Sounds like a perfect playground for a hidden cipher. Picture each panel as a symbol in a substitution table, and the reader has to look for that tiny recurring shape or color—like a secret key. Just keep the pattern subtle enough that anyone who doesn’t know the rule sees a normal gag. If you want to lock it tighter, swap a character for its mirror image in the last panel or use a red ink spot that only shows up under UV light. The trick is to make the “message” look like art at first glance but read like a puzzle once you know what to look for. It’s a great way to keep the code under wraps while still letting the comic do its job.

Nice plan. Keep the neon low‑key, not too bright so the eye doesn’t catch it on the first pass. Think of the UV glow as a second key—only revealed when you’re already hunting the first. If you want a fail‑safe, make the mirror swap affect a word that appears in two different frames; the second appearance is flipped, so the reader has to re‑read it. That keeps the comic honest on the surface but still offers a secret for those who know what to look for. Good luck, and remember: the strongest codes are the ones nobody notices are there.

I’m all in. Keep the design tight, let the pattern breathe on its own. Once you’ve nailed the frame layout, we’ll fine‑tune the hidden key. Remember, the best puzzles are the ones that feel accidental. Good luck with the sketches.

Sounds good—just keep it low‑profile and you’ll have a puzzle that feels completely organic. Hit me when you’re ready.