Thank you to Andrew McMeel Publishing for providing an Advance Reader’s Copy of the book through Netgalley.
–
I was first introduced to glimpses of this book on Instagram. It could partly be because I’ve been following Cat Aquino’s Champion of the Rose, which might explain why the algorithm decided to suggest it to me. So, when I was browsing NetGalley and saw that I could request a copy… I did.
Jude Aguilar returns to his hometown after studying abroad following his mother’s death. As secrets begin to unfold, he finds himself in a position where he must help people defend themselves within an obviously rigged justice system.
The book is truly relevant. Despite being set in the 1860s, its themes remain timely, exposing uncomfortable truths about how the justice system operates. I love how it portrays the poor as having little hope of escaping systemic inequality, while even the rich and powerful are caught in a struggle over who has the deeper connections or can offer the bigger bribe.
One of the things I loved most about the story was how naturally it incorporated folklore creatures into ordinary, everyday life. Although I would have appreciated it even more if the story had featured more traditional Filipino creatures, especially as an opportunity to introduce readers to our folklore.
Art-wise, it was brilliant. I adored the choice of saturated colours. They gave the entire story a grim atmosphere that reflected the struggles depicted throughout the book. It wasn’t until I was quite far into the story that I realized there were seemingly no shadows in the illustrations. The artwork was flat, but the grunge textures were used so effectively that they gave the panels depth and character.
Despite its occasionally rushed pacing, Strange Cases was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved how it brought folklore into a world shaped by injustice, inequality, and power, all through such distinctive artwork. I’m looking forward to seeing what Riotbones creates next.
Reply