banner
LightNews
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan
@comicsbyxan.bsky.social
790 followers 240 following 1.6K posts
Perpetually tired trans comic artist, making trans comics. Creator of Pandora's Tale and Thinking Too Much to Think Positively. Co-host of the podcast Can't Stop Hibari-kun. https://pandorastale.com/
pandorastale.com
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
Reposted by Xan
magicariot.com
Kara Buchanan 🏳️‍⚧️ @magicariot.com · 8h
“Magica Riot: Full Bloom” is fully done 👀

All editors finished. Now I will finalize everything, and send it for audio production.

Artwork is wrapping up, and then I’ll get my print proofs. Once everything looks good, we will be all systems go.
12 22 140
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 9h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#10

I predict that this will go well
PAGE 10 PANEL 1 PANDORA, ISABELLE and CON survey the crowd. ZERO, speaking over comms, appears via a cutaway in the corner of the panel. CON I think that's the guy. Fishman. ZERO (JAGGED) Fishguard. PANEL 2 A shot across the room. FISHGUARD is standing alone, but there is no sign of any storage device on him. ISABELLE (OFF) I was expecting him to have like a... briefcase or something. PANEL 3 CON whispers to PANDORA and ISABELLE. ZERO appears again via cutaway. ISABELLE Could he have given his bag to someone when he came in? CON What if it's in his car? ZERO (JAGGED) Want me to break into his car? PANEL 4 CON holds her hand to her ear as she rebukes ZERO, while PANDORA and ISABELLE look intrigued. CON Please do not break into anyone's car. ISABELLE Oh, is that...? PANEL 5 Shot of FISHGUARD, but he now has a Helper, ADASTREA, standing nearby. She is tall (for a Helper), serious, and holding a phone. ISABELLE (OFF) Does he have a Helper with him? PANDORA (OFF) She's holding a phone. That's gotta be it! PANEL 6 PANDORA addresses ISABELLE and CON confidently. PANDORA I'll go and talk to her!
3
Reposted by Xan
roodypatooti.bsky.social
piper @roodypatooti.bsky.social · 1d
4 76 220
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 11h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#9

With Smith-Rawnsley I wanted a rich person who isn't nakedly awful but lets his rich guy weirdness show in more subtle ways
PAGE 9 PANEL 1 MISS FORTUNA and DOCTOR SHAH enter the mansion and are greeted by SMITH-RAWNSLEY. PANDORA, ISABELLE and CON enter behind them. SMITH-RAWNSLEY Ah! Veronica! You haven't changed a bit! PANEL 2 SMITH-RAWNSLEY kisses MISS FORTUNA's hand, and she acts flattered. SMITH-RAWNSLEY I can't thank you enough for coming to my rescue. I always could rely on you. MISS FORTUNA The pleasure is all mine. Anything to help out an old friend. PANEL 3 Shot of MISS FORTUNA and SMITH-RAWNSLEY, with PANDORA visible in the background. SMITH-RAWNSLEY I notice you have a Helper on your staff. Yours, is she? MISS FORTUNA Ah... no, no. She was a stray. PANEL 4 Closeup of SMITH-RAWNSLEY looking disapproving. SMITH-RAWNSLEY Ah, how sad. So many people just fail to appreciate the responsibility of being a Helper owner. PANEL 5 SMITH-RAWNSLEY addresses DOCTOR SHAH, who appears flustered. SMITH-RAWNSLEY And you must be... Doctor Shah, was it? DOCTOR SHAH Yes! Uh, nice to meet you! PANEL 6 SMITH-RAWNSLEY and DOCTOR SHAH converse. SMITH-RAWNSLEY Work up at Pioneer Heights Medical, do you? DOCTOR SHAH No... I run a private practice. PANEL 7 SMITH-RAWNSLEY smiles at DOCTOR SHAH, who looks uncomfortable. SMITH-RAWNSLEY Aha, smart girl. That's where the real money's made. DOCTOR SHAH Right...
1 4
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 14h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#8

Doctor Shah is looking sharp

Also: it's hinted at earlier in the chapter, but a background detail I've tried to be consistent about is that there are no trees in Pioneer City proper. There are trees up here because they're high enough to avoid the worst of the pollution
PAGE 8 PANEL 1 Establishing evening shot of a mansion, with coniferous trees in the background. Zero's van is parked in front of the building along with other cars, and PANDORA, ISABELLE, CON, MISS FORTUNA and DOCTOR SHAH are standing outside, looking at the building. PANDORA, ISABELLE and CON are wearing the standard O, Fortuna wait staff uniform, MISS FORTUNA is wearing an evening dress, and DOCTOR SHAH is dressed in a hijab/tuxedo combo. ISABELLE I've never been up in the mountains before! This place is huge! PANEL 2 PANDORA, with outstretched arms, stares up at the trees, to MISS FORTUNA's amusement. PANDORA Look at the trees! PANEL 3 PANDORA moves alongside ISABELLE. PANDORA Mistress, we match! ISABELLE Well, before I was a dancer, I used to be a waitress like you! PANEL 4 ZERO leans out of the back of the van, as CON attempts to close the door. ZERO I'll be monitoring things from in here. CON Close the door before someone gets suspicious. PANEL 5 The back of the van is now closed, but ZERO continues to shout at CON through the window. ZERO Bring me some of that fancy rich people food! PANEL 6 MISS FORTUNA and DOCTOR SHAH converse in front of the mansion, DOCTOR SHAH looking awkward. DOCTOR SHAH Ugh, I haven't done this for so long. Do I look okay? MISS FORTUNA You look perfect, dear. We'll blend right in.
1 4
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 14h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#7

"Smith-Rawnsley" is a name that wedged itself in my brain after I heard it on a BBC Radio quiz show back when I was in college. It just seemed like the poshest name in the world
PAGE 7 PANEL 1 MISS FORTUNA takes over addressing the group. MISS FORTUNA Mr Smith-Rawnsley spends most of his time out of the sector. As such, he only maintains a small staff at his Pioneer City residence. And so I have offered assistance. Isabelle, Con, Pandora: the three of you will enter the event posing as wait staff. PANEL 2 PANDORA turns to ISABELLE excitedly. PANDORA Oh! This is something I can do! I'm already a waitress! PANEL 3 MISS FORTUNA continues, and ISABELLE raises her hand. MISS FORTUNA I will be attending as a guest, of course, and I'll be bringing Doctor Shah as my plus-one. ISABELLE This data... is it on a tablet or something? What are we looking for? PANEL 4 Closeup of ZERO. ZERO Most likely a data tablet, and he'll be keeping it on his person. I'll be on-site, and I'll provide each of you with a miniature uplink device that will allow me to rip the data from whatever it's on. All you'll need is ten seconds of direct contact between the uplink and the storage device. PANEL 5 Shot of HEMMEL with MISS FORTUNA and ZERO. HEMMEL That might be easier said than done, though. (cont) If he even suspects something is up, the plan is ruined.
1 6
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 15h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#6

Pandora is proud of her crimes
PAGE 6 PANEL 1 HEMMEL continues their explanation. HEMMEL His department is hosting a trade conference sometime in the next few weeks. Dozens of senior government figures and CEOs, all in one place. The president himself is even planning on making an appearance. We know it's happening, but we don't know exactly where or when. All we know is that Mr Fishguard is in charge of planning the event. Tomorrow night's party will be his last stop before he returns to the capital, so we believe he'll have an itinerary for the conference with him. PANEL 2 HEMMEL speaks, as PANDORA watches, puzzled. HEMMEL With this information we can plant spies in key positions, monitor communications... maybe even carry out an assassination or two. PANEL 3 PANDORA addresses HEMMEL, who responds with amusement. PANDORA Assassination? Oh, but I've barely any experience shooting people. Just that one man. HEMMEL You wouldn't be the one doing the assassinating, Pandora. PANEL 4 DOCTOR SHAH cuts in, alarmed, while PANDORA responds cheerfully. DOCTOR SHAH You shot someone? PANDORA He was only a policeman. PANEL 5 DOCTOR SHAH angrily addresses ISABELLE, who responds defiantly, with a sheepish CON in shot. DOCTOR SHAH Isabelle! ISABELLE Ohhh no. I am not taking responsibility for that one.
1 5
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 16h
There was a time when it didn't seem like it was, then we all transitioned
1 1
Reposted by Xan
magicariot.com
Kara Buchanan 🏳️‍⚧️ @magicariot.com · 18h
gettin' closer 😁 new sneak peek for patrons www.patreon.com/posts/magica...
"Magica Riot: Full Bloom" Back Cover Chibis! | Magica Riot
Get more from Magica Riot on Patreon
www.patreon.com
1 13 35
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 16h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#5

Fishguard is a coastal town in Wales, and the site of the last attempted invasion of mainland Britain by a few very ambitious guys and a bunch of convicts who really didn't want to be there. It is also a funny name
PAGE 5 PANEL 1 HEMMEL appears at the entrance, flanked by CON and ZERO. ZERO is carrying computer equipment. HEMMEL Good morning! Thank you for coming by so early. PANEL 2 ISABELLE looks exasperated, addressing HEMMEL as ZERO sets up her equipment. ISABELLE Sigh... What is it you wanted? HEMMEL Thanks to Miss Fortuna's connections, we have a unique opportunity to gather intelligence. PANEL 3 MISS FORTUNA joins HEMMEL in addressing the group. MISS FORTUNA Yes. I have been invited to a function tomorrow night hosted by Hamilton Smith-Rawnsley, a former patron of mine. HEMMEL Mr Smith-Rawnsley is one of the richest people in the sector. A lot of powerful people are going to be at this party. PANEL 4 ZERO, having now set up a monitor, addresses the group as a man's face is shown onscreen. ZERO Including this man. (cont) Eric Fishguard, Junior Undersecretary of Commerce. PANEL 5 Shot of HEMMEL addressing the group alongside ZERO. HEMMEL As government stooges go, he's nothing special. It's what he'll be carrying that's of interest to us.
1 5
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 17h
Somehow I missed that you had a Patreon. Just subscribed!
1 1
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 17h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#4

All Helper owners are now cancelled due to problematic age gap.

All the other stuff was fine obviously
PAGE 4 PANEL 1 Closeup of ISABELLE looking ponderous. ISABELLE Actually, I've been wondering.. PANEL 2 ISABELLE addresses DOCTOR SHAH, with PANDORA in shot. ISABELLE How old is Pandora? PANEL 3 DOCTOR SHAH answers, looking thoughtful, while PANDORA holds her hand up and happily chimes in. DOCTOR SHAH Well... given that she was just about ready for shipment when she escaped, and that was... what, three months ago? I'd say approximately... PANDORA Four years and nine months! PANEL 4 ISABELLE responds with alarm, while PANDORA continues happily. ISABELLE Whaa? (cont) You're FOUR? PANDORA Almost five! PANEL 5 DOCTOR SHAH explains while ISABELLE freaks out. MISS FORTUNA chimes in too, mildly annoyed. DOCTOR SHAH Helpers age more rapidly than humans until they reach maturity. Pandora is actually... ISABELLE She's seen me strip... Oh my God, she's four and I got her a job in a strip club! MISS FORTUNA Burlesque club! PANEL 6 ISABELLE continues freaking out. PANDORA helpfully elaborates to MISS FORTUNA and DOCTOR SHAH. ISABELLE Just last night we watched an R-rated movie! PANDORA I liked the part where the ladies kissed! PANEL 7 DOCTOR SHAH places a hand on ISABELLE's shoulder. MISS FORTUNA chimes in, and ISABELLE responds, annoyed. DOCTOR SHAH Isabelle, it's fine. Physically and psychologically, she's the equivalent of a human adult. She just ages differently. MISS FORTUNA Besides, when I hired you, I seem to recall you were technically underage... ISABELLE I was nineteen. She's FOUR.
2 7
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 18h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#3

It's Doctor Shah, everybody
PAGE 3 PANEL 1 MISS FORTUNA and DOCTOR SHAH are seated at a table in O, Fortuna, having tea. MISS FORTUNA Noor dear, it's been too long since we had tea like this. PANEL 2 DOCTOR SHAH takes a sip of tea as she and MISS FORTUNA converse. DOCTOR SHAH Agreed. We really should meet up more often. MISS FORTUNA You're always welcome to stop by. PANEL 3 DOCTOR SHAH looks skeptical, while MISS FORTUNA smiles while looking a little offended. DOCTOR SHAH You run a strip club, Veronica. It's not the most welcoming environment for outsiders. MISS FORTUNA It's a burlesque club, and what about this place isn't welcoming? PANEL 4 PANDORA and ISABELLE enter the scene, and are greeted by DOCTOR SHAH. ISABELLE Doctor S! Good morning! DOCTOR SHAH Hello there, you two! PANEL 5 PANDORA and DOCTOR SHAH talk happily, while ISABELLE and MISS FORTUNA look on with surprise. DOCTOR SHAH Pandora, how are those meds treating you? Everything going okay? PANDORA My nipples hurt! PANEL 6 DOCTOR SHAH grins and gives a thumbs-up, with MISS FORTUNA behind her. DOCTOR SHAH That's exactly what we want to hear! MISS FORTUNA Who's "we"? PANEL 7 Shot of PANDORA and DOCTOR SHAH. DOCTOR SHAH Given your age, you should be seeing results soon!
1 6
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 20h
Just had a flashback to my Bulbagarden days
1
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 20h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#2

I shudder to think what Very Special Episodes would be like for sitcoms in a fascist dystopia
PAGE 2 PANEL 1 Shot of the electronic billboard, now displaying MARIGOLD in an upscale home. She is being addressed by a SITCOM ACTRESS, who is showing her a box. VOICE OFF (JAGGED) In the new season of Our Little Helper, Marigold has a secret to keep! SITCOM ACTRESS Marigold, this is Papa's birthday present! You have to help me hide it! PANEL 2 PANDORA and ISABELLE looking up at the billboard. ISABELLE It's a TV show. I've heard Con talking about it. (cont) Complaining about it, mostly. PANEL 3 The scene continues to play out on the billboard. PANDORA and ISABELLE, seen from behind, watch as MARIGOLD replies to the SITCOM ACTRESS. MARIGOLD You shouldn't have shown it to me! Helpers can't lie to their owners! PANDORA So there are Helpers who are actors? PANEL 4 Shot of the billboard. A SITCOM ACTOR, an older man, has now appeared. The SITCOM ACTRESS covers the mouth of the annoyed MARIGOLD. SITCOM ACTOR What are you two up to? SITCOM ACTRESS Nothing! PANEL 5 PANDORA and ISABELLE watching the billboard. ISABELLE Um... actually, I think that's a human wearing fake ears. PANDORA Oh... that's a shame. PANEL 6 PANDORA and ISABELLE converse as they continue on their way. ISABELLE Is that true though? Can Helpers really not lie to their owners? PANDORA Why would I ever want to lie to you, Mistress? ISABELLE You're not really answering my question...
1 4
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 21h
Nothing trans happening here, officer. This is just a regular autistic forest witch who happens to like these specific colors
Hatterene
8
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 21h
Me: Excited for games that let you have any clothing or cosmetic option on any body type
Also me: Making the girliest girl I can every single time
1 1 19
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 21h
No more gender-locked outfits or hairstyles. Multi-tone hair options. Pokemon belongs to the transes now
5 6 72
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 21h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
#1

Bad in-universe sitcoms are an underrated worldbuilding method!

The Monobank building in the first panel is Salt Lake's Walker Center, located on 200 S and Main. Currently it's home to Altabank, who coincidentally have a kind of similar logo...
PAGE 1 PANEL 1 Establishing shot of PANDORA and ISABELLE walking through downtown Pioneer City. They are wearing face masks, as are the background characters passing by. PANDORA It isn't so hot outside today. ISABELLE Well, it's fall now. You can tell by the... PANEL 2 Shot of ISABELLE as she hesitates, with PANDORA watching her intently. PANEL 3 ISABELLE continues explaining to PANDORA. ISABELLE If we had any trees around here, you'd be able to tell. PANEL 4 A MOTHER and her young DAUGHTER pass by PANDORA and ISABELLE, the DAUGHTER gesturing in PANDORA's direction. DAUGHTER Mama, look at the Helper! MOTHER It's rude to point! PANEL 5 ISABELLE addresses PANDORA, who seems distracted by something ahead. ISABELLE I guess... people don't see many Helpers here. They don't mean anything bad by it... PANDORA Look at the Helper... PANEL 6 Shot from behind PANDORA and ISABELLE, as they look up at a huge electronic billboard displaying MARIGOLD, an energetic-looking Helper in a maid outfit. Behind her, the words OUR LITTLE HELPER are displayed. MARIGOLD Leave it to me! ISABELLE Oh!
1 7
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 21h
Pandora's Tale Chapter 6
Cover

The next three chapters are probably my favorite run of the series so far. Lots of emotions and lore!
PANDORA'S TALE Chapter 6: Live Fast, part 1
1 8 19
Reposted by Xan
cwnewser.bsky.social
Christopher Wiggins @cwnewser.bsky.social · 1d
Breaking: Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, the legendary transgender activist and veteran of the Stonewall uprising who dedicated her life to the liberation of trans people, especially Black trans women, has died at 78.
2 990 2.3K
Reposted by Xan
ninsiana0.bsky.social
Jessica Lee @ninsiana0.bsky.social · 1d
Day 13

What if you planned for the most whimsical outcome, instead of the worst?

#ArtByNinsiana0 #Inktober #Inktober2025 #Drawtober #Drawtober2025 #art #artist #artsky #artistsofbsky #artistsonbsky #drawing #illustration #portrait #sketchbook #sharpie #IMadeThis #makeartinthefaceoffuck #vampire
Black & white line drawing of a queer femme vampire. Words read: What if you planned for the most whimsical outcome, instead of the worst?
1 7
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 1d
Honestly though, immediately coming around once there's money involved is the most Kelly thing of all
1 18
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 1d
These guys are so cute!
1
comicsbyxan.bsky.social
Xan @comicsbyxan.bsky.social · 1d
Pandora's Tale Chapter 5
#21

And that's chapter five! Just a fun little story about Pandora proving herself to the resistance.
PAGE 21 PANEL 1 PANDORA, CON, HEMMEL, NATALYA, PETRICHOR and the RESISTANCE MEMBERS are in the back of the truck, heading home. The group is congratulating PANDORA. HEMMEL That was some quick thinking, playing on their preconceptions. Well done, Pandora! PANEL 2 PANDORA responds to HEMMEL. PANDORA It was scary at first, but then I asked myself what my Mistress would do... (cont) AndI realized she'd use her charm to find a way out! PANEL 3 Shot of PANDORA and a thoughtful-looking HEMMEL. HEMMEL Hmm... (cont) I think we might have your call sign. How about "Charm"? PANEL 4 Closeup of a happy PANDORA. PANDORA I like it! PANEL 5 Shot of PANDORA and CON. CON is looking relieved for the first time tonight. CON I've gotta admit... Tonight didn't end up going too badly. PANDORA I can't wait to tell Mistress all about it! PANEL 6 Closeup of CON, suddenly panicked again. PANEL 7 PANDORA, ISABELLE and CON in ISABELLE's apartment. ISABELLE is berating an apologetic CON, while PANDORA smiles proudly. ISABELLE You let her do WHAT?
1 7