David Steward II

David Steward, II founded The Lion Forge, LLC, the St. Louis-based, transmedia studio in his hometown. Beginning with a digital-first publishing model in 2011, and a vision to create "comics for everyone," David charted a course for Lion Forge to bring together the most talented, diverse group of writers, artists, and editors to offer authentic voices coupled with the highest quality cinematic comics, games and animation. Under his direction, Lion Forge has published comics for everyone to enjoy, regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, or cultural background. The company's first original graphic novel Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven was nominated for three Glyph Awards, as well as the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity, and Lighter Than My Shadow was voted the 2017 Graphic Novel of the Year by Amazon. The benefit collection, Puerto Rico Strong, brought home the company's first Eisner Award in 2019 in the "Best Anthology Comic" category. Across multiple imprints and formats that has included licensed properties like DreamWorks Voltron Legendary Defender, original works from top independent creators, and the original and all-inclusive Catalyst Prime superhero universe, Lion Forge has published something for every level of comic book fan, young and old.

In 2018, Steward founded Polarity, a portfolio company to oversee the operations of Lion Forge, the 20 year comic book publisher Oni Press, and the European publishing house Magnetic Press, as well as the creative agency overseen and developed by Lion Forge co-founder, Carl Reed. Additionally, Polarity launched the Lion Forge Animation Studio, credited for producing the Hair Love short film, which premiered nationwide ahead of Sony Pictures Animation's theatrical release of Angry Birds 2.

David graduated Magna Cum Laude from American University in 1998 with a B.S.B.A. in International Marketing.