambrosius Goldenloin. Blackheart pairs up with Nimona, not knowing her full power, but once the city is in danger and it’s not the super villain’s fault, Nimona and Blackheart starts to argue about what is right and what is wrong, what should be their actions and if they should fix the situation. They argue about finding the source of Nimona’s power as she claims it is magical, while Blackheart believes only in science.
I know that the artist (I feel like this is the best word to describe the authors huge input) has been compared to many famous and brilliant people and her style is simple, yet unique, but I cannot stop myself from saying that it is childlike and too simple for my taste. The artist kept true to her style through the chapters and there were minor things that seemed slightly standing out from the common image, but that’s because she was learning and actually progressed while doing this. I think she did a good job at drawing the pictures, but that doesn’t make me like them, I liked the pale colour shades, but that’s more or less about it.
The book is advertised as a young adult graphic novel. I was slightly confused by the genre because the style looks like it was made for a children’s book, but the events include murders, blood and chopping of legs, so not really that much of a children stuff. Then again, I don’t feel like it is for adults or teens because it repeats many popular superhero comics, so there’s no place for a surprise. Of course it is not exactly the same, but it is pretty close and while reading it, I knew that I have seen all this before and it just feels like a cliché. The origins for the heroes of the stories might be different, but the powers, relationships and emotions are all the same. So for a person who knows basic superheroes it should be boring.
And here comes in the ‘but’! But everyone loves it. Everyone in goodreads, everyone in their blog reviews, I spent a long time and did not find one negative review of it. Which means that I’m having some rotten tomatoes for dinner, right? Why does everyone love it? I do not understand. I mean, I didn’t hate it and didn’t really mind it, but I definitely have seen all that before and was not really enjoying it. So why? Please, tell me why! I honestly got bored while reading it. Almost everything was predictable. Sure, there were some things that couldn’t be predicted, but that was a really small part and wasn’t enough for me to like it or get excited about it. So tell me, please, why?
I didn’t like the characters either, none grew on me, perhaps Blackheart could be my favourite one, but honestly they were not developed and weren’t shown enough to the reader to understand them better, the way reader tries to understand character’s emotions was pretty primitive and sometimes with the pictures wasn’t enough. We also don’t get any explanation to Nimona’s ‘default’ look, which I thought is pretty important as she chooses it. Of course there are always the guesses and thoughts why it is like it is and sometimes it is good in the book that it leaves you hanging, but this time, I felt like I should know more about her.
The artist has included funny places and jokes and I smiled few times while reading it, but wasn’t really laughing out loud. There are some cute scenes as well, like the well-known shark scene, which I will not retell to avoid spoilers, but in my reading experience, the murders and blood killed all the jokes and cuteness, I couldn’t look at the cool scenes with the naive attitude I had before seeing what can happen in this book, I really did not like it at that point, because it build up to be this positive and heart warming book and then it crushed my expectations and me under the weight of too much violence.
I said before that I don’t really know in what genre should I put this graphic novel, I think teenagers might like it and probably adults who haven’t had any experience with superheroes in their lives. I might say that some children (those computer game kids) might love it, but I wouldn’t give it to a child who hasn’t had any experience with the brutality our world can offer. But honestly? Just go and get it and read it. Everyone loves it, you should too. And then come and tell me why you loved it. This book received two stars out of five from me on my goodreads page.
I am really disappointed in books right now, because I am in a bad reading spot right now and have tried to choose my last few books as ones that I would love, but it hasn’t worked out. So, if you think you know something that I will definitely like, let me know in the comments bellow.
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for the Miniaturist. It is closing tomorrow at midnight!
September 12, 2015 at 18:10
It would be interesting to know your view of “Invent-10n” by Rod Rees, we’ve had such mixed opinions, I can supply a copy plmk.
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September 12, 2015 at 19:06
Oh myyy, this is the next book on my to read-list. I already noticed while flipping through it, I also had a bit of a “So this is what all the hype is about huh?” kind of feeling. I’m even more curious now after reading your review!
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September 12, 2015 at 21:17
I’m glad that you do want to read it! Definitely let me know what you think! I new only that it was about superheroes and was kind of excited, hoped for Vicious, but better hence the wonderful feedback readers are giving.
So, perhaps my expectations were too high, but I couldn’t help but wonder, if the reason why this book is so loved isn’t the fact that Rainbow herself promoted it.
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September 13, 2015 at 14:16
I’ll make sure to come back to this post when I’m done with it :). So far, I think it’s alright, but I’m also wondering if the amount of publicity it had didn’t ‘overhype’ it.
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September 14, 2015 at 15:24
I will be really happy to hear your thoughts. I guess there’s truth in what the comment bellow says that reading while it is written, would be more exciting – there’s community that supports the hype and love for it and that influences a lot!
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September 12, 2015 at 19:10
Ah this happens! I recently reviewed a book that like you I have two stars. I really didn’t like it for a host of reasons. But EVERYONE loves it! People I really respect, who I normally have a lot in common with are giving this book five stars and I just don’t get it!! I guess the world would be boring if we all liked the same things all the time, and sometimes we have to not like books, we are only human after all!
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September 12, 2015 at 21:19
I hope to break out of this line of not so exciting books soon. Well yes, but you kind of always hope that you will love it, because it is a wonderful journey and you already have a whole community that could join in your joy.
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September 13, 2015 at 01:17
I just got my copy of it today, but was a fan since it was being posted as a webcomic online! It’s great to have a physical copy of it now to re-indulge in its GREATNESS!
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September 14, 2015 at 17:20
Aww, I’m really happy for you! It’s probably precious to hold in your hands something that you have loved for a while already! 🙂
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September 13, 2015 at 05:34
I read Nimona when it was a webcomic, rather than a book, and i think that made all the difference. the anticipation of what would happen next was much higher when you had to wait half a week for the next page. 😛
Also, the comment section was one of the kindest and punniest comments sections i have ever stumbled upon, so that was both rare and lovely, and an aspect i think i would miss if i went back and read the book format. (which i havent yet.)
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September 14, 2015 at 17:19
I totally agree that the community does a lot. God, I didn’t even like Harry Potter, but somehow became Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings forum admin and the need to have knowledge and everyone’s love (and meetings and talks) just made me start to like it. 🙂
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September 13, 2015 at 09:58
Like others, I read Nimona originally while it was being published online, and I fell in love with the characters bit by bit. I love it because it’s the traditional knights-in-shining-armor story, but from the villain’s point of view… and through his eyes we learn that the good guys aren’t always that good. Nimona is funny and interesting, but Blackheart is definitely the “heart” of the comic (yes, I went there)! I love it, but I can see how it wouldn’t be for everyone.
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September 14, 2015 at 17:17
Awww, I agree about the heart of the comic! 😀
I think that actually the community and talking and waiting for the next issues probably did help the hype and liking, which of course I do not get, if I read everything in one sitting. 😀
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September 15, 2015 at 01:05
I actually just saw that “Nimona” has been long-listed for the National Book Award, which is pretty insane: http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2015_ypl_ll.html#.VfcHYr5XD6s (along with some other incredible YA books).
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September 15, 2015 at 07:46
Wow, thanks for the link! That is pretty crazy! I guess this success will mean that we will soon have another book by Noelle and I hope mucho, mucho to like it.
I haven’t read any of the other books in the list, will check, if something interests me.
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September 13, 2015 at 13:01
I have been on the fence about reading this for a while. The simple drawing style didn’t bother me when I read the free preview, in fact I liked it 🙂 but I was hoping that the characters would get developed past their stereotypes…
Sofia @ Take a Walk on the Write Side
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September 14, 2015 at 17:16
I think that you should read it then, I have a feeling that with little liking is enough to dive into it. 😉
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September 13, 2015 at 14:10
This happens to me a lot. Why not tell me what sort of books you prefer? Maybe I can give you some recs?
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September 14, 2015 at 17:15
I love fantasy, Lord of the Rings, I guess is my favourite, I like young adult/new adult as well, as long it is not all based on romance. I’m pretty new to science fiction and have ups and downs. Hope that helps!
One of my favourites is Pride and Prejudice.
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September 14, 2015 at 17:59
Pride and Prejudice is some of my all time favorite too! Okay I’ll send you some recs on GR tomorrow. 🙂
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September 16, 2015 at 03:02
Don’t you think sometimes people are afraid to contradict the majority? If everyone loves a book or movie, does the viewer/ reader believe that somehow those other people know more? If the majority likes it then it must be good right? Wrong! And I think it’s important that the lone voices speak up and state what they truly believe even if it goes against the grain. Too many times I’ve listened to the “experts” only to find out I hated a book or movie. I do think the fact you were confused by the book’s look and it’s intended audience is a serious issue. Too many parents don’t take the time to find out what their kids are reading and watching. Children are being exposed to more and more at earlier ages. I don’t read graphic novels so you won’t find a review of one on my book blog but who knows. Maybe you’ll change my mind.
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September 16, 2015 at 08:44
I couldn’t agree more! I honestly do check the average rating on a reviewers goodreads page, before taking him/her serious, because there are so many people, especially vloggers, who just don’t give less than three stars ever! And why? ‘Because writing book is hard.’ That’s no excuse for giving other people perception that the book is ok or even good. And I understand that often it is so they could get more and more viewers, because bad reviews disappoint fans and they might turn away. Or it is because they are cooperating with a publisher and just feel bad for bashing a book they got for free from a publisher that might not work together with them again.
I really do not like it, when I see that the average is like 3.7-4.2, I used to live in fantasy that they just read only good books, but when I started to read a bit more active and for reviewing purposes, I understood that those are not all good books.
I try to be as honest as possible without actually spoiling anything in my reviews and even when I don’t like something, sometimes I will encourage people to read it, because I see how it could be loved.
I am planing to read a few more graphic novels this year. I don’t have very many in my reading account, but I want to give the genre a try, I actually have already searched for the best ones and have on my list. So, if it goes well, perhaps you will find yourself giving it chance as well! 🙂
Thank you for your comment, I couldn’t disagree with anything you said! It is pure and truthful.
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September 16, 2015 at 23:19
I probably need to start some sort of rating system on my book review blog.
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September 18, 2015 at 08:35
I was actually thinking of reading this one, but I guess I’m going to at least check a sample (if I’ll find any) before buying it. I like that you review also graphic novels, I’d love to read more of those, but I’d have to read on my computer and it’s not the best way to do so.
btw I’ve tagged you for The siblinghood of the world bloggers. I hope you’ll participate, but If you don’t want to – there’s no preassure. 🙂 https://maginibooks.wordpress.com/2015/09/18/siblinghood-of-the-world-bloggers-tag/
And congrats on the 999 followers.. one more to go to the milestone 😀
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September 18, 2015 at 15:18
That’s wise! I mean, just open it in bookstore, if you have a chance, it will give you a great deal of insight, if you will like it.
I am planing on reading more graphic novels, because I really want to get into this genre and prove that it is not only for those who are hard core superhero fans as so many associate graphic novels with Marvel and DC comics.
Wow, thanks, I kind of did not even know I am so close! 🙂
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