Independent publisher SelfMadeHero has announced a new Victorian-era paranormal mystery series, Romo the WolfBoy, from acclaimed comic book creator ILYA.
The upcoming graphic novel, scheduled for a UK release on 19 February 2026, introduces an unlikely duo of junior criminologists: Francis, a circus stagehand, and Romo, a “wild boy” rumoured to have been raised by wolves. Set against the backdrop of Blimey O’Riley’s Travelling Circus, the story follows the pair as they investigate a series of supernatural sabotages. While the premise leans into character-led comedy, the publisher promises a “mildly spooky” atmosphere and an art style that blends traditional prose with the aesthetics of early 20th-century newspaper graphics.
ILYA, also known as Ed Hillyer, brings considerable industry weight to the project. His career spans work for major US publishers, including Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse, alongside his celebrated Manga Shakespeare adaptations. For Romo the WolfBoy, ILYA appears to be channelling the spirit of European classics like Tintin and Asterix, but with a grittier, “reckless” energy that the press release cheekily describes as a “Hairy Potter” for wilder sensibilities.
The 256-page hardback is positioned as the start of an ongoing action-adventure serial. While the UK launch is imminent, a North American release is slated for later in 2026. Given the creator’s pedigree and the burgeoning interest in “period-piece” paranormal adventures within the TTRPG community, notably games like Vaesen or Cthulhu by Gaslight, this volume may well serve as excellent visual inspiration for GMs looking to capture the eerie charm of a Victorian sideshow.
