ND Stevenson
A visionary storyteller who reshaped fantasy animation with inclusive, emotionally complex heroes, becoming a defining voice for a new generation.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American cartoonist and producer·Birthday: December 31·Millennials
Biography
ND Stevenson didn't just enter the world of comics and animation; he reshaped its heart. First gaining attention with his autobiographical webcomic-turned-graphic-novel 'Nimona,' a sly and poignant tale of a shapeshifter and a villain, Stevenson announced a new kind of fantasy—one that was queer, subversive, and deeply human. This voice found its full expression in 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power,' where he served as showrunner, transforming a 1980s toy commercial into a landmark series about friendship, love, and redemption, celebrated for its rich LGBTQ+ representation. His work on 'Lumberjanes' further cemented his status as a architect of joyful, adventurous stories centered on marginalized voices. Stevenson's public journey with his gender identity, culminating in his coming out as a trans man, has made his creative output and personal narrative powerfully intertwined, inspiring fans who see their own struggles and triumphs reflected in his heroes.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
ND was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When ND Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
ND's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Created and served as showrunner for the critically acclaimed Netflix series 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power' (2018-2020).
- Wrote the graphic novel 'Nimona,' which was a National Book Award finalist and later adapted into an Academy Award-winning animated film.
- Co-wrote the Eisner Award-winning comic book series 'Lumberjanes.'
- Published 'The Fire Never Goes Out,' a bestselling autobiographical collection of comics and essays.
Did You Know?
The character of Nimona first appeared in a webcomic he drew while still a student at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
He came out as a trans man in 2020, discussing his transition publicly.
Stevenson was a writer for the animated series 'Wander Over Yonder' early in his career.
He designed the initial concept art for the character of Star Butterfly in 'Star vs. The Forces of Evil.'
“The story is about who gets to be the hero. And the answer is: everyone.”
