Picture a Filipino storyteller who weaves queer, futuristic tales that pulse with noir intrigue—meet Victor Manibo! Born in Manila and now crafting stories in New York, this speculative fiction author has captivated readers with his sharp, thought-provoking novels. From his gripping debut to his latest space-bound mystery, Manibo’s work challenges us to rethink identity, technology, and the world we’re building.
As a queer immigrant and lawyer by day, Manibo infuses his sci-fi worlds with real-world grit and heart, earning praise as a 2022 Lambda Literary Emerging Voices Fellow. Ready to dive into his unforgettable stories? Let’s explore the man behind the mysteries!
The Making of Victor Manibo
Victor Manibo grew up in the vibrant streets of Manila, Philippines, where storytelling was as much a part of life as the tropical sun. Immigrating to the United States, he carved out a career as an immigration and civil rights lawyer in New York, spinning legal narratives by day and speculative ones by night. His queer and Filipino identities shape his work, grounding his futuristic tales in the lived experiences of navigating complex worlds. A lifelong love for science fiction and noir, paired with his legal knack for unraveling human motives, set the stage for his leap into authorship.
Manibo’s writing journey took flight with the 2022 Lambda Literary fellowship, a nod to his raw talent. Inspired by authors like Philip K. Dick and films like Parasite, he began crafting stories that blend high-stakes mysteries with sharp social commentary, earning a devoted following in the speculative fiction scene.
Victor Manibo’s Unforgettable Stories
Manibo’s debut, The Sleepless (2022), is a sci-fi noir thriller set in a near-future New York where a pandemic leaves a quarter of the population unable to sleep. Journalist Jamie Vega, a Sleepless queer Filipino, investigates his boss’s suspicious death, uncovering a chilling truth about his condition. Critics like Harlan Coben called it a “thrilling debut,” praising its blend of corporate intrigue and human depth.
His follow-up, Escape Velocity (2024), rockets readers to Space Habitat Altaire, a luxury space hotel hosting a high school reunion laced with a decades-old murder. This Agatha Christie-meets-Karl Marx mystery explores capitalism and privilege, earning raves for its twisty plot and diverse cast. Publishers Weekly hailed its “ingenious” genre-melding, cementing Manibo’s knack for layered storytelling.
Manibo’s style is a heady mix of gritty noir, speculative wonder, and social critique. His queer, immigrant lens brings nuance to themes of class, technology, and identity, making his worlds feel eerily plausible. Whether it’s a sleepless dystopia or a space-bound whodunit, his stories grip you late into the night, daring you to question the systems shaping our future.
Why Victor Manibo Matters
Victor Manibo is more than a sci-fi author—he’s a voice for the marginalized, weaving queer and Filipino perspectives into speculative fiction’s tapestry. His work challenges the genre’s often Western-centric narratives, offering fresh, inclusive visions of the future. By tackling capitalism, climate crises, and identity with unflinching clarity, he invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths while losing themselves in thrilling plots.
His impact ripples through the speculative fiction community, inspiring new voices and proving that diverse stories can resonate universally. As a Lambda Literary Fellow, Manibo’s rise signals a shift toward richer, more inclusive storytelling, making him a must-read for anyone craving sci-fi with soul.
- Born: Manila, Philippines
- Key Works: The Sleepless (2022), Escape Velocity (2024)
- Awards: 2022 Lambda Literary Emerging Voices Fellow
- Fun Fact: He lives in Queens with his husband, dog, and two cats!
Snag The Sleepless or Escape Velocity and dive into Victor Manibo’s thrilling, thought-provoking sci-fi noir!