The main character of the acclaimed graphic novel "Nimona" is a shapeshifter: sometimes a girl, other times an animal, always a spunky agent of chaos. One day, she inserts herself into the life of knight-turned-villain Ballister Blackheart in order to become his sidekick. Nimona is impulsive, playful and destructive. She's also enthusiastic about depravity in general, including the act of killing people.
One "Nimona" review that remained with creator ND Stevenson over the years came from a friend's 5-year-old niece.
"Her feedback was, 'I like Nimona because she's mean,' " said Stevenson during a video call in June. "I always remembered that because it's a 5-year-old's review, but there's something very true in that. We don't feel like we can express those dark, messy emotions. Nimona does things that we are not able to do, but she's a catharsis."
