Picture a self-taught comic creator who turned her love for manga and sitcoms into a chart-topping series—meet Kristen Gudsnuk! This New York-based writer and illustrator burst onto the scene with her quirky, heartfelt stories, blending humor, fantasy, and relatable struggles. From her breakout hit Henchgirl to the beloved middle-grade series Making Friends, Gudsnuk’s work captures the chaos and charm of growing up.
The Making of Kristen Gudsnuk
Born in Shelton, Connecticut, Kristen Gudsnuk grew up with a passion for storytelling, fueled by manga like Inuyasha and Sailor Moon. As a teenager, she devoured comics and dreamed of creating her own, though she never attended art school. After college, she worked as a Managing Editorial Assistant at Penguin Random House, but her heart was set on comics. Inspired by animated shows and sitcoms like New Girl, she began crafting Henchgirl as a webcomic, a bold leap that launched her career.
Kristen Gudsnuk’s Unforgettable Stories
Gudsnuk’s debut, Henchgirl (2017), follows Mary Posa, a reluctant henchwoman for a supervillain, grappling with underemployment and a superhero family. Its sharp satire and relatable humor made it a bestseller, later published by Dark Horse Comics. Her middle-grade series Making Friends (2018–2024) stars Dany, a seventh-grader with a magical sketchbook that brings drawings to life. The series, praised as a YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens, explores friendship and self-discovery with a whimsical touch. Gudsnuk also penned the Minecraft: Wither Without You trilogy, weaving adventure into the blocky game world, and co-illustrated Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch with Emily Hampshire. Her style—vibrant, expressive art paired with witty dialogue—draws from manga and pop culture, making her stories accessible and endlessly fun.
Whether tackling superhero satire or middle-school mayhem, Gudsnuk’s work resonates with readers through its honesty and heart. Her characters, often flawed and funny, mirror the messiness of real life, earning her a loyal fanbase across ages.
Why Kristen Gudsnuk Matters
Kristen Gudsnuk’s rise from webcomic creator to celebrated author shows the power of perseverance in the competitive comics world. Her stories, blending humor with universal themes like friendship and identity, inspire young readers and aspiring artists. With Henchgirl being developed into a Freeform TV show, her influence is expanding beyond the page. Gudsnuk’s ability to craft relatable, genre-bending narratives has cemented her as a fresh voice in graphic novels.
- Born: Shelton, Connecticut
- Key Works: Henchgirl, Making Friends, Minecraft: Wither Without You
- Notable: Making Friends is an IndieBound bestseller and YALSA selection
- Fun Fact: Lives in Queens, NY, with her husband and dog
About Kristen Gudsnuk
Ready to dive into Kristen Gudsnuk’s colorful world? Grab Making Friends or Henchgirl and get lost in her hilarious, heartfelt comics!