Bianca Xunise

Bianca Xunise

Bianca Xunise is an American cartoonist, illustrator, and self-described "goth of color" known for her work on the nationally syndicated Six Chix comic strip collaborative. She is recognized for exploring themes of race, identity, mental health, and everyday life through her unique artistic lens.

Early Life and Background

Bianca Xunise was born in Chicago, Illinois, to artistic parents. Her mother was a fashion designer, which influenced Xunise's creative upbringing. She has Creole roots and draws inspiration from her cultural heritage. Originally starting as a fashion blogger, Xunise shifted her focus from fashion to social issues following the 2013 Trayvon Martin case verdict. Reflecting on the impact of the case, she stated, "After that, I realized I didn't care what I'm wearing anymore."

Influences and Artistic Style

Xunise's artistic influences are diverse, spanning both Western and Eastern creators. She cites Finnish artist Tove Jansson, known for The Moomins; Austrian children's book illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of Madeline; and Japanese manga artist Naoko Takeuchi, known for Sailor Moon, as inspirations for her work. Her art combines whimsical and emotional elements, often tackling serious subjects through visually engaging illustrations.

Career

Xunise's career began in earnest when she was given a column in 2015 by Hello Giggles, an online platform for women, which provided her a professional entry into comics and illustration. Her work later appeared in publications such as The Nib and Shondaland, where she addressed social justice, personal identity, and the experiences of being Black in America.

Her breakthrough came when King Features Syndicate invited her to create a tribute strip for Popeye. In 2018, she self-published Say Her Name, a comic exploring the anxieties of being Black in America, which won her the Ignatz Award for "Promising New Talent".

Six Chix

In 2020, Xunise joined the Six Chix comic strip collaborative, becoming the second Black woman to contribute to a nationally syndicated strip, following Barbara Brandon-Croft, who created Where I'm Coming From (1991–2005). Xunise also became the first Black nonbinary cartoonist to be nationally syndicated, marking a significant milestone in the world of comic art representation.

Themes and Contributions

Xunise's work often addresses:

• Race and Identity: Exploring personal and collective experiences of Black individuals in America.
• Mental Health: Raising awareness about anxiety and emotional struggles through personal storytelling.
• Pop Culture and Feminism: Merging contemporary social commentary with artistic creativity.

Her comics blend humor and activism, aiming to spark conversations while providing relatable content.

Awards and Recognition

• Ignatz Award for "Promising New Talent" (2018) for Say Her Name.

Legacy and Impact

Bianca Xunise has made significant contributions to the world of editorial and syndicated comics, breaking barriers as a Black nonbinary cartoonist. Her work continues to inspire conversations about social justice, diversity, and the power of visual storytelling in modern media.

External links

• Official website
• "Say Her Name" - on Southsideweekly.com