09/30/2026
Anderson, THIS is one of those stories we should know.
Deon Parson, better known as Supr Dee, is a nationally syndicated cartoonist with deep roots right here in Anderson.
Deon graduated from Anderson High School in 2013, where he drew cartoons for the school newspaper. And some of the people, places and experiences from his years here eventually found their way into his work.
Today, Deon is the creator of Rosebuds, a nationally syndicated comic strip.
The strip follows three sisters, Rosa, Maria and Maricela. They were named after and loosely inspired by friends Deon knew at Anderson High School, along with his own experiences growing up with sisters and other family members.
And the Anderson connections keep going.
The school in Rosebuds is named Anderson-Highland High School. Principal Pickett was named after Ellen Finney Pickett, one of Deon’s former ACS teachers who went on to become a principal at Highland.
And, Anderson isn’t just where Deon is from. Pieces of this city quite literally live inside his art!
And we’re lucky enough to have a little piece of Rosebuds at Studio Zen too. Deon drew one right on our bathroom wall!
Deon was mentored by Jim Davis, creator of Garfield, who helped him get his comics into local newspapers.
Years later, Rosebuds made its national newspaper debut, making Deon the FIRST Black Indiana cartoonist to have a nationally syndicated comic strip since the 1920s.
His work can now be found in major publications across the country and beyond, and right here at home in The Herald Bulletin.
Earlier this year, Anderson High School welcomed Deon back and unveiled a Rosebuds mural in his honor.
And now another full-circle moment is happening downtown.
This Friday, the Anderson Museum of Art opens The Funny Pages: A Comic Strip Exhibition, featuring 40+ Indiana artists, including Jim Davis and, proudly, Anderson’s own Supr Dee.
There is something pretty special about a kid drawing cartoons in the Anderson High School newspaper growing up to see his work syndicated across the country and displayed in his hometown museum.
This one is ours, Anderson.
And we should be INCREDIBLY proud.
