Writer Jay B. Kalagayan and illustrator Feriowind have announced St. Malo: First Filipinos in North America, a visceral blend of historical fiction and primal horror. Published by Creative Mussel, the 40-page graphic comic book is set to debut on January 12, 2026 with a preview at Fan Expo New Orleans. You can check out a timeline of Filipino History while you wait to get your hands on the comic.

Long before the American Revolution, a hidden community thrived in the Louisiana swamps. These were the first residents of St. Malo—Filipino sailors who escaped servitude aboard Spanish galleons to find a hard-won freedom in the New World. But in this retelling, the sanctuary of the bayou is corrupted by dark superstitions and vengeful spirits carried across the Pacific. What began as a quest for liberty becomes a fight for survival against “dark things” hunting for blood.

To bring the murky depths of the Louisiana swamps to life, Kalagayan collaborated with Feriowind, an illustrator known for their work on IDW’s Godzilla Rivals and Netflix anime projects like Exception. Feriowind breathes life into the era with a style influenced by shonen battle manga and a deep love for creature design.

St. Malo: First Filipinos in North America was supported through an Inspire Artist grant with ArtsWave. ArtsWave is the Cincinnati region’s primary arts funding organization, supporting a wide range of arts organizations, artists, and projects.