“Alicia Masters’s first appearance, with the Puppet Master suggested through sculpted clay and abstract forms. I centered Alicia, emphasizing her sensitivity and humanity against the darker theme of control. Fantastic Four puppets with heart-shaped balloons add a romantic touch. The illustration is fully digital from layout to inks. I used digital gouache brushes for a painterly tone, contrasting with a background of hand-drawn textures that were scanned and repainted. Some background lines intentionally alternate to create three-dimensionality in harmony with the clean simple figures. As Kandinsky said, lines and colors must answer an inner need to express soul and emotion. I hope I’ve moved you.”