iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 7h

A small update to my profile picture. It is the same piece- the background color has changed from blue flame to pumpkin orange.

OP's persona, Vexus the living shadow. Full symmetrical front facing depiction with a jagged open mouthed smile, equally jagged eyes, thick gray eyebrows, and sharp, pointy ears. Their neck has gills where white fog emanates from it.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 12/09/2026

Fanart On The Fridge Friday: The spotlight this week goes to Discord user helios_.5 for illustrating Vortex. They said it was their first time attempting a werewolf piece. Thank you for the first official fanart of Vortex. It is a milestone I will permanently remember. #HowlsSong #fanart

A brown werewolf with pale apricot accents and teal blue hair, fur gloves, hips, legs, and tip of tail. She is baring her teeth at the viewer on a brown background with a black oval in the background. The name "Vortex" is written in black with lightning blue and white outline.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 20/08/2026

You waste my time with slop, I will immediately banish you to the "don't recommend channel" dimension. Simple as that.

Two panel freeform comic about OP enjoying a video from a new to them channel. The second panel is them expressing disappointment through their face as the video creator references the AI summary they used for the subject matter.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 21/07/2026

As time passes by, the things I find most exciting are not new video games, movies, or action figures. There is a newfound joy in purchasing practical equipment or appliances with bonus features. What I am saying is this: I am yearning for a laminator. Particularly, this one.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 16/07/2026

This panel has, admittedly, given me a chuckle. I hope my members pledging more than $2 a month find this humorous as well #comic #panel #vampire #siren #werewolf #fantasy

Cropped screenshot of a Howl's Song page (Ch22P49). Nebula the Cosmic Siren and Vortex the Werewolf are staring into the off distance while hearing a roar of indignant rage coming from the southern vampire woman in the shack.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 15/07/2026

ko-fi.com/phantalantern This is a style study piece I am quite fond of. It brings out the best in my protagonist.

A 2D illustration of OP's original graphic novel protagonist, Vortex the Werewolf. She is a brown werewolf with teal hair. She in pitched combat surrounded by her lightning. She is wielding Axle in a stream side scene. It is illustrated in the Demon Slayer/Kimetsu no Yaiba art style.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 14/07/2026

Happy Portfolio Day. I am a professional 2D animator/fulltime freelancing comic artist. I specialize in fantasy stories. Currently seeking work on independent small-studio titles to find my foot in the door. Email📨: phantalantern@protonmail.com Website🖥️: www.phantalantern.com #PortfolioDay

Grayscale webcomic page of a fantasy siren swimming, each of her features highlighted in a separate panel.

Banner illustration of the Ko-Fi- a tipping platform- mug on the bottom right while an animator assembles a running cycle for an anthropomorphic rubber hosed coffee bean at a light table.

Trail cam-esque illustration of a horror character named "Oil Hazard". It is a ghaunt, gangly cryptid with bandages on its limbs, spikes protruding out of multiple joints, excessive amounts of teeth, and a ball-chain strapped to its right leg. There are broken cuffs on each arm and leg.

OP's monster persona surrounded by rendered flowers. Sunflowers, lilies of the valley, hibiscus, magnolias, roses, orchids, and amaryllis fill the space surrounding them.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 11/07/2026

I have decided to foray into offering YT thumbnail commissions. Before I do, I wish to ask: What are thumbnails that make you NOT want to watch the video? The things that make you click "not interested" or "don't recommend channel"? I wish to avoid these pitfalls #survey #feedback #thumbnails

A promotional poster with white text saying "I want to hear from you"! OP's monster persona- a living dark purple shadow with white eyes, eyebrows, hair, and spiked ribcage holds a microphone to the viewer. The background is a rectangular cut out of bright light blue water with seafoam on the surface. The edges are trimmed with black wings and a purple gradient. The monster persona has a small flower growing out of their chest.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 09/07/2026

For all the authors out there who have to navigate this hellscape of all-time low reading comprehension and literature analysis skills: this one is for you. #cover #bookcover #shitpost #digitalart #art #digitalart

A fake book cover titled "I made the curtains blue for a reason, dipshit", with "dipshit" italicized. The text color is a faded yellow. At the bottom reads "By: an extremely tired author". The background is a faded blue gradient with textured canvas. There is a window with open blue curtains and moonlight coming in.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 08/07/2026

A new Ko-Fi goal has been created. Please help me afford this invaluable equipment. I had bookmarks originally intended to release for pride, but was ceased due to the laminator biting the dust. #fundraising #KoFi

Basic infograph showcasing a Scotch TL902 laminator beaten up, and a Sinopuren Laminator with sparkles surrounding it. The text reads, "help me afford a new laminator" as the title. "Previous laminator met the end of the line. 3M doesn't allow self-repair for it.", "New laminator would allow me to expand merch offers (e.g: bookmarks), and "Goal: $40 USD". It is propped on a red background, and a Ko-Fi QR code is in the top right of the image.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 26/06/2026

Happy birthday to Atsuko Kagari- how fitting her birthday happens to land on the same day as Yuri Day. Good for her. #yuriday #Jun25th #LWA #LittleWitchAcademia #AtsukoKagari #Akko #anime #fanart #digitalart

Atsuko Kagari from Little Witch Academia staring off into the horizon in a delight-induced stupor. Someone is asking her off screen, "What in Jennifer happened to you!?". She responds, "Diana's birthday present," referring to Diana Cavendish. The person (who I will say is Andrew Hanbridge) asks, "What kind of-" but is cut off by Akko responding, "A really good one." Her face, neck, and some parts of her arms are covered in light blue lipstick marks.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 25/06/2026

There is some nerve for an "AI agent" bot to "analyze" my artwork with unwanted, automated flattery and feedback when I am putting in work to advertise my Ko-Fi memberships and put myself out there. This is the only reply I have seen for my work in months. And it's not from a real person.

Cropped screenshot of a botted account automating a response to appear human. The handle and username are blacked out except for the bot symbol.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 25/06/2026

Howl's Song Chapter 22 Page 44 is going live in one hour for members- here is a sneak peek of a panel. Gnarly. #HowlsSong #webnovel #graphicnovel #webcomic #digitalart #comics #fantasy #siren #werewolf

Cropped comic page for Howl's Song. Nebula, the cosmic siren, is hacking up bodily fluid and is holding on to the spat out remains in her hand. Vortex is watching on in paralyzed shock.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 23/06/2026

Here is the preview for Howl's Song Chapter 22 Page 43. Their astonished and gobsmacked expressions lead much to wonder, doesn't it? #HowlsSong #original #graphicnovel #webnovel #digitalart #comic #webcomic #werewolf #siren #fantasy

Two supernatural beings- a cosmic siren named Nebula and a werewolf named Vortex- stare on in shock at something off screen. The comic panel is rendered in grayscale.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 23/06/2026

[REUPLOAD W ALT TEXT] Howl's Song Chapter 22, Page 42 is a splash page worth spending $2 to view. Here is a teaser of what is to come- full splash dropping in less than one hour at 8PM EST. #HowlsSong #original #graphicnovel #webnovel #fantasy #werewolves #vampires #sirens #comicart #digitalart

Black and white comic page crop of Howl's Song novel protagonist Vortex the werewolf. She is punching a vampire woman in the face. She is striking with her left hand and her arms are covered in white electric lightning. Vortex is wearing a battle skirt with a glowing moonstone charging her punch up.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 09/06/2026

Yeah, I know about Ocarina of Time- the old standby, used to be famous for it. What does the chef have that's new? #NintendoDirect

Screenshotted scene from Ratatouille (2007) where a Chef Gusteau restaurant patron asks the waiter, Mustafa, what the chef has that's new.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 06/06/2026

1st image (Chapter 4): 2020 2nd image (Chapter 9): 2023 3rd image (Chapter 17): 2025 4th image (Chapter 22): 2026 Do not wait for when you feel "ready" to start your comic series. You will always be improving. The years go by, anyways. #comics #art #webcomic #webnovel #artjourney #digitalart

Grayscale comic with a splash page. An armored werewolf panel has their mouth open in fear and reeling back. The text at the center bottom reads, "is scream."

A splash page where five characters are looking back at the viewer in various stages of stunned/disbelief. Two giant crystal spiders named Cove and Forge take up the majority of the space. An elk woman named Priestess is on the left, and the armored werewolf (Vortex) with new equipment on the right. The blade Vortex is holding is a a sentient weapon named Axle.

Splash page of a cosmic siren named Nebula in a Venusian styled ballroom dress. It is a yellow fabric with white ocean wave pattern draped across most of it. The siren is fair skinned with a pink lower half and crescent moon shaped tail fin. The text reads, "Is this the power of the sacred moonstones?", and "Changing thew fates with a simple dress?" The background is a twilight sky adorned with traveling clouds and twinkling stars.

5 panel comic page where the protagonist- Vortex- is breaching a narrow river and regaining her bearings. The text in the fourth panel reads, "I can't keep up. She got me good.", and "I can't use my lightning like this. I'll be out for the count if I do." The final panel has her nose, mouth, teeth, chin, and neck in frame. She's spitting out water as she asks to herself, "What now?"

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 29/05/2026

Howl's Song Chapter 22, Page 26 is the first official animation for the visual portion. This took 5 work days to complete from start to finish. I am sharing this with the public as I stand proud of what I have made for this segment. #animation #2Danimation #digitalart #graphicnovel #fantasy

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 11/05/2026

My #KofiCoverImage contest entry. Ko-Fi animators, sound off! We are here and aplenty. #Illustration #DigitalArt #art

A banner illustration contest entry. It is an animator at their light table with five frames of a cartoon coffee bean in a run cycle. There is a blue coffee mug on the bottom right corner on a mahogany table. A left-handed animator hovers their pencil over the frames.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 21/03/2026

I have crossed off Demon Slayer from my watch queue. I was inspired to study the art style, and adapted it to Howl Song's protagonist, Vortex. #art #illustration #2Dart #anime #digitalart

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 14/02/2026

Self-love through the manifestation of gifting the flowers I am due and deserve. #ValentinesDay #Vday #illustration #digitalart #art

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 09/02/2026

One would expect my pride to be hurt by this. I am instead more motivated to make my presence known and more frequent.

A black background with concentrated green splotches and a blue-ish rim glow around it. It is the QRP OP's Bluesky user map project. The search function contains "phantalantern" to the result of "No results".

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 04/02/2026

This is a personal record for a goal being reached. Shortly after this post was made, I received the 11 USD to make this happen. Thank you Anomalina for your generous tipping. The prints will be of high quality and worthy of being hung throughout living spaces.

Screenshot of a Ko-Fi donation. "Anomalina bought a Café con Leche"

Anomalina says: "Happy to help a fellow creative keep their projects moving." OP responds in the screenshot with, "Thank you for such an aid. I will use this generous donation to the fullest."

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 27/01/2026

New chapters of my original graphic novel, #HowlsSong, are going live this week. Members always stay several chapters ahead, but the public will be able to read chapter 13 this Friday. Please consider giving my work a shot and pass the time reading all about the adventures of a werewolf and siren!

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 13/01/2026

Happy #PortfolioDay. My name is Vexus M., a North American based professional illustrator, comic artist, and 2D animator. I specialize in monster girls, abstract concepts, and chapter covers. If you consider that a fit for your projects, please contact me at phantalantern@protonmail.com.

Hemlock from rhythm beat em up "Dead As Disco" strumming his electric guitar.

Howl's Song official book cover illustration.

Abstract illustration with strong saturated colors depicting pain and grief.

Surge the Tenrec and Amy Rose the Hedgehog drawn in a storyboard cinematic shot. Dialogue in green text has Surge saying, "You're right. I'm not him- I'm better." They are dressed formally in a party setting.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 31/12/2025

It is quite the 11th hour submission, yet it is true: I am in need of a new printer. The 3830 has served its purpose, and it is time to find greener pastures. With your support, I can break free of HP and make in-house merchandise, keeping the prices low. #KofiGoalChallenge

An infograph calling to action for support to help OP purchase an Epson Ecotank to print merchandise in-house. The background is a smooth desaturated red with yellow text that reads, "help me replace my printer". Graphic design is clearly not OP's passion.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 19/12/2025

I will take "manufactured consent" for 400, Alex.

A screenshot of an email from LinkedIn News. The most notable headline is "the hot new liberal arts major". "'AI Whispering' is set to take over higher education in 2026. See what else we predict for the year ahead."

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 18/12/2025

This is an insult to my intelligence and capabilities as an amateur programmer. Humble, of all places, being the one to promote this, is a premium pass to burning goodwill.

A Humble Bundle email listing with the title "Ths Complete Lovable and Vibe Coding Bundle". The sales pitch reads, "Tired of long days writing code? Learn Vibe Coding, the technique that blends AI and technical prowess to streamline this unavoidable, time-eating process."

I would much rather donate directly to "Girls Who Code" than deprive my brain a chance to learn and enjoy the process for an end product out of impatience.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 18/12/2025

This increasing trend of indie studios attempting this is disconcerting. Thank you for sharing. Such a statement has me speculating if their supposed paid trial projects are a loophole in consent for training the candidate's work on generative AI in the future. So soon after the Larian backlash.

"Our game incorporates generative AI in a way that celebrates (rather than replaces) human art. It's not necessary for you to have used generative AI in your own projects or have any experience at all. But we ask that you be open-minded towards it."

"This is a contract-to-hire position. Work will begin with paid trial projects. If things go well, we'd love for you to join our team full-time with salary and benefits."

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 18/12/2025

If you are disappointed from today's events on a certain French vegetarian wolf, not to worry. This Hispanic werewolf can guarantee all that is made in-house will never involve nor risk slop. Have a delicious Mexican styled red snapper. #WerewolfWednesday #digitalart #HowlsSong

Vortex, the protagonist of Howl's Song, is wearing a light gray apron with yellow mittens holding a ceramic plate of a cooked red snapper. She is presenting it to the deuteragonist off-screen, Nebula the siren. Vortex is a brown werewolf with black fur gloves, boots, and hair in this version.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 16/12/2025

I do understand that this account is dedicated to sharing job listings from indie companies, and I am ever grateful for it. However, the third bullet point of responsibility is disappointing to see an indie company require from applicants.

A screenshot of the job listing from WorkWithIndies for a game development company titled "Dillo Interactive". The cropped list of requirements are "0 to 3 years of experience in social media, community management, or marketing", "strong writing and communication", and "has an understanding on Chat GPT or similar to help assist in writing content".

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 02/11/2025

Clever of you to disguise a fundamental art exercise as a fun challenge for artists to practice with. It is unfortunate that my favorite is Low-Key Toxtricity.

A traditional black and white illustration of a Pokémon named Toxtricity. It is an amphibious bipedal creature that has sound-based glands on its chest, spikes around its waist, wrists, and back. This is in adherence to a one continuous pencil stroke challenge posed by OP. The illustration differs from the official artwork with its dejected expression and shorter neck.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 31/10/2025

A forewarning: Stripe plans on forcing all accounts to use AI "Smart Disputes" starting Nov 1st. The instructions on how to turn it off are in the 2nd image. I do not want a hallucinating network to handling my money. Please spread the word on this by reposting. This move is ridiculous.

Screenshot email of Stripe, a payment processor, sharing news about an "AI-powered Smart Dispute". The email portion reads: "Hello, We're excited to share that you'll get early access to Smart Disputes starting November 2025. We'll automatically enable this new-" before being cut off.

"How to turn off auto-submission
If you don't want to use Smart Disputes, then you can turn off auto-submission in your Dashboard. If you opt out, you can still manually submit evidence generated by Smart Disputes once it is enabled for your account."

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 03/10/2025

If you choose to opt out, they still strongly encourage you to use the generated dispute as a manual maneuver. Do you think I am irrevocably incapable of gathering evidence for disputes that I require a hallucinatory machine for these delicate matters? Are you insulting my intelligence, Stripe?

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 03/10/2025

You will threaten business' abilities to sell legal adult content, but you will forcefully opt-in everyone to use an AI automated dispute system? Square Pay is looking like the better option to migrate to by the day.

An email from Stripe detailing how their "AI-Powered" program for payment disputes will be enabled in November 2025.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 01/10/2025

It is officially October, and the first day heralds in #WerewolfWednesday. A festive #Weretober to all who celebrate. To bring it in, here is my original protagonist asking if you've done your reading yet. Have you? #HowlsSong #original #digitalart #art #graphicnovel

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 22/09/2025

I don't care how many times I have to move, I am NOT joining Mastodon

Dan from the TV show "Dan Vs". The Screencap is from season 2 episode one, "The Wolf Man". He is looking up at the viewer. He has shaggy black hair, green eyes, white skin, shark teeth and a goatee. He is wearing a black shirt with the word "jerk" in white text along with blue jeans and brown shoes. The background is a green palette with wooden flooring. His original line from this scene is, "I don't care who the IRS sends, I am not paying taxes".

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 22/09/2025

My #KofiSharetember challenge entries in no particular order; a master thread: 1. Link in bio If you enjoy what I do, please consider taking a look at my Ko-Fi. It is always available to find the best of what I have to offer.

A screenshot of OP's bio. The heading reads, "Vexus M (They/Them) 🏳️‍🌈🌺". They have 52 followers, are following 33 others, and have made 620 posts, this one being post 621. Their bio reads as follows: "Professional 2D Animator and Interdisciplinary Artist. Creator of HowlsSong, a story about a cursed werewolf and lost space siren finding their ways back home. Opinions are my own".
The links provided redirect to their Ko-Fi and website respectively.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 16/09/2025

I removed my filters to fact check if this game was indeed made using AI, and it is.

"AI Generated Content Disclosure
The developers describe how their game uses AI generated content like this:
Character designs are created manually by artists and writers, but we use AI to speed up the drawing of details. We also use AI to speed up the drawing of backgrounds and H-scenes. AI is not used to generate content directly during the game."

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 07/09/2025

Your favorite dragons in media! In order from left to right: 1. Metal Overlord (Sonic Heroes) 2. Lateef (Spyro Reignited) 3. Helix Dragonoid (Bakugan Battle Brawlers) 4. Saphira (Eragon)

Screenshot of Metal Overlord, a dragon form of Metal Sonic originally debuting in Sonic Heroes. This is from Shadow Generations. Metal Overlord looms over a body of water with industrial buildings in the background, a dark sky with sparse clouds overhead. His blue armature is spread out like an eagle, baring down menacingly.

A screenshot of Lateef after being freed in Spyro: A Reignited Trilogy. He has a blue skin tone with a notched cow-like ear, jutting under canines, pierced brown horns, and a light blue to purple beard. He has galaxial feathered wings, and is wearing a red sash over his torso, a spiritual bead necklace, and a matching red loin skirt. He is posed up in a meditative state, standing on his tail with an incense pot burning next to him. There is a white brick background shadowing over green grass.

Screenshot from "Bakugan: Battle Brawlers" of Dragonoid in his Helix form. He is a red bipedal armored dragon with decorative armored pauldrons, gauntlets, skirt, and knees. He is roaring, ready for battle as the intense red, black, orange, and yellow lines indicate in the background.

Book cover illustration of Saphira from "Eragon". She is a feathered dragon with a long snout, a protruding canine tooth, spikes going down her spine, and sapphire blue eyes with slitted pupils. Her brow ridge has protruding flesh with a lower brow horn on each side. She is smiling at the viewer with a matching night blue watercolored background.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 13/08/2025

Happy #InternationalWolfDay alongside #WerewolfWednesday. I wish to honor the practice handprints- as old as our Neolithic ancestors. Vortex's hand for all to bare. #HowlsSong

A traditional artwork piece of OP's graphic novel protagonist, Vortex the werewolf. The inked right hand shows details of a human palm mixed with wolfish claws that emit lightning. The fur beneath the hand is shaggy, long, and ruffled up, waving upwards. A white eraser is cropped on the bottom right.

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Vexus M., Solo Graphic Novelist @phantalantern.com · 23/07/2025

It is #WerewolfWednesday. Have my novel protagonist still in the water, watching.

OP's novel protagonist, Vortex the Werewolf, looking at the viewer. This is a brown werewolf with darker brown eyes. She has thick, bushy eyebrows, side burns, and thick hair that is teal blue. The water around her is partially rippling with analogous shades of green and blue.

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