From script to page: Roxie's first appearance (Patreon)

The inception of Validation took place many many years ago, when I first started reading webcomics. It went through many iterations over the years until finally Ally emerged. From the get-go after that, I realized she needed a friend who was so unlike her they were meant to be together. Enter: Roxie! But, did you know her name was originally going to be Brandy?!

As soon as Kelci sent over the initial character designs I knew a name change was in order. I liked the sound of "Roxy" but went with the spelling you see in the comic. And over time Kelci has run with her and made Roxie very much her own. In fact, you're going to see even more of our mohawked punk rebel in the near future. I'm all for it! 

A note about these strips... Validation originally debuted back in 2013. This was before many of the terms in the lexicon of trans definitions were deemed derogatory, unnecessary or offensive. Genetic girl (GG for short) was actually an acceptable label in the past, before cis became mainstream. Nowadays there is no way you could use it and not get a Twitter barrage lobbed your way.

We're debating redoing the first 15 or so pages for the collected edition to avoid jarring new readers. We hope that those of you who have been with us for a long time understand that change happens -- usually for the betterment of society. Progress is our guide!

So, with that in mind, let's look at the scripts chronicling the debut of Roxie!

COMIC #11 

PANEL 1

Ally is standing and waiting at the coffee shop to meet a new person so she's somewhat anxious.

ALLY (CAPTION): I typically don't get involved in the transgender community. It's full of drama.

ALLY (CAPTION): But recently I've decided to reach out and try to make some new friends.

PANEL: 2

Same shot. Ally's face lights up a little and she does a tiny wave towards her new friend (who is off panel.)

ALLY (CAPTION): Just like genetic girls, we transgender girls come in all shapes, sizes and styles. And just like some gg’s we also have to work to look presentable. It takes time, especially if you're just starting out.

PANEL 3

Two-­shot: Hugging (yay!) Ally on the left and Roxie on the right. Roxie is squeezing Ally really tight.

Roxie is a goth punk rocker dressed in black. Heavy black makeup. It’s an interesting juxtaposition to Ally’s cute demeanor.

Roxie: You’re Ally? Sooooo great to finally meet you face to face! 

ALLY: Lovely to meet you too, Roxie!ALLY (CAPTION): Oh golly she’s a strong one!

The coffee shop was actually originally inspired by a Dazbog store I stopped by in Denver. The location eventually became the original PokeCity that is now on its way to starting a hopping franchise.

That kind smiling lady made me an amazing Americano that day!

We were originally going to use a set backdrop, but Kelci came up with the fantastic idea of having the layout change every time we showed what eventually became known as Coffee Time! Way more fun. If you look back over the course of the comic you'll notice how the clever baristas rearranged all of the furniture day-after-day ☺️

COMIC #12 

PANEL 1

Ally and Roxie are sitting in comfy chairs at the coffee shop. Ally has a coffee while Roxie is drinking a massive Frappucino.

Roxie: It’s so hard to find cool trans girls to hang out with! ALLY: I know! Why do you think that is?

Roxie: Not sure. I just know if I like someone I make the effort to be friends with them, simple as that. If they don’t like me then I just ignore them.

PANEL 2Two­-shot of the two girls chatting.

ALLY (CAPTION): Chatting with Roxie is refreshing. I think I live too much in my own shell sometimes. Here’s a girl just starting out who is totally comfortable who she is.

ALLY: I try not to pay any attention to the elitist girls. They think there’s only one way to be a “true transsexual” and I don’t see it like that.

Roxie: It’s like saying you’re a true “llama” or something haha. 

PANEL 3Two-­shot of the girls chatting. Ally has a smile on her face. 

ALLY: Did you really say “llama”?

Roxie: Yeah, they’re adorable.ALLY: I can already see us getting into a good kind of trouble. 

Roxie: Yep, that’s the plan!

Who doesn't love llamas? Later on Roxie found her OTL in Alexis ❤️

COMIC #13PANEL 1Same coffee shop set­up as COMIC #12 

Roxie: It gets so boring just chatting on the internet. That’s why I’m so happy you agreed to meet face to face. Plus the message boards can get really catty sometimes.

ALLY: I stopped getting involved in online discussions after a bad run­in on Reddit...

PANEL 2Cut to Ally and Dino *Note: Wasn't Mr. Dino at this point!* on the bed. Ally is yelling at the computer.

ALLY: How the hell did this get 155 upvotes and my comment is at a -10. I’m going to get flagged dammit!!!

PANEL 3

Roxie: Oh I hate downvotes! And oh yeah, I realized recently I spend way too much time on Fetlife.

ALLY: They don’t like me there, I think. I always get into arguments.

Roxie: Oh, I don’t argue with anyone. I just like looking at the dirty pictures.

It's true: Reddit can be brutal. If you're on there and can post links to our comics it does help get the word out, however. Just don't read the comments! 

COMIC #14

PANEL 1

Ally and Roxie are outside the coffee shop.

ALLY: Oh gosh, I’m so glad we met!

Roxie: Me too, let’s do it again!

PANEL 2

Ally and Roxie high five.

ALLY and Roxie: Yay!

PANEL 3

Ally and Roxie stand in front of each other. Ally is impressed. Roxie has her hands on her hips.

ALLY: You never told me you’re from the Midwest too! Roxie: Yep, I’m a high fiving mf!

We never say exactly where Ally and Roxie are both originally from. High-fiving is something people do everywhere, but it does seem more prevalent in the Midwest. And the song High-Fiving MF by Local H is a jamming tune. 

Loads of events have transpired since Ally and Roxie first met. They've faced some challenges but always come out the other side stronger and wiser. Always moving ahead these two, separate, yet together. 

Thank you for reading their adventures and for supporting our efforts to bring them to you. Kelci and I feel the best is yet to come!