I have been a big fan of ND Stevenson ever since he guest-starred on the first campaign of Critical Role. I also followed the webcomic series that he was publishing. One of the graphic novels ND is most famous for is Nimona which I haven’t gotten around to reading yet. While at a friend’s house, we were sitting inside and she suggested watching a movie. She recommended Nimona as she watched it for the first time a few weeks ago. Nimona was so good! I’m motivated to go back and read the graphic novel.

Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Riz Ahmed) is about to be knighted in a grand ceremony. Ballister will be the first “commoner” to become a knight as normally knighthood is granted to those who have familial ties. As Ballister begins the ceremony, a mysterious bolt comes out of his weapon and kills Queen Valerin (voiced by Lorraine Toussaint). Ballister knows he never intended to hurt the Queen, however, there is a warrant out for his arrest. Ballister is visited by Nimona (voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz) a shapeshifter, who decides to help him. Together, Ballister and Nimona work together to uncover the real culprit behind Queen Valerin’s demise.

I loved everything about this movie. I liked the voice actors, I thought they really helped bring these characters to life. Riz, Chloë, and Eugene Lee Yang from The Try Guys (who voiced Ballister’s partner, Ambrosius Goldenloin) all were superb. The animation was great especially during all of Nimona’s shapeshifting into different creatures. I liked the world that Nimona takes place in. There’s a lot of lore about the history of the city which plays a big part in how things are revealed later on in the movie. It feels Dungeons & Dragons-esque with all of the fight sequences and backstory that’s introduced.

Nimona was such a fun and heartfelt adaptation. I can’t wait to read the graphic novel. Nimona can be streamed on Netflix.