10 Non-Superhero Comics You Didn't Know Were Becoming Films And TV Shows
2. Nimona
Created by Noelle Stevenson, this fantasy/sci-fi webcomic following the eponymous shapeshifter as she works for mad scientist Lord Ballister Blackheart, for all its cutesy quirkiness, goes to surprisingly dark places.
Overall, it feels as though Lord Blackheart is more the protagonist of the story, with the pragmatic, reserved man trying to expose the corruption of their kingdom's ruling institutions while in a rivalry/difficult love story with his designated fantasy hero, the well-meaning but somewhat vacuous Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin, with whom he had a past relationship.
More surprising, however, is Nimona, who, despite being the titular character, is the one most shrouded in mystery, from her past to her strange powers.
The comic doesn't shy away from themes of institutional corruption and how self-serving authorities can risk the populace, while murder and death are fairly standard within their universe. Ironically, the only character who seems against killing is Blackheart himself, while both Nimona and Goldenloin don't seem adverse to the practice.
Seeing this as an animated film with its mature themes and LGBTQ+ representation intact would be a boon, and with a March 2021 release slated by Blue Sky Studios, fans can only hope it lives up to its webcomic roots.