She-Ra creator NdS Stevenson reflects on the legacy of the show and how it affected their life, as well as sharing their own personal comics on Substack. Stevenson, who also created the webcomic Nimona for Netflix, discusses their queer identity, before diving into the challenges of telling LGBTQ+ stories in the industry.
They also talk about the upcoming She-Ra season, and what Catra and Adora might be up to after saving Etheria. "What if they're just like, 'We did it! Let's go see the universe!' and they go on this road trip through space and they meet aliens and they're like 'I'm a princess, like you!'" Stevenson muses.
The final season of She-Ra was released during the pandemic, and the series has had a lasting impact on fans. "I've heard from people who met their spouses because they loved the show, and from people who formed lifelong friendships," Stevenson shares. "It's really beautiful."
They also note that the success of She-Ra has led them to question the legacy of their own work, and the powerlessness of creators to control its perception. "I've been sharing a lot of personal updates, sort of behind-the-scenes stuff, on my Substack newsletter," Stevenson explains. "And I've been using comics as a way to express my emotions and connect with people who are experiencing similar things."
Talking about their recent comics, which focus on the impact of She-Ra and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation, Stevenson says, "It's been really helpful, in a way, to put something out there that's vulnerable, and just kind of see what people think." Despite being open about their emotional state, Stevenson does express, "I do get a little bit of solace from it, because it's not just me putting out some political statement. It's, 'This happened to me, and this is how I feel about it, and this is how it affected me.'"
They also reflect on the fact that creators cannot control how their work is received or its lasting legacy. "I've come to accept that as a queer storyteller, my work will always have this kind of shifting, changing legacy," Stevenson explains. "I'm proud to have a place in the history of queer stories, and I'm proud to have the opportunity to make even a small change."
The article closes with several examples of Stevenson's personal comics, giving a more intimate look into their life and work. You can read more about the impact of She-Ra and Stevenson's personal comics here.
If you are looking for more LGBTQ+ stories and comics, we have a list of the best queer comics here. You can also check out the best erotic comics on our list, if you're looking for more explicit material.
