In the vast landscape of storytelling, miscommunication often serves as the catalyst for drama, humor, and profound character development. Indeed, “What We Have Here Is Failure To Communicate” isn’t just a memorable movie line; it’s a fundamental aspect of the human condition, and a recurring theme in narratives across all mediums. But what happens when communication transcends mere words and enters the realm of visuals? Graphic novels, with their dynamic blend of art and text, offer a unique stage to explore this very question.
Recently, a thought-provoking post by Memory from In The Forest Of Stories on ladybusiness caught my attention. Memory delves into the Hugo Awards’ Best Graphic Story category, highlighting nomination criteria and offering compelling recommendations that have significantly expanded my reading list. Two graphic novels, in particular, stood out from Memory’s picks: Nimona by Noelle Stevenson and Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch. Having now immersed myself in both, I wholeheartedly echo Memory’s enthusiasm.
Nimona, a webcomic-turned-graphic novel by a Lumberjanes creator, is a masterclass in visual storytelling and character-driven narrative. Available online and soon in print, Nimona throws us into a world of heroes and villains, but quickly subverts these tropes. The story centers on Nimona, a shapeshifting whirlwind of chaotic energy who appoints herself as the sidekick to Ballister Blackheart. Ballister, a disgraced knight turned “evil scientist,” seeks to dismantle the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics, aiming for revenge against his former comrade, Ambrosius Goldenloin.
Initially reluctant, Ballister soon recognizes Nimona’s unpredictable value. Their partnership blossoms into an unlikely friendship amidst explosions, battles, and the surreal appearances of sharks and dragons. As the stakes escalate, past secrets surface, testing the bonds between friends and foes alike. While Nimona bursts with humor and entertainment, its conclusion delivers an emotional punch, revealing a depth that resonates long after the final page.
Nimona herself is a triumph of character writing. Beneath her spunky, hilarious exterior lies a complex teenager grappling with past trauma and a struggle to accept affection. Her relationship with Ballister is the story’s emotional core. It’s a non-romantic bond built on mutual support and challenge, forged in the fires of adventure and fueled by pizza. This dynamic cleverly avoids typical tropes, offering a refreshing take on friendship and partnership. Perhaps the initial “failure to communicate” in their dynamic – Ballister’s cautiousness and Nimona’s impulsive nature – is precisely what allows them to grow and understand each other on a deeper level.
My personal experience reading Nimona mirrored the enthusiastic online reception. I laughed, cheered, felt a pang of sadness, and ultimately rejoiced. The webcomic format, experienced in near-one sitting, was particularly engaging. Noelle Stevenson’s witty comments accompanying each update and the lively reader comments added to the fun, creating a sense of community and anticipation.
Memory’s further analysis of Nimona on ladybusiness, exploring the character’s depth and the comic’s overall brilliance, is highly recommended. Even with mild spoilers, it only intensifies the desire to experience Nimona firsthand. I, too, am eagerly awaiting the graphic novel release, planning to share it widely and enthusiastically.
In contrast, Rat Queens: Sass and Sorcery by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch offers a different flavor of graphic storytelling. While Memory notes it “pales in comparison” to Nimona (though only slightly), Rat Queens carves its own unique and riotous path. It follows a band of female mercenaries – the Rat Queens – as they brawl and party their way through a fantastical, Middle-earth-esque world, leaving chaos and laughter in their wake.
The Queens are a delightful ensemble: Betty, the halfling rogue; Violet, the sword-wielding dwarf; Hannah, the sassy elf mage; and Dee, the human ex-cultist with questionable healing methods. Volume 1 plunges them into assassination attempts, local mysteries, and battles against troll armies, all punctuated by heavy drinking, mushroom-induced adventures, injuries, and romantic entanglements. They navigate these challenges with irreverent humor, unwavering friendship, and undeniable heart.
While the plot may be somewhat meandering, Roc Upchurch’s artwork is nothing short of spectacular. The expressive character designs and dynamic action sequences are captivating. Each Queen is visually distinct and brimming with personality, making them instantly endearing. Upchurch’s skill in capturing subtle expressions, from raised eyebrows to clenched jaws, is truly remarkable, adding layers of emotion and humor to every panel. Even when words might fail to fully convey the Queens’ complex emotions, the art speaks volumes. Perhaps in the chaotic world of Rat Queens, where communication is often reduced to witty banter and battle cries, the visual storytelling becomes even more crucial.
The action is fierce, the hangovers legendary, and the camaraderie between the Queens is genuinely enviable. The quiet moments amidst the mayhem highlight the depth of their friendship. The cliffhanger ending of Volume 1 (collecting issues #1-5) ensures that readers will eagerly seek out the next installment.
Both Nimona and Rat Queens, while distinct in tone and style, showcase the power of graphic novels to communicate complex narratives, engaging characters, and universal themes. They remind us that even when “what we have here is failure to communicate” verbally, the visual language of comics can bridge gaps and forge connections, delivering stories that are both entertaining and deeply resonant.
