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nimonaWhat: Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Who: HarperTeen

When: May 12th 2015

How: Borrowed from library.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ 1/2

I had heard some pretty great things about Nimona, which is why I finally borrowed it out from the library. The art style is quite adorable, and it was fun to see the subtle changes in the faces of the characters to convey emotion.

I thought Nimona herself was quite likeable, especially in her interactions with Ballister. Some aspects were a little dramatic when it came to her, and I can’t say that she was my favourite character. (Random side note: her hair is so red to me, not pink like it is referenced.)

That would have to go to Ballister, who was seriously adorable. His sarcasm and incomprehension of some things and his utter un-villain-ness was so cute, and I adored it. I would have loved to have seen his romance with Ambrosius explored more, and made more obvious (in a tactful way), because the gay rep in Nimona was supbar at best.

trigger warning: torture, murder, abduction, poisoning, and loss of limb in this novel

 

rat queens 1

What: Rat Queens Vol. 1: Sass and Sorcery by Kurtis J. Wiebe

Who: Image Comics

When: April 8th 2014

How: Borrowed from library.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ 1/2

After several people had recommended Rat Queens to me, I finally decided to give it a go. And I’m totally glad I did! I loved the characters, and the art – especially the colours. They are so vivid and pretty! I could look at it all day.

I loved reading about total badass girls who really give no shits about what anyone thinks about them. And they’re all super nuanced, and not your perfect heroines at all. The found families aspect of this group of girls was super great, and I am just glad that there is such a diverse (one girl is a lesbian, and one is a woman of colour) and awesome comic series about girls living for themselves.

Also: the humour is great.

trigger warning: murder, abduction, and torture in this novel

 

rat queens 2What: Rat Queens Vol. 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N’rygoth by Kurtis J. Wiebe

Who: Image Comics

When: May 6th 2015

How: Borrowed from library.

Rating: ★ ★ ★

I really liked getting to know the backstories of some of the girls in this collection, although I did feel like it kind of took me out of the overarching plot a bit. Which was interesting, although I didn’t quite like it as much as the one in the first volume.

I did like that the girls were helping the town and each other out, and the fact that as individual characters they are growing and developing more and more. There’s not much to say because I absolutely flew through this, but was ultimately left wanting a little bit more. I can’t say exactly what it was, but there you go.

Still super keen for volume three. I can’t wait to read more about Hannah and Dee, who are by far my favourite of the four girls.

trigger warning: murder, abduction, and torture in this novel

What: Rat Queens Vol. 3: Demons by Kurtis J. Wieberat queens 3

Who: Image Comics

When: April 13th 2016

How: Borrowed from library.

Rating: ★ ★ ★

Volume three of Rat Queens was quite different to the previous two, which I didn’t actually mind. The main story was about Hannah’s father (figure), and how the magical university he works at is kind of turning evil.

However, I didn’t really like how the girls were divided over whether or not to help out Hannah’s dad, and how they didn’t 100% believe in Hannah. It was quite unexpected, and I didn’t appreciate their actions at all.

I certainly want to keep reading this series, as the story is interesting, and the characters are likeable, but that all hinges on whether they bring back the original artist (who I do not intend to support in any manner).

trigger warning: murder and abduction in this novel

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Posted on: September 16, 2016 • By: Chiara

10 Responses to Mini Reviews Volume #9

  1. Valerie says:

    Yes to Nimona! I would have loved for the relationship between Ballister and Ambrosius to be explored more too, but I agree we didn’t get too much. You’re making me want to read it again hahah (which I can because it’s a comic and it’ll go by quickly woo!)

    And I’ve heard about Rat Queens! I’m gonna have to check if that is in the library!

    • Chiara says:

      Right? I would have loved for there to be adorable moments between them. I almost want a graphic novel all about them, to be honest. I really love how graphic novels are so quick to read! It only takes me, like, 45 minutes, and I love it.

      Oh, let me know what you think!

  2. Thanks so much for sharing. I feel like I need to read some more graphic novels- it’s been a bit of time! haha I love them though. I do want to check out Nimona at some point!

    • Chiara says:

      No problem! Graphic novels can be so much fun to read because they’re a bit quicker, and there are so many diverse ones! Nimona is a standalone, so it might be a good one to start with :D

  3. Emma says:

    I found it really funny how all of these had trigger warnings for murder and abduction. Coincidence? :P

    I’ve been wanting to read Nimona! The cover is what instantly makes me want to pick up and devour. I don’t usually read graphic novels but they are quickly becoming a trend in the book community.

    Side note: Have you read Saga? I’ve heard that one is really good!

    As always, it’s a pleasure reading your lovely posts <3

    x Emma

    • Jackie B. says:

      I adore Saga! It’s going to have trigger warnings all over the place– it’s certainly a rated R comic. But it’s hilarious like Nimona and explores all sorts of family concerns (I actually have a mini blog post about it scheduled for tomorrow).
      If you haven’t read it, I definitely recommend it.

    • Chiara says:

      LOL. I didn’t even notice, haha!

      Nimona is pretty cute! And quite a quick read, especially since it is a standalone. I’m actually pretty excited about the fact that graphic novels are getting more love in the book community! There are so many diverse titles.

      I have read all the current Saga volumes. I am not as in love with it as everyone else seems to be, though. I have enjoyed it, but it’s not one that I scream about with love.

      Thank you, lovely <3

  4. Jackie B. says:

    I think Nimona is adorable! I completely agree with you about how the gay representation is dramatically understated, but I really liked that. It was just a fact and not something to flaunt. Plus, it was something I questioned the entire time, which felt very real to me.

    I’ve never even *heard* of Rat Queens before today. It sounds interesting. Is the series completed yet? I might need to check it out.

    • Chiara says:

      Nimona was quite a cute graphic novel to read, and I did enjoy it! I can understand what you mean about the understatement, but even the author has promised to do better in terms of it not being questionable but rather respectfully obvious, which I appreciate.

      The series is currently ongoing! I really have enjoyed the volumes I’ve read, and it’s pretty diverse, too.

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