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Nimona

by N.D. Stevenson · 2015

Nimona is a science-fantasy graphic novel by American cartoonist ND Stevenson, developed from the webcomic Stevenson began in 2012 and published in full by HarperTeen in 2015. Set in a world that blends medieval trappings… more

First published 2015 · 266 pages · English

16 quotes ★ 4.18 (191,435) Fantasy

Quotes from the Book

You can't just go round murdering people. There are rules, Nimona.
130
Of course... I still wonder about every stranger who gives me a knowing look. About every cat who watched me too closely. I can only hope I reached her in some small way. I can only hope that if she does come back, she'll know me for who I am. A friend.
58
I'm not a kid. I'M A SHARK!
39
In the meantime... ...how would you feel about robbing a bank? " "Positively! I feel positively about robbing a bank!" " I thought you might.
32
What If I cut off your arm right now? Then you'd see how fast the Institution would cast you aside. Just like they did me." "You wouldn't." "No I wouldn't. And I'm the villain. What do you suppose that says about you?
24
So you're not crazy, huh? The Institution really IS up to no good. " "You thought I was crazy?" " No, no, crazy in a GOOD way! Evil mad scientist kind of thing! " "Just stop.
21
Quiet villain. This is the end of the line for you Blackheart. Not so clever after all, are you? You thought you were setting a trap for us, but all along it was a trap for you!" "Ah well, you got me. Good job." "We did get you." "You did. You've done very well." "Is this another trap?" "I just want You to feel proud of yourself!
10
I don't know what's so scary about zombies. Reanimating the dead isn't that hard, but they make TERRIBLE minions. They can't move quickly and they fall to pieces in a matter of days.
10
Meredith Blitzmeyer Magical Scientist* *Not a witch
9
We assumed she was a girl disguised as a monster, but she's not. She's a monster disguised as a girl.
8
Oh come on! That is not how intestines look like!
8
What a nice surprise! Come on up! " "I hope you don't mind—it's urgent." "Of course not! I was just about to make some tea, do you want some?" "Doctor, have you... Looked out the window recently?" "Oh, the fire? Yes, I was wondering about that. I've got earl grey and oolong. Take your pick!" "There is no time for that, Doctor. You need to get out of here—it's not safe." "There's always time for a cup of tea!
8
No one ever got killed with one little arrow!" "Actually, they have. That is kind of the PURPOSE of arrows.
7
Well, what is there to do around here, anyway?" "Well, here we have World Domination; it builds strategy skills—you can play as a dog, a boot, or a trebuchet." Bewilder builds language and observation skills..." "I said I wanted to play VIDEO games." "Video games are a waste of time." "And board games AREN'T? Why do you even have these? No one lives here but you!" "I used to have some henchmen. Game night was a big hit." "Henchmen? What happened to them?" "I can't work with mercenaries. It's impossible to build trust when they only care about their paychecks. " "Oooh. Let me guess. The Institution paid them off?" "I don't want to talk about it.
7
YES! a ten! ...eight...nine...ten!" "Landing you in the Enchanted Forest, which is MY domain. 600 gold, please." "My Scottie dog will not pay your tyrannical toll!" "Nimona... " "He rallied the oppressed woodland creatures and organized a revolt!" "It just so happens I am a just ruler and am greatly admired by all my subjects." "Squirrels scale the walls of the castle and bears batter down the gates! Bloody chaos ensues! The Enchanted Forest is ours!" "I'm taking the 600 gold anyway." "HIGHWAY ROBBERY! " "Plus another 600 for damages.
6
Nimona, I really don't think this is going to fool anyone." "Well, it won't if you keep messing with it. "And, my name's GREGOR. "Clearly I'm the only one taking this disgue thing seriously. "If we get caught it's your fault.
3

Did you know?

  • Nimona began as a webcomic that ND Stevenson started in 2012, which won the Slate Cartoonists Studio Prize for Best Webcomic that year.
  • It was Stevenson's debut graphic novel and became a New York Times bestseller.
  • The book was a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
  • Nimona's shapeshifting has been widely interpreted as an allegory for fluid and queer identity.
  • A 2023 animated film adaptation, released by Netflix, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

About N.D. Stevenson

ND Stevenson is an American cartoonist and animation showrunner known for the comics series Lumberjanes and the graphic novel Nimona, as well as developing the Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Nimona began as Stevenson's webcomic and was his debut graphic novel.

More about the author →

About the book

Nimona is a science-fantasy graphic novel by American cartoonist ND Stevenson, developed from the webcomic Stevenson began in 2012 and published in full by HarperTeen in 2015. Set in a world that blends medieval trappings with modern science, it follows Nimona, an impulsive young shapeshifter who appoints herself sidekick to the disgraced knight Lord Ballister Blackheart in his campaign against the powerful, self-righteous Institution that governs the kingdom. As the unlikely pair pull off schemes to expose the Institution's corruption, Blackheart's strict personal code repeatedly collides with Nimona's reckless appetite for destruction.

The book turns the conventions of heroes and villains inside out, asking who really gets to wear the label of 'good.' Its central concerns are the blurred line between good and evil, the meaning of identity and labels, and the found-family bond that grows between its two leads. Nimona's fluid, ever-changing form has been widely read as an allegory for queer and fluid identity, a reading Stevenson, who is transgender, has connected to personal experience.

Nimona was a commercial and critical success, becoming a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. It cemented Stevenson as a major voice in comics following the earlier acclaim of Lumberjanes. The story's profile grew further with the 2023 animated film adaptation, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Key characters

  • NimonaAn impulsive young shapeshifter who becomes Lord Blackheart's self-appointed sidekick
  • Lord Ballister BlackheartA disgraced former knight branded a villain, who fights the Institution by his own code of ethics
  • Sir Ambrosius GoldenloinThe Institution's celebrated champion and Blackheart's former rival, who once cost him his arm
  • The DirectorHead of the Institution who conceals its corruption and orders Nimona's elimination

Book details

First published
2015
Length
266 pages
Reading time
3 hours
Genre
Fantasy
Goodreads rating
4.18 (191k ratings)

Critical reception

  • Became a New York Times bestselling graphic novel.
  • Named a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
  • The 2023 film adaptation received critical acclaim and Oscar, Annie, and Critics' Choice nominations for Best Animated Feature.

Movie & TV adaptations

  • IMDb
    Nimona 2023

    Animated film directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, released by Netflix and nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

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