About The Project

The Story

In Thaddeus Cain, a Romani Gypsy turned detective is pulled into the underworld of a city he calls home. When a murder investigation forces him to return to the Traveller’s site he left ten years earlier, Cain is thrust into a labyrinth of corruption, betrayal, and revenge.

Haunted by the ghosts of his past, and the violence that severed him from his roots, Cain must navigate a shifting landscape of tech-driven crime and moral decay. As truth and loyalty blur, he faces the ultimate question: can a man who has lived by the law of survival ever find redemption?

A companion to Gypsy Dawn Rising, this noir-inspired graphic novel blends crime realism with echoes of Romani myth and social commentary. Written and created by Dan Allum, it explores identity, loss, and justice through the eyes of a man torn between two worlds.

Thaddeus Cain, 38

Police detective and Romani Gypsy, Cain is haunted by the violence that shattered his life and cost him his daughter ten years ago. When he returns to the Travellers site to investigate a young woman’s murder, old wounds reopen - and the ghosts he left behind are waiting to finish what he started.

Stella Woods, 35

Assertive and astute, Stella is a team player who follows the rules. She is a strong believer in the system of law and draws a clear line between right and wrong. Yet she is secretly envious of Thaddeus’s rule-breaker attitude. She is also in love with him.

Detective Chief Inspector Woods, 56

Stella’s father and her boss. He is a deskman with political ambitions and likes his cases as neat and tidy as his office. He shies away from controversy but is always around when accolades are handed out. He hates Cain’s maverick style and Stella’s tacit support of him.

Detective Inspector Stonebridge, 52

Cain’s former commanding officer, Stonebridge embodies the system Cain no longer trusts. Sharp, pragmatic, and politically cautious, he knows Cain’s return will stir old trouble. Whether mentor, manipulator, or executioner, Stonebridge wants the case solved - but only if it doesn’t expose the rot beneath his own department.

Roia Cain, 33

Cain’s estranged wife and the mother of their daughter, Mona, Roia hates Thaddeus with a passion, yet can’t help the emotional hold he has over her. Roia has been alone for ten years, but when Thaddeus returns to the site, it turns her world upside down.

Mona Cain, 16

Cain’s daughter and Roia’s only child, Mona has her mother’s fierce temper and her father’s coolness under pressure. She’s used to violence and can give as good as she gets. She feels abandoned by her father and doesn’t know if she can ever forgive him for leaving them.

Jago Dalerash, 45

Jago is the head of the Dalerash clan, a powerful crime family with deep roots and ruthless ambition. A Godfather-like figure, he dreams of expanding his empire onto the international stage and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Development

Thaddeus Cain was developed with support from Arts Council England as part of Dan Allum’s ongoing exploration of contemporary Romani identity through storytelling.

Creative Team & Credits

Discover the diverse talents propelling Thaddeus Cain into the hearts of readers.

Dan Allum

Writer & Creative Director

Dan is one the UK’s leading Romani Gypsy artists. He is a playwright/screenwriter and Founder/Artistic Director at Romany Theatre. He has developed TV drama series for BBC, ITV, and Leftbank Pictures. And for the stage he has created new work at the National Theatre and the Royal Court. His favourite comic creators include Art Spiegelman and Neil Gaiman.

Adrian Iglesias

Artist & Letterer

Adrian studied at the National University of La Plata in Argentina, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He has published comic and illustration works in the US, Portugal, Argentina and Spain. He co-founded the Argentine publishing house "Panxa comics". Some of his works are Feminas, books of illustrations, Cuentos del Hipocampo (webcomic) and The Library of the End of the World (illustrated story). He is a big fan of Science Fiction and Hammer Horror movies.

Andrej Dethlefsen

Marketing Lead & Video Production

A skilled content marketer, he has driven success in education, SAAS, and financial sectors, notably advancing IAMTech and Aluminati through diverse marketing strategies. With experience in content creation for the BBC and founding Mediamerge Ltd, he's served clients like Ofsted and Cambridge University. He champions diversity and cultural awareness in his marketing approaches.

Isabelle Duval

Website Designer

With 17 years of experience in web design, Isabelle is a seasoned professional dedicated to crafting captivating online experiences. From e-commerce to entertainment, Isabelle has left her mark on numerous projects, ensuring visually stunning and user-friendly websites. Her commitment to excellence and passion for innovation make her an invaluable asset to the Gypsy Dawn Rising project, where she brings the story to life in the digital realm.