THOUGHT BUBBLE MONTH 2026! Today’s latest offering is a graphic novel debut: Strange Cases: A Graphic Novel by creator Riotbones, a queer Filipino illustrator and comic artist with a passion for the haunting, the dark and the tender. Within its pages, a rakish law student inherits his late mother’s legal practice, uncovering a host of beastly and altogether unexpected secrets among her clientele…
Our story opens at the funeral of an unnamed woman: the mother of dutiful law student Jude Aguilar, who has returned to the town of Lazaro to attend her wake. Set in an alternate-universe, anachronistic version of 19th century colonial Philippines, it soon becomes clear that Jude is also expected to take over his mother’s law practice. Reluctant at first, thanks to some rather unpleasant memories of Lazaro, he soon finds himself intrigued by the cases she has left behind. They’re SO peculiar, as are the clients themselves, and they’re all looking for someone new to take up their defence. As the mysterious cases unfold, the narrative shifts between Jude in the present day and the stories behind these strange proceedings. Can he save Lazaro, his mother’s legacy and himself before it all goes up in flames?
Without spoiling the mysteries, the central premise is that each case verges on the paranormal. Sea monsters and pyrokinetic powers haunt what initially appear to be cut-and-dry cases of tragic mutiny and deadly squabbles. Jude encounters the supernatural with a nonchalance that doesn’t come naturally to most, approaching the bizarre with a sense of understanding, even if his methods are somewhat unorthodox. The man really does take it all in his stride! There’s a wonderful contrast between the seemingly ordinary business of legal proceedings and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding each case, making for a series of mysteries that are as intriguing as they are bizarre.
The setting is another fascinating aspect of this story. Lazaro is a place steeped in history, superstition and folklore, where the natural and supernatural seem to coexist quite comfortably. There’s an almost melancholic quality to the town itself, with floodwaters that linger a little longer each year, crumbling walls and communities that cling to their traditions in the face of an increasingly uncertain future. The Filipino cultural influences are woven into the world-building rather than simply serving as a backdrop, giving the story a distinct identity and an atmosphere that feels unlike your typical gothic mystery.
The artwork is SUCH a standout. With an almost medieval, traditional Italian feel to its visual style, each page could easily be an art print in its own right. Reminiscent of the atmospheric gloom of E.M. Carroll, Riotbones’ illustrations draw inspiration from both European Gothic traditions and Filipino literature and culture. The muted, earthy palette, intricate architectural details and striking use of light and shadow create an almost dreamlike quality, balancing the beautiful with the unsettling. There’s also some lovely storytelling through the artwork itself; many of the panels feature little or no dialogue, allowing the illustrations to carry the reader and build atmosphere without the need for lengthy explanations.
Strange Cases is an intriguing, unusual debut, combining supernatural mysteries, legalities and gothic storytelling with a rich cultural backdrop and beautiful illustrations. There’s a sense of tenderness beneath the darkness, particularly in the way the story explores community, legacy and the things people hold onto when faced with the unknown. It’s an intriguing introduction to Jude’s world, and one that leaves plenty of mysteries to get your teeth into. If you’re partial to a little folklore, a touch of the macabre and graphic novels that are as visually striking as they are imaginative, this is well worth picking up!
Riotbones (W/A) • Andrews McMeel, £17.99
Review by Lydia Turner
Riotbones is at Table BC12b in the Travelling Man Hall at Thought Bubble.
Thought Bubble 2026 runs from November 9th-15th with the convention weekend taking place on the 14th-15th. More details on the Thought Bubble site here.
Read all our Thought Bubble 2026 coverage so far in one place here.
Poster art by Núria Tamarit
