From the Publisher:
A National Book Award Longlist Title
The graphic novel debut from rising star Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it "a deadpan epic."
Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.
Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.
But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.
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4 books in catalog
Groundbreaking webcomics, award-winning graphic novels, and hit animated television series have made queer narrative representation central to contemporary speculative fiction. ND Stevenson is an American cartoonist and animation producer whose work spans bestselling comics, acclaimed television production, and autobiographical storytelling.
First gaining widespread recognition through the webcomic turned graphic novel Nimona, Stevenson established a distinct creative voice that blends science fantasy with nuanced character relationships. His storytelling prominently features shapeshifting, identity exploration, and subversive heroism across both print and screen adaptations.
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Nate Diana "Indy" Stevenson studied illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). While still an art student, Stevenson began publishing the webcomic Nimona in 2011, securing a publishing deal before graduating in 2013. In addition to creating standalone graphic novels, Stevenson co-created and co-wrote the celebrated comic series Lumberjanes, which earned multiple Eisner Awards and a GLAAD Media Award. Moving into television animation, Stevenson wrote for series such as Wander Over Yonder and DuckTales before serving as the developer, showrunner, and executive producer for the animated series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, which ran from 2018 to 2020.
Stevenson's work frequently explores themes of gender identity, queer romance, belonging, and the fluidity of self. His narratives often reframe traditional tropes of heroism and villainy, using fantasy elements to address personal transformation and emotional growth. In 2020, Stevenson publicly came out as trans and non-binary, reflecting on how themes of shapeshifting and identity in earlier works like Nimona connected deeply to his own personal evolution. His visual storytelling combines dynamic line art with character-driven humor and vulnerability, extending from adventure comics to autobiographical works such as The Fire Never Goes Out and his illustrated web series.
