Picture a storyteller who spun a shapeshifting villain into a beloved hero and reimagined a classic '80s cartoon with queer heart—meet ND Stevenson! Born Noelle Diana Stevenson, this American cartoonist and animation producer has captivated audiences with their vibrant storytelling, from the Eisner-winning graphic novel Nimona to the groundbreaking animated series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. With a knack for blending humor, inclusivity, and emotional depth, Stevenson’s work has left an indelible mark on comics and animation.
As a non-binary and transmasculine creator, Stevenson infuses their stories with authentic representation, earning accolades like the Daytime Emmy and GLAAD Media Award. Ready to dive into their colorful world? Let’s explore how this visionary artist became a leading voice in modern storytelling!
The Making of ND Stevenson
Born on December 31, 1991, in Columbia, South Carolina, ND Stevenson grew up as the third of five siblings in a creative household. Homeschooled before attending A.C. Flora High School, Stevenson’s early love for storytelling bloomed through picture books, inspired by cinematic epics like The Prince of Egypt and The Lord of the Rings. At the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), their artistic spark ignited. A junior-year assignment birthed Nimona, a webcomic that doubled as their 2012 senior thesis and launched their career. By interning at BOOM! Studios and freelancing for publishers like Random House, Stevenson honed their craft, setting the stage for a meteoric rise.
ND Stevenson’s Unforgettable Stories
Stevenson’s storytelling shines through their bold, inclusive narratives and dynamic art. Their breakout work, Nimona, follows a mischievous shapeshifter and a villain with a vendetta, blending sci-fi, fantasy, and sharp wit. Originally a webcomic, it became a 2015 HarperCollins graphic novel, earning a National Book Award nomination and a 2016 Eisner Award. The 2023 Netflix animated adaptation further cemented its cultural impact.
Co-created with Grace Ellis and Shannon Watters, Lumberjanes is a vibrant comic series about five friends at a supernatural summer camp. Its celebration of friendship and adventure won Eisner Awards for Best New Series and Best Publication for Teens in 2015. Stevenson’s autobiographical collection, The Fire Never Goes Out, offers a raw, heartfelt look at their young adult years, tackling mental health and identity with poignant sketches. As showrunner for She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018–2020), Stevenson reimagined the classic series with diverse characters and a queer love story, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
Their style—playful yet profound—weaves humor, heart, and representation into every project. Whether through Nimona’s rebellious spirit or She-Ra’s empowering arcs, Stevenson crafts stories that resonate with readers and viewers of all ages.
Why ND Stevenson Matters
ND Stevenson’s impact transcends their award-winning works. By prioritizing LGBTQ+ representation, they’ve reshaped animation and comics, making space for authentic, diverse voices. She-Ra’s nuanced portrayal of relationships, especially between Adora and Catra, sparked conversations about queer storytelling, inspiring a generation of creators and fans. Their openness about being non-binary and transmasculine, shared through works like the webcomic I’m Fine I’m Fine Just Understand, fosters visibility and empathy. Stevenson’s advocacy and storytelling continue to influence the industry, proving that inclusive narratives can be both commercially successful and deeply meaningful.
- Born: December 31, 1991, in Columbia, South Carolina
- Key Works: Nimona, Lumberjanes, The Fire Never Goes Out, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
- Awards: Eisner Awards (2015, 2016), Daytime Emmy, GLAAD Media Award
- Fun Fact: Married to fellow cartoonist Molly Ostertag since 2019
About ND Stevenson
Snag Nimona or binge She-Ra and the Princesses of Power to dive into ND Stevenson’s vibrant, heartfelt world of storytelling!