As a Black medical student and a storyteller, I’m always thinking about ways to bridge the gap between healthcare education and our lived experiences—especially when it comes to the things we don’t always talk about. Skincare, for instance, often feels like one of those topics that gets swept under the rug in the Black community. Yet, skin health is essential, especially when you consider the unique challenges Black skin faces, like hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, and sensitivity to certain treatments. That’s why I set out to create a fun, quirky, and accessible way to address these issues through my comic series Nimbus and the Cütie (pronounced cootie) Catchers.
Why Skincare?
Skincare might seem like a small part of our overall health, but its impact runs deep—especially for Black individuals. In the media and dermatology, Black skin is often underrepresented, misunderstood, or dismissed altogether. As a future physician, I want to help change that narrative. Through Nimbus and the Cütie Catchers, I’m not just telling an exciting adventure story, but I’m also weaving in essential lessons about skincare that are grounded in real, scientific knowledge.
In Black communities, we often face a range of specific skin concerns—whether it’s dealing with hyperpigmentation or trying to navigate the best treatments for acne that don’t leave behind permanent scars. These concerns are often overlooked by mainstream dermatology, which tends to focus on lighter skin tones. By creating a story that centers around these issues in a fun and relatable way, I hope to provide more visibility to our skincare challenges and inspire people to take care of their skin with confidence.
The Power of Storytelling
At the heart of Nimbus and the Cütie Catchers is the quirky and lovable Nimbus, a quirky hero embarking on the adventure of a lifetime to save his best friends. But Nimbus isn’t just facing monsters—he’s battling a more insidious villain: the acne-causing Cüties. These adorable but troublesome creatures are wreaking havoc on the Eyelnd of Iltopia, and it’s up to Nimbus and his friends to catch them, understand them, and protect their community from their effects.
Through this quirky adventure, readers learn about skincare in a way that’s fun and digestible. Think of it as Pokémon meets Power Rangers—but with a mission to address the very real issues surrounding acne, hyperpigmentation, and the impact of diet, environment, and stress on our skin.
Every character in the story has their own journey with skin health. Nimbus may be the hero, but his friends Spicee Pickles and Sheeperstilskin are also learning how to care for their skin and deal with their own insecurities. Each challenge they face is rooted in real-world dermatological concerns—like dryness, oiliness, or acne outbreaks—making the lessons they learn applicable to readers’ daily lives.
Empowering Black Communities
Black skin is unique and needs unique care, yet too often, the skincare industry doesn’t cater to us. By creating Nimbus and the Cütie Catchers, I want to highlight these needs and offer solutions—through the power of storytelling. My goal is to empower Black individuals to embrace their skin with pride, knowing that there are ways to care for it that actually work for us.
Nimbus and the Cütie Catchers isn’t just about defeating the villains—it’s about embracing ourselves, understanding the science behind skincare, and spreading a message of health and self-confidence. I want readers, particularly those from marginalized communities, to feel seen, understood, and uplifted. We deserve access to proper skin education, and we deserve to see ourselves reflected in stories that prioritize our well-being.
A Larger Mission
As a Black medical student on the path to becoming a physician, I’m passionate about using my knowledge of health and medicine to impact my community in ways that go beyond the classroom or the clinic. Nimbus and the Cütie Catchers is part of that mission. It’s about more than just acne or skincare—it’s about self-worth, confidence, and empowerment.
I hope this story not only entertains but also educates and empowers everyone who reads it—especially Black individuals navigating the confusing world of skincare. And through this journey, I want to continue finding ways to blend art, science, and culture, ensuring that the health and beauty of Black communities are not just recognized but celebrated.
Preorder the book: https://shop.iltopia.com/products/cutiecatchers
Read the story: https://www.wattpad.com/story/377000770-the-quirky-misadventures-of-nimbus-and-the-c%C3%BCtie
— Steven Christian
Founder of Iltopia Studios
Creator of Nimbus and the Cütie Catchers
MD/PhD Candidate – Integrative Neuroscience ’28
