Strange Cases by Riotbones

After a short hiatus where ADHD took me to other endeavours, here’s a new graphic novel review.

I already followed the writer/illustrator, so it’s no surprise that I liked the drawing style, which is better appreciated in the inside pages than in the cover. I wasn’t a fan of the muted colors, although that’s just a matter of preference, but on a few pages where bright colors are used, the artstyle really shines. There’s also a texture layer applied to every page that should’ve been fainter, as it turns everything a bit mushy and was distracting at times.

Some bits (diegetic and non-diegetic) didn’t make much sense from the protagonist, like making someone an accomplice of a crime, stealing a dog he just rescued (which he can’t keep btw; although he was neglected, so I’ll let it pass), or wearing a tie from one panel to the next without seeing him grab it or put it on.

The corruption-laden town of Lazaro functions as its own character, and as such, it feels fleshed out. Jude is also a main character you want to root for as he’s calling out the bullshit of the system and making it work in his favor.

The climax scene features two characters with similar designs that made it a bit confusing. I assume the resemblance is meant to make some parallel between them, but I felt like it didn’t quite work out.

You should read this for the atmospheric gothic vibes and the folklore. Or for the eye candy alone.