Kassandra Cruz

@xjosuecruz

Kass | 33 | She/Her 🏳️‍⚧️ Cartoonist and Maladaptive Daydreamer

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Ist das dein Profil?Übernimm es — dann gehört dir xjosuecruz.dirty.social.Profil übernehmen

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 17

Once more, Little Cartoon Me (July 2026) [6/6] #comics

Panel 15
A close up of half of the author's face, a focus placed on the tying of their hair into a pony tail, more importantly is the text which reads emphatically, "I'll be publishing under my new name KASSANDRA CRUZ (she/her pronouns) (kass for short). The bottom narration box reads: "Josue Cruz will be phased out from my platforms over time, so don't worry if you still find that name out in the world. It's a name that still means a lot to who I am."

Panel 16
Last panel, shows a happy Kass holding up the wind up toy again, turning its key with a "tik tik tik". The dialogue reads, "That's all for now... I feel much better already and hope to get back into the swing of making comics once again, (heart emoji). Until next time!"
Fin! There is one last circled panel tucked at the end, a chibi-fied version of Kass, with her flannel now wrapped around her waist so you can see the black tank top and chest underneath as the dialogue reads, "what a relief to get this stuff off my chest!"
Yes, the author underlined the word chest.

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 17

Once more, Little Cartoon Me (July 2026) [5/6] #comics

The next panel is simply framed text noted as "Frame A", it reads:
"I'm no longer associating with Silver Sprocket.
I've lost a lot of trust with Avi Ehrlich and their management of the business. By the time I share this, Cartoonists United will have published a Statement written and supported by several Sprocket Artists who have shared their collective experience working with the publisher.
Since Mike and I share Puppy Knight: Den of Deception we've decided to let the Sprocket Print and Digital Editions sell through Sprocket Until the physical inventory runs out. I have copies on my shop too.
I think Sprocket has the opportunity to improve, but not without acknowledging the grievances of it's artists and past employees."

Panel 13
Another framed box, titled "frame C" which reads, "I want to be more visible.
Most of you already know I'm trans. But professionally I haven't been vocal enough about my medical or social transition. I have a changing body I'm finally feeling comfortable in.
Aside from my transition, I am also trying to be more honest about my feelings, interests, and sexuality. I have enjoyed being in furry circles lately, and also have been drawing fetish work under an online moniker.
I really hated the idea of coming out about one area of my life only to keep other parts of myself in the closet.

Panel 14
Next panel we return to the author now sitting on the soap box, they take off their hat as they look to the reader, the speech bubble reads, "It's important to me that I keep any mature work (explicit or not) gated from my previous all-ages works." the dialogue continues, "this means from now onward..."
The panel ends subtly, brewing such suspense that you could have sworn you were watching a Ridley Scott's Alien. Yes the first one!

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 17

Once more, Little Cartoon Me (July 2026) [4/6] #comics

Panel 7
Another three panel layout. Panel one shows the current-day author in the foreground, holding up the overspent, malfunctioning wind-up toy, while in the background a version of the author from the past looks over his shoulder while they work at a desk, a computer with a fancy letter a is on the screen, a coffee mug, and a poster of Milton glaser that reads "I heart milton" The current-day author has longer hair and is wearing a red flannel with rolled-up sleeves, the past-author is wearing a blue flannel.
The speech bubble from our current-day author reads "Lately, I think my confidence is at its lowest it has been in a long time—partially due to recognizing I'm not as ambitious as when I was a young, plucky designer!" The past-author in the blue grunts "hm?"
The second panel shows the current-day author in a pensive pose looking upon their past self, while stating "hrm...although I was more repressed an' depressed back then."
The last panel shows the past-author reclining on their office chair in mocking glamour as they push their glasses up like an entitled nerd, stating "but much better dressed!"

Panel 8
Next panel cuts away from the previous scene and now focuses on our current-day author, sharpie in the right hand, while their left hand is curled under their chin almost melancholic, the write on a paper but we do not see it yet, there is a sound effect from the pen "scribb scribb scribb".
The speech bubble from the author reads," But mostly my confidence for far too long has been too dependant on having a successful career and my self-worth too valued by the money I could have made."
The bubble continues, "This pressure has compounded over the past year and resulted in a dangerous depression.

Next panel shows the the view from behind the author as they turn back to look at the reader, their hands still drawing on the paper but now we see the top of their drafting table and the back of their chair. On the wall in front of them are filled with framed pictures of people, a red frame sits to the side of the author, the narration reads, "And do not get me wrong, I'm relatively fulfilled and happy in my personal life: I am lucky to have the support and love from my friends and family—"
The second panel shows a close up of the red framed photo, which depicts the author holding their wife in a loving embrace, the dialogue continues, "—and above all, the unconditional love and safety Kathryn provides and the home we have the privilege to build together."

Panel 10
Next panel shows a side view of the author at their drafting table, now we see the entire surface of the table, showing that the author has been drawing a picture of the sleeping anthropomorphized boulder that is chained to the author's leg. The author looks at it as the drawing shows a disgruntled rock (presumably this could be the temperament of the rock when it is awake, I don't know the rock personally but lets make that assumption). The dialogue from the author reads, "I figured out there are some changes I need to address that may not do much to advance my career but will help me feel less burdened and more liberated in my professional and personal life."

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 17

Once more, Little Cartoon Me (July 2026) [3/6] #comics

Panel 6
A three panel layout. Panel one shoes a close up of the toy's wind-key, stopping with a sound effect "clik". The second panel shows the bobbing head of the toy in stand still. The third panel shows the toy falling over as a wind-up toy tends to do without the support of its momentum to keep it up right. It's body falls on the checkered floor with a sound effect "clak".

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 17

Once more, Little Cartoon Me (July 2026) [2/6] #comics

Panel 2
Next panel shows the author crouching down ready to place the wind up toy, as their hand winds the key with the sound effects "tik tik tik" coming from the toy. The dialogue reads "Howdy All its been a while since I have had a life update to share with all of you here. Simply put, I have been in quite the funk lately..."

Panel 3
A close up of the author's hand as they continue to wind the key of the toy, the back of the toy's shell peaking in frame as the golden-like key reflects the light and shadow around it. The sound coming from the shell reads "Tik tik tik tik tik tik"
A narration box reads "This month marks a year since I've left my career in design to shift the gears back to working on comics again."

Panel 4
The next panel shows the wind-up mecha-koopa toy skittering on the black and white checkered floor, a flurry of dust kicks up from its two plastic feet moving so fast the motion melds together into a singular blur making the sound effect "taka taka taka taka". The key on its back turns with the sound effect "wiiiiiirrrr". The head of the toy bob's and steams.
The two narration boxes read: "While chugging along, there have been many highs and some excitement for things to come." "Look at this little guy go!!"

Panel 5
The next panel pulls the camera out from the previous close up, showing the author sitting on the exaggerated checkered floor, a liminal space with monolithic pale blocks, akin to those in tetris, looking around the background.

The author sits cross-legged staring at the toy as it leaves a trail of dust like a speeding roadster. The toy continues to kick its feet with a. "taka taka taka taka".
The narration box reads "But now?"

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 17

Once more, Little Cartoon Me (July 2026) [1/6] #comics

Panel 1
First page of a webcomic entitled "Once More Little Cartoon Me" July 2026 written in cartoonish text. The image in the main panel shows a close up of the cartoonist with their signature red glasses and a white hate. They stare nervously at a small wind up toy modeled after the mecha-koopas from super mario world, except that the small toy also has a pair of glasses similar to the author.
A narration box underneath reads "Now with 20% more yammerin'!"

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 16

Word to your (new) mother.

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 12

An axolotl, witnessing something implied outside of frame

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 8

Spot the difference.

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 4

Unintentionally minionmaxxing today.

Josue in a yellow top and light blue overalls throwing up the minions gang sign

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 3

Maladaptive Daydream.

Three panel comics, first panel is house thinking while a dark cloud forms above their head, second panel Josue begins to worry more with a bigger cloud, last panel Josue looks up the panel now a large one ton weight

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 2

Mush✨

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 2

MMm (Making My mush) 2026

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jul 2

Gwen Stacy (or: the girl behind the looking glass)

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 28

Also dope to find our books at @vaultofmidnight.bsky.social in Ann Arbor ❤️

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 28

Detroit is dope as hell. First time I’ve been referred to as a lady by strangers so many times.

Chili cheese hotdog and friend from American Coney Island in Detroit

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 22

Selfie sign of life

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 18

I’ve been working out a few things regarding where I want to take my career, which I’ll be more explicit about hopefully by the end of the month. Regardless of what I end up doing, I’m excited to share a number of comics I’ve been working on, two in direct collaboration with @gang-fight.com.

Badd Bugg #1 - Preview of a Sample page for a soon to be released comic - full alt text will be available when officially published

Dapper Pepper Bros Short - King Salmon, Seared. Preview of a Sample page for a soon to be released comic - full alt text will be available when officially published

Cactus City: Red - Preview of a Sample page for a soon to be released comic - full alt text will be available when officially published

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 14

The feminizing effects of tall, dusty mirror 💛✨

Picture is me, yellow tank top, black shorts, and the perfect hair day

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 11

Mine.

A sequence from the film Hedwig and the Angry Inch, from the song Origin of Love, close up of the main character Hedwig with a microphone. They captions read: The last time I saw you, we had just split in two, you were looking at me, I was looking at you.

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 11

2020 - Hat backward, unhappy! 2026 - Hat forward, happy!

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 6

Got to work on this guest pin up for @studiobeancan.bsky.social Still some rough spots with drawing human bodies in perspective, but was really proud of the quick pace and development for this piece.

A colorful pin up for Daniel McCloskey’s comic Cloud Town. A giant robot breaks the cloud line as characters from the comic sit along its shoulder.

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 5

Sequential Art #comics #nope

A sequence from the latest comic I’m working on, a little demon runs around in circles muttering Nope nope nope nope

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· Jun 1

Abuzzz

A fairy dressed in a striped swim suit with a helmet with the letter B on it. She sits upon a sleeping mushroom

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· May 29

I made this by experimenting with craft and hard work.

Three panel comic from the latest short im working on. First panel the character Badd Bugg is on his skateboard rolling down the side walk, smugly stating "I need a job as much as I need a helmet on my head". Panel two, the skateboard catches on something with a CLUNK flinging Badd forward in a panicked state, he exclaims "OOP!". Panel three he crashes down with a loud CRACK!, his mace-like tail bonks him on the head, a mushroom cloud of expletives emerging from the fallout.

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· May 28

Human-made comics.

A preview panel of my newest comic, a skater demon girl sits in the foreground reading a book while two shmucks in the background ogle. A volcano erupts in the background.

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· May 28

If you’ve recently found a vacancy for a small hat/tiny ascot-wearing cartoon character, may I suggest taking into consideration Hanna-Barbera’s Bristlehound?

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· May 26

Bad Dog. #comics #puppyknights

An illustration of Sparky Muttson the anthropomorphic dog and protagonist of the comic I made with Michael Sweater, Puppy Knights. Sparky is a blue dog with a red tunic, red gloves and red grieves. On their back is a crossbone design. They are looking back to the viewer sword drawn, in mid action, shield on the right paw. Arrows, daggers and an axe narrowly miss the angered pup, pinning to a large parchment background with a target, and the words WANTED painted on top.

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· May 25

Huh? you want to see what? Oh yeah sure. *hands you this*

Ref sheet for Josue’s fursona, A pink salamander-like creature, anthropomorphic axolotol with large fangs and red glasses similar to the ones Josue wears. The character wears a blue cap with a rosy pink X on it, spiky bangles worn on the wrists, a black tank top and a pair of blue overalls worn with the bib open. Lastly a pair of sneakers with hearts on the tips of the shoe. Kazandra (Kaz) Terrestrial Mole Salamander species name Xapotoxl Mexicanum. Venomous, irritable temperament. “And toxic! Do not touch!”

Kassandra Cruz@xjosuecruz· May 13

Process [3/3] This is now after more weight has been added, and details given. Next time I would use a liner pen for the hatching because the felt tip gives me less consistency.