Introducing Cutie Catcherz
Imagine if acne wasn’t just a skin condition but a villain to be battled. That’s the quirky, groundbreaking premise behind Cütie Catcherz, an immersive new AR-enhanced comic series from neuroscientist, medical student, and creator Steven Christian.
With a fresh blend of art, science, and storytelling, Cütie Catcherz transforms the microscopic world of skin health into a larger-than-life adventure. The 60-page “One Shot” book follows Nimbus, an unlikely hero who must save his best friend Roscoe after a mysterious outbreak of “Cüties”—tiny creatures inspired by the very real bacterium Cutibacterium acnes. Along the way, Nimbus teams up with misfits like Ram-Bo and Spicee Pickles to face microbiological monsters, discover self-confidence, and fight back against a threat hiding just beneath the skin.
But Cütie Catcherz isn’t just a comic. Through augmented reality activations, the book comes alive with animations, sound, and interactive storytelling, offering readers a rollercoaster experience unlike anything else on the shelves.
“When I was growing up, I saw a lot of harmful skin-care myths and quick fixes in my community that left lasting scars,” says Christian. “With Cütie Catcherz, I wanted to flip that script—to make skin science fun, culturally relevant, and empowering, especially for Black and brown kids who rarely see themselves at the center of these stories.”
Christian brings a unique perspective as the first Black MD/PhD candidate in Nevada, blending his work in neuroscience with his passion for art and technology. The project is backed by years of research, as well as his mission to make health literacy engaging and accessible through creativity.
Cütie Catcherz launched on Kickstarter earlier this year, winning fans for its bold vision. Now, with the campaign complete, readers can explore the project for real!
- 📖 The Book — 60+ pages of quirky, adventurous storytelling
- 🎧 Immersive AR — animations, motion graphics, and sound design that make every page alive
- 🧸 Merch That Talks Back — AR Plushies, Keychains, Shirts, Coasters, Backpacks, and more
- 🎮 Mini-Games & Extras — catch Cooties, solve puzzles, and explore the world of Iltopia
- 💡 Life Lessons — friendship, teamwork, resilience, and kindness, wrapped in fun adventures
This series is designed for pre-teens and young adults—especially those navigating skin health and self-confidence for the first time. If you grew up with Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Man, The Magic School Bus, or Osmosis Jones, this is for you.
Cooties are real. In 2016, the acne-causing bacteria was renamed Cutibacterium acnes, giving every kid in America cooties overnight.I grew up with acne and misinformation. I used harsh products like alcohol and peroxide, which caused permanent skin damage—something that’s all too common in the Black community.
Now, as a medical researcher, I see the ongoing harm caused by misinformation, misdiagnoses, and mistreatment—especially for people with darker skin tones.Cütie Catcherz was created to bridge that gap. It turns health education into a story you can understand and connect with. It’s grounded in science, wrapped in adventure, and built for real-world impact.
This project continues to build momentum:
• Rose City Comic Con '25 Presentation - Turning Medical Textbooks to Quirky Comics
• Black Nerd Problems – Kickstarter for ‘Cütie Catcherz:’ A Revolutionary AR-Enhanced Comic Adventure Launches
• Nevada Today – Laugh, learn, repeat: Comics take on health education
• Black Public Media – PitchBlack Immersive 2025 | Steven Christian brings Cütie Catcherz to #PitchBLACK2025
• Cerius Interviews - Neuroscientist, Animator, and Comic Creator, - STEVEN CHRISTIAN
• The PVDcast - Episode 487 – Making Health Education Fun (Steven Christian)
Thank you for helping make Cütie Catcherz more than just a comic — together, we’re building an experience. If you would like to follow the journey, join the newsletter by filling out the form below:
This isn’t just a comic—it’s an immersive world of exploration. Every element, from the artwork to the AR, is part of the storytelling. It’s designed to be fun, educational, and unforgettable.