Noelle Stevenson, best known on the Internet as “Gingerhaze,” debuted Nimona, originally an award-winning comic on the web, in print form this May. Nimona depicts a reversed classic hero tale under the point of view of a supervillain, Lord Ballister Blackheart, and his new shapeshifter sidekick, Nimona. This mischievous duo initially go on several humorous hi-jinks before they start to openly challenge the corrupt Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics.

Graphic novels are often judged as juvenile because of their comic form, but that is not the case with Nimona. The characters, such as Ballister and Nimona, aren’t necessarily good or evil. They are dynamic and both have backstories that explain their actions in the present. The growing bond between the boss and sidekick allows readers to get attached to each of them as well. Another character who is prominent in the story is Ballister’s companion turned nemesis, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin. Goldenloin has a genuine heart yet ends up with the wrong crowd after some misunderstandings with his former best friend. Nimona‘s themes regarding  relationships, ethics, and loyalty give the graphic novel substantial literary merit while it is also laced with great comedic timing and intense action.

The main aspect that makes Nimona so enjoyable and interesting is the art. Stevenson has a distinct style that I can easily recognize. It doesn’t take long to read the story but I found it better to flip through each page slowly in order to thoroughly enjoy and admire the artwork. Nimona is as visually pleasing as it is entertaining; it is definitely worth checking out.