ND Stevenson

Groundbreaking webcomics, award-winning graphic novels, and hit animated television series have made queer narrative representation central to contemporary speculative fiction. ND Stevenson is an American cartoonist and animation producer whose work spans bestselling comics, acclaimed television production, and autobiographical storytelling.

First gaining widespread recognition through the webcomic turned graphic novel Nimona, Stevenson established a distinct creative voice that blends science fantasy with nuanced character relationships. His storytelling prominently features shapeshifting, identity exploration, and subversive heroism across both print and screen adaptations.

Career & Background

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Nate Diana "Indy" Stevenson studied illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). While still an art student, Stevenson began publishing the webcomic Nimona in 2011, securing a publishing deal before graduating in 2013. In addition to creating standalone graphic novels, Stevenson co-created and co-wrote the celebrated comic series Lumberjanes, which earned multiple Eisner Awards and a GLAAD Media Award. Moving into television animation, Stevenson wrote for series such as Wander Over Yonder and DuckTales before serving as the developer, showrunner, and executive producer for the animated series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, which ran from 2018 to 2020.

Writing Style & Themes

Stevenson's work frequently explores themes of gender identity, queer romance, belonging, and the fluidity of self. His narratives often reframe traditional tropes of heroism and villainy, using fantasy elements to address personal transformation and emotional growth. In 2020, Stevenson publicly came out as trans and non-binary, reflecting on how themes of shapeshifting and identity in earlier works like Nimona connected deeply to his own personal evolution. His visual storytelling combines dynamic line art with character-driven humor and vulnerability, extending from adventure comics to autobiographical works such as The Fire Never Goes Out and his illustrated web series.

Major Works

• Nimona — Originally launched as a webcomic in 2011 and published as a graphic novel in 2015, this science fantasy story about a young shapeshifter and a villanized knight earned a Slate Cartoonist Studio Prize and made Stevenson the youngest National Book Award finalist in Young People's Literature before being adapted into a Netflix animated film.
• Lumberjanes, Vol. 6: Sink or Swim — Co-written by Stevenson as part of the popular comic series about five friends at a supernatural summer camp, this volume continues the team's adventure filled with strange aquatic creatures, camaraderie, and quirky humor.
• Lumberjanes, Vol. 7: A Bird's-Eye View — This installment in the Eisner Award-winning comic series co-created by Stevenson follows the campers as they navigate mysterious woods and supernatural phenomena through teamwork and friendship.
• Lumberjanes, Vol. 8: Stone Cold — Part of the GLAAD Award-winning comic series co-written by Stevenson, this volume highlights camp counselor dynamics and mythological mysteries at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types.
• She-Ra and the Princesses of Power — An animated television series developed and executive produced by Stevenson that ran from 2018 to 2020, receiving critical acclaim for its inclusive character arcs, complex relationships, and LGBTQ+ representation.