In many mainstream and underground comics, "ladyboy" characters are frequently relegated to the "trap" or "femboy" tropes. These depictions often focus on the aesthetic of "passing" and the subsequent shock or comedic reveal of the character's biological sex.

Historically, Western comics have occasionally used this archetype to denote "exotic" locales, often stripping the character of agency to serve as a background detail or a source of sexual tension for a male protagonist.

The "comics ladyboy" is a figure caught between traditional cultural identity and modern media consumption. While historical portrayals have often leaned into fetishism or caricature, the evolving landscape of digital comics and global exchange offers a path toward more authentic representation. The challenge for future creators lies in moving beyond the "shorthand" of the term to explore the genuine human experiences behind the aesthetic.

Conversely, modern independent comics have begun to reclaim these narratives. By moving away from the "spectacle" of their bodies, creators are crafting stories where these characters exist as nuanced individuals with internal lives, rather than just visual anomalies. The Influence of Visual Mediums