After losing her father in an attack by the evil Tikbalang, Mage and her best friend, Squalo (a shark), set off an important quest far from home to honor her father’s last wish—find the Bakunawa, the guardian of the sea.  But Mage and Squalo don’t know where to find the Bakunawa. And they’re being hunted by the minions of Ventrolio, the nightmare maker, who’s determined to find Mage no matter what. When their search leads them to tales of an angry bakunawa that would rather destroy ships and attack sailors than help them, they’re confused. Why would Mage’s father send them to someone so dangerous? And can Mage and Squalo uncover the truth before the Bakunawa unleashes her wrath and plunges all of Mundo into chaos?

By Kara Bodegón-Hikino, Squalo & Mage vs. The Rage of The Bakunawa is an epic, middle grade graphic novel debut chock-full of video game references, Filipino folklore, and fun, funky friendship. It comes to stores May 26, 2026. Order your copy from Bookshop, Amazon, your local comic shop or bookstore, and more!