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somehowmags · 10 months

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i’ve seen a lot of posts talking about nimona’s queer messages which is great! but ive not seen as many posts talking analyzing how both ballister and ambrosius were changed to be asian, which is a shame because i genuinely think its one of the most important parts of the film! a huge part of it is a deconstruction of the model minority myth and respectability politics, both of which are big issues in the asian american community. both of them represent each side of the spectrum, with ambrosius expected to be superhuman with very little support and ballister being seen as less than human, no matter how hard he tries- a monster.

ambrosius (who is now east asian, like his voice actor eugene lee yang, who is korean with chinese and japanese ancestry), despite being in a seemingly powerful position as head of the knights and a descendant of gloreth, he isn’t really given the kind of support that this position needs- he’s constantly undermined and belittled by todd, the face of the other knights, and when asked about his emotional state by the director, represses his emotions rather than talk to her about his true feelings. this is very similar to how asian american students in schools aren’t given the support they need academically by teachers and administration, as the model minority myth leads to them being perceived as more intelligent and competent than their fellow students and therefore not needing support. he’s also held to a higher standard than any of the other knights, being immediately placed into a position of power despite just being knighted, again a reflection of the model minority myth, since asian americans are held to higher standards unfairly. despite being technically better off than ballister, he has no support, no friends, no way to seek help for his problems, and, just like ballister, is immediately thrown away the moment the director thinks he’s served his use.

ballister is now pakistani, like his voice actor riz ahmed (no, not like pedro pascal. where did this come from lol), and i’d go as far as to say that he is also, if not explicitly muslim, heavily muslim coded as well. he’s framed as a terrorist by the white, christian institution, and from then on, it doesn’t matter how good he tries to be- everyone else sees him as a monster. he’s also from a lower socioeconomic class than ambrosius and the rest of the knights- while this is initially used to frame him as a success story, after he’s framed, it’s used to cast suspicion on him. almost immediately he’s othered, with posters casting him as a foreign invader sent to destabilize the city, much in the same way that muslim immigrants are seen in real life. even when he tries to be peaceful and good, it’s always twisted so that he’s the monster of the story. while ambrosius is held to too high of a standard, ballister will never be enough for the institution to accept.

which is why both of their arcs culminate in them breaking out of the system, learning to accept what they’d been taught was monstrous, and leaving behind respectability. it’s a genuinely great commentary, and i can definitely see why riz ahmed and eugene lee yang were chosen for this, as they’ve both done activist work for their communities.

#nimona #chatters #another analysis post i made at two am and then put in my drafts and forgot about LMAO #anyways i forgot to actually write a conclusion but shut up this isn't school i don't have to conclude SHIT #ballister boldheart #ambrosius goldenloin

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bigbeanbear · 10 months

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Nimona is also a milestone in western queer animation history because Ballister (South Asian) and Ambrosius (East Asian) are both of Asian descent in the movie, the same as their voice actors. They are a canon gay Asian couple.

#Ballister is disabled Asian gay #nimona #nimona movie #ballister x ambrosius #goldenheart #ballister boldheart #ambrosius goldenloin #voice actors #lgbtq representation #queer representation #my posts #asian representation

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salemontrial · 9 months

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Feeling a way about Ambrosius bleaching and dying his hair blond even tho hes got dark hair and is east asian because he has to look like a descendant of Gloreth and he needs to have that for his brand and conforming to western beauty standards to remain on the pedestal theyve put him on and-

#nimona #ambrosius goldenloin #🦈 nimona posting

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thecorvidforest · 10 months

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i keep seeing (hopefully mostly unintentional) whitewashed fanart of Ballister from the Nimona movie and i’d just like to remind any white people who may be doing fanart -

Ballister being brown is a very important part of the film. i know his skin is much lighter in the graphic novel, but as a brown person who watched the film it’s pretty obvious that they cast a Pakistani man to play him because on top of being a trans allegory, it’s also an allegory for racism. it’s intrinsic to the story told in the film.

same thing with Ambrosius being Korean. the story being told with the casting of Riz Ahmed as Ballister and Eugene Lee Yang as Ambrosius is of a brown man being framed to keep the power in the hands of white people, and of those in power using east asians (see: the model minority myth) to prop up white supremacy.

i could go on but i think you get the point. all that to say - the color of Ballister’s skin wasn’t just a choice made in passing to make the cast more diverse. same with Ambrosius. please make sure you’re representing that in your art.

#nimona #ballister blackheart #ambrosius goldenloin #nimona ballister #nimona ambrosius #nimona analysis #riz ahmed #eugene lee yang #whitewashing

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powerfulblob · 4 months

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Here like a Roman statue I will stand

Till death hath made me marble

(Quote Source)

[ID: A greyscale digital fanart of Ambrosius Goldenloin from the nimona movie. He is an East Asian man with light skin and light hair. He wears his knight’s armour and clutches a sword as he sobs, a pool of blood forming below him. The background is white, and blank. He is alone. end ID]

#tw: blood #nimona #ambrosius goldenloin #nimona fanart #this turned out really nicely #ambrosius my beloved #nimona movie?#i guess?#I usually don't tag a lot but I want people to see this one

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walrus150915 · 6 months

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Cw: homophobia

I honestly don't think Ambrosius's family would be homophobic in a classic Christian way we think of when we hear the word "homophobia", with "pray your gay away" n stuff

No, no, it's more complicated than that in my opinion

I think they wouldn't particularly mind Ambrosius getting with a man (they'd be more pissed off at his status than anything), but I'm sure they'd be of an opinion that Gloreth's bloodline must continue, so Ambrosius must get a wife/a person who can give him a child

"Ambrosius, darling, you can keep that Ballister boy, but you have to get a wife so that you could have children. Think of your family! Surely you wouldn't want to be the last direct descendant of Gloreth. What about Ballister? Well, he can continue being your side thing, but front and central should be the line of descendants you and your wife will have"

Like idk I think they'd tolerate Bal as Ambrosius's affair yet they wouldn't stand them being, like, officially together, yknow?

#cw homophobia #its really hard to explain but i hope you get what im sayin #nimona #ambrosius goldenloin #nimona headcanons #in east asian countries homophobia is more about gay ppl not being able to have kids #and not about #christianity #yeah #at least thats what i heard #let me know if im wrong #i kept this in drafts for like 2 weeks💀

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stormflower8 · 6 months

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read the comic for the first time

so, bear in mind that I read the comic AFTER I watched the movie. so, yes, I am biased. very much so. sorry LMAO

SPOILERS FOR BOTH THE MOVIE AND THE NOVEL BELOW!!

that being said, here are my thoughts!

storytelling:

I feel like I could TELL it was written originally on tumblr. the plot just felt like it wasn't planned at all, and like the story was built on vibes alone

it kinda felt almost- rushed? like, it very very much FELT like a webcomic, and though it wasn't that bad a feeling, it was strange for a hard copy

that being said, I think I ruined it for myself a little cause I read it all way too fast. sneaking chapters in the middle of precalc may not have been my best decision. characters:

ballister definitely was more Villainous

he demonstrated a more malicious intelligence which was cool!

meanwhile in the movie he's so all over the place and just a dumb gay man which is equally a vibe imo

still cared a lot about ambrosius

this is also true vice versa

it's like that scene in the movie were ambrosius is like "I'll hunt down ballister" but he did that to protect him, while in the novel ballister is all "if anyone will kill ambrosius, it'll be me" but he also did that to protect him

ambrosius was so dumb I wanted to punch him /pos

"let's fight because that is my job!" sir get your silly ass hair out of here

I'm kidding I am not going to diss The Hair

kinda living for the more complex and messy goldenheart. love the soft vibes of the movie though. both are good alternatives.

nimona was standard grade nimona. no surprises. different genre of trauma, but still our nimona

in terms of character design, movie has gotta win for me.

this being said, I am south asian and VERY partial towards ballister's design

and east asian ambrosius is absolutely amazing

but The Hair. ambrosius's hair was awesome in the book. I wouldn't say the movie "nerfed" it or "ruined" it, I just think it's different and ties into his backstory better

and realistically, a knight wouldn't have very long hair and if they did, they'd have to tie it back

I'm biased for asians what can I say plot:

what do you MEAN ballister technically killed nimona??? what the HELL???

really liked the ending though

I feel like ambrosius didn't redeem himself as well as he should've considering his blEW UP BALLISTER'S ARM

I actually assumed that goldenheart would be pre-established in the novel like it was in the movie and was shocked when it turned out to just be implied overall? I liked the movie better! but I'm also biased as hell and I saw the movie first and I sped through the novel, and I already had most of it spoiled for me LMAO that being said, the novel was AWESOME and I actually loaned it from a friend and I'm considering buying a copy for myself! great book, would absolutely recommend to everyone -Storm

#nimona #nimona webcomic #nimona 2023 #ballister blackheart #ballister boldheart #ambrosius goldenloin #ballister x ambrosius #please don't come after me

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aethslove · 9 months

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audibly gasped and pointed it out to my poor father when i found out ambrosius was east asian and queer like “that’s me!!!”

#aeth talks #nimona #ambrosius goldenloin #when they say rep matters it MATTERSSSS

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xandriagreat · 10 months

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Modern Nimona

Chapter 1: The Beginning of Hurt

First Chapter | Next Chapter

Summary: When a college graduate is framed for a crime that he didn’t do and the only people who are helping him is a science friend from college and a shapeshifting lab rat named Nimona.

Author’s note: This story/fic is a modern day au of Nimora (both book and movie). Also this fic/story is a two person writing, the co-writer is @vanessafangirl13

Notice/warnings: kissing, rudeness, death, decapitating

▪▪▪

June 15th, 2013,

It was graduation day at the University Institute Of Gloreth.

A young 21-year-old man with dark brown skin, a beginning of a short mustache and goatee, and short, dark hair, was in his usual plain white t-shirt, brown sweatpants, and black army boots, looking at the screens as he was packing the last of his stuff from his dorm.

He was a young man who showed promise ever since he was a kid. He worked his way up into the university but not meant it with the controversy of his college and schools knowing he was the only one who was born poor at the university that only accepted famous and rich people.

He was about to finish the last box when he heard a familiar voice ask, “You excited?”

"Yeah." He said with nervousness in his voice, looking a bit down before looking at the person.

The voice revealed to be his boyfriend, Ambrosius Goldenloin, an East Asian man with short, blonde hair curled over the left side of his head in a pompadours style, with the rest of his hair shaved close to his scalp, and dark and short, dark beard over his chin.

Ambrosius walked over to him, wanting to make sure his boyfriend was ok. “Want to talk about it, Bal?” he asked as he got to him.

"Yeah, it's just-" Bal tried to speak, "I can't believe it, 4 years have passed by so fast, and now we're graduating and going to the real world."

They begin sitting down on the bed, which is now just a mattress and bed frame.

Ambrosius nodded and held his hand, gently rubbing it. “There is more, isn't there?” he asked, looking at him. “Ballister, I see that you’re scared. ”

Ballister was quiet for a bit as he looked down. “What if… what if they hate me?”

His boyfriend is understanding why Ballister was scared. “You’ve worked so hard for this,” Ambrosius said, putting a gentle hand on his cheek. “They’ll love you.”

"You think so?" Ballister asked with hope in his voice as he looked at Ambrosius. “Yes,” Ambrosius answered, nodding softly.

Ballister begins to smile warmly and kisses him on the lips.

☆Later☆

Everyone was getting ready for the day of the graduation

Some were taking pictures, some were excited about the next chapter in their lives, and others talking with their families

Bal was getting his graduation gown ready which is unique, while most of the university's graduation wear only had white gold and silver, his was different having a more black accent into his suit while his boyfriend had more gold in his as well.

"Well, we finally made it after 4 years," said Meredith Blitzmeyer, a tall Romani woman, with warm brown skin, long gray hair tied back in a ponytail, and rounded gold frame glasses over her gorgeous blue eyes. "The future has come."

“Oh, hey Meredith.” Ballister said, looking at her with a smile.

"Well, Ballister, future graduate of the era." Meredith jokes. She has been a bit of a jokester since high school. But at least her jokes were appropriate, unlike another classmate that was also graduating who happens to be a bully.

"More like a loser." A man named Thaddeus Sureblade jokes, he's the one with short brown hair, pale skin, and green eyes. He had always been a bully to the three, mostly to Ballister.

"Ugh! Not you again." Meredith ground, crossing her arms, knowing he was her ex-boyfriend. They broke up a month ago after finding out that he was a jerk, trying to make him his trophy wife, and almost a bad manly macho after dating for a year. She already moved on but Thaddeus was a bit still in the denial stage of a breakup.

“Hey, I was just coming over to talk with Ballister.” Thaddeus started, smiling his best prize smile.

"Well, then, go ahead." Meredith said, glaring at him.

Thaddeus put an arm around Ballister’s shoulders and said, “Look, when I first saw you at the Institute, I thought that you were just a nobody.”

Ballister looked at him like he was going to say more. “And?”

Meredith began putting her hands on her hips and raise her eyebrow, tapping her foot, waiting for an answer

Thaddeus noticed that and didn’t want to get her too mad. “I’m not going to answer that.” he said, popping his lips. Thaddeus got his arm off of Ballister and shoved him a bit as he walked away.

Meredith and Ambrosius caught Ballister before he fell on the floor and helped him stand up.

“Thanks.” Ballister said to them.

Ambrosius nodded to him and smiled. “No problem.”

“I still can’t believe that I dated him.” Meredith muttered under her breath.

Just then, The Director of the University opened the doors, smiling at the graduating class of 2013.

Everyone began to line up as the Director entered the room.

It was revealed to be a tall and thin woman with pale skin, a long neck. her blonde hair in a long braided ponytail, black eyes. She wore a yellow business coat over a white blouse, matching yellow ankle-length long skirt, brown stockings, and black 3-inch high heels. She's a serious and kind woman.

“Everyone,” the Director started as she looked at the soon to be graduating students, “today is an important day. Not only are you all graduating but we have our first rise to the top student graduating.”

She smiled at Ballister, who nodded to her. “Thank you, Director.” Ballister said, smiling.

Then the Director clapped her hands together and said, “Now, everyone needs to finish up and get to the stage.”

Everyone did as they were told.

Ambrosius got his scabbard on his belt before getting his family’s sword from his locker.

It was traditional of the Goldenloin family to carry the sword that Glorth carried throughout the war for special occasions, like today.

Ambrosius looked at Ballister and smiled softly. “You ready?” he asked.

“I will be. I just need to wait for my ring.” Ballister said. “You can go ahead.”

"Ok. We will be waiting for you." Meredith said, fixing her cap.

Ambrosius and Meredith went out as Diego, a man with light brown skin, brown eyes, and blonde hair styled in a short mohawk, came in.

Diego was the Jeweler of Ballister’s ring.

“Hi.” Ballister said, smiling at him.

"Hi. Sorry about that, I was just finding the ring which took a while." Diego said, giving him the ring

“It’s alright.” Ballister reassured as he got the ring from him.

The University ring was a silver ring. It had some gems all around it, with the top gem being a beautiful red. There was gold writing on the inside of the ring. The writing said, ‘Send the darkness back into the shadows to see the light’.

It’s the main motto of the university and of the city in case there is danger of any kind that comes in.

Ballister smiled softly as he put it on his right ring finger. It felt different than before when he wore it last time but he didn’t mind it.

Before Ballister went out, Diago stopped him for a moment. "Umm, sir." Diago started, about to get out of his phone. "I-"

“Ballister.” the Director said, walking back in. Both Ballister and Diago looked at her as the Director said, “It’s almost time. You need to get with the other students.”

Ballister nodded as he went out with everyone.

☆

They went outside just in time for the graduation ceremony. As the music began to play, the three friends already imagined their future like everyone else.

The mayor is the special guest for the graduation.

The mayor was a woman with brown skin, black eyes, and long white hair tied in a tight bun, wearing a white blouse and blue pantsuit with gold and red accents and blue high heels heading to the stand.

She was the one to request Ballister to go to the Institute and his adoptive mother.

After everyone got the diploma, everyone clapped for the graduated students. Then everyone sat down as the mayor got up and went to the microphone. “Everyone,” she started, smiling at everyone, “I am so proud of this graduating class. This class has someone special. This person works all the way up. This person is my son, Ballister Boldheart.”

The spotlight pointed at Ballister and he began to stand up with everyone looking at him.

Then everyone cheered for him as he smiled and walked up to his mother.

Meredith got her phone and begin recording him, smiling big.

Ballister hugged the mayor before he turned to the microphone. “Thank you, Mother.” Ballister said into the microphone.

Mayor Valerin began grabbing a small box from her pocket, and then opened up to reveal a beautiful ring server and even with an obsidian gem with red spots on it, It was a family heirloom that has been in her family for generations.

Ballister looked at it and smiled at his mother. He started to reach with his right hand.

Then all of the sudden, Ballister’s University ring started to shake his hand as the top gem turned from white to green appeared at the top and shot a beam blasted through the mayor's body.

Everyone gasped in shock.

“Mom!” Ballister exclaimed in shock.

His friends came just in time, his boyfriend tried to stop but accidentally got the beam cut off by cutting Ballister's right arm off.

Ballister fell to the ground, holding his now cut arm, bleeding as Meredith came to check on him.

Bal and Meredith begin hearing people panicking and screaming seeing their mayor hurt.

"Are you ok?" Meredith asked worriedly.

“I…” Ballister started but was interrupted by someone yelling, “The mayor is dead!”

Meredith grabbed something from her bag that she was carrying, it was a smoke bomb, she began throwing it and a puff of green smoke blew.

"Let's go." Meredith said, taking Ballister by his other hand and they ran out and away from the graduation grounds.

Ambrosius watched them run out worriedly. “How did this even happen?” he asked himself as he looked at the crime scene.

☆

Ballister and Meredith ran into an alleyway.

“Ok, I think that we’re safe now.” Meredith panted as she caught her breath and looked at Ballister.

Ballister still held his cut arm as he sat down. His arm was still bleeding a lot.

Meredith got a med kit out of her bag and tented the wound. “Here we go.” she said as she finished wrapping the bandages around it.

Ballister looked at the wrapped up wound before looking back at Meredith as she said, "We gotta get out of this place."

“I’m sorry… ‘We’?” Ballister repeated to see if he heard her right.

“Yes. ‘We’, Ballister.” Meredith said, helping him up. "We need to get out of this place."

“Meredith…” Ballister started as he sighed and looked down. “You can’t just drop everything for me. You’ll be hunted too and never get to be the scientist that you wanted to be.”

“Ballister, look at me.” Meredith said, lifting his head up. “I know that you’re innocent and that you didn’t kill your mother… and I am going to help to prove that.”

They begin hearing the news all over the city of the death of the mayor and that Ballister was a killer.

“Come on.” Meredith said to Ballister, holding his hand. "I'll call someone I know to help us and where we can go."

#ballister boldheart #ballister blackheart #ambrosius goldenloin #meredith blitzmeyer #thaddeus sureblade #Modern Nimona #Modern Nimona au #Nimona #nimona fic #todd sureblade

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