Newspapers across the country dropped the Dilbert comic strip after the creator of the satirical cartoon Scott Adams went on a racist tirade, calling Black Americans a “hate group” and suggesting that White people should “get the hell away from them.” This opened the door for St. Louis-based cartoonist, editor, and professor Steenz Stewart. Stewart wears many hats in the comic industry. She has served as an editor at Lion Forge Comics as well as doing independent work.
In 2020, Heart of the City creator and cartoonist Mark Tatulli handed over the reins to Stewart after 22 years. Stewart made headlines as one of the few syndicated Black cartoonists in the United States.
Recently, Steenz learned that the Washington Post picked up her comic strip Heart of the City, to replace Dilbert. The comic highlights a young girl named Heart and her group of friends as they navigate through challenges and the changing relationship dynamics of middle school. Steenz stated, “The series is really about her growing up and trying to be the best actress that she can be, They’re just regular nerdy middle schoolers, and it’s all about their growth.”
The second ‘Heart of the City’ collection, ‘Lost and Found,’ will be available in bookstores on April 4.
Christina “Steenz” Stewart is an American cartoonist and editor known for illustrating Archival Quality and currently authoring and illustrating the daily comic strip Heart of the City. She was born September 29, 1990, in Detroit, Michigan, and currently reside in St. Louis, Missouri.
