This month, Magnetic Press is taking us back to the world of demons, gods, mutants, and gods–all in a world where superheroism is a clock-in, clock-out job.
Coming soon to the Kickstarter, Magnetic Press is launching a campaign to bring all seven volumes of Florent Maudoux’s highly inventive comic adventure series Freaks’ Squeele to backers’ hands. The rightly-praised series that has all the ingredients of a high-octane romp–including derring-do, live-broadcast hero brawls, and supernatural school drama–is getting the care and craftsmanship it deserves in bringing the volumes to life.
But that’s not all! In addition to the volumes, we’re proud to exclusively announce that Magnetic Press is producing a Kickstarter-exclusive art book about All Things Freaks’ Squeele, featuring character designs, concept art, behind-the-scenes sketches and commentary, rare illustrations, and alternate covers. For any fan of Freaks’ Squeele, this is a must-have to delve into a world beyond the central story in the comics.
Check out a mockup of the art book below, as well as the press release for the book! And sign up to be notified at launch here!
From the official press release about the Kickstarter:
This December, Magnetic Press – the Eisner Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels from around the world since 2013 – is bringing Florent Maudoux’s manga inspired and darkly stylish action adventure series FREAKS’ SQUEELE to Kickstarter with an ambitious and artful crowdfunding campaign. Florent Maudoux’s critically acclaimed, seven-volume series has gained legions of fans around the world since its debut in 2008 by drawing inspiration from RPGs, Hong Kong cinema, and classical art to create a wildly inventive comic saga that brings manga flair, western comic grit, and Franco-Belgian charm into one gloriously chaotic universe.
Fans can now follow FREAKS’ SQUEELE on Kickstarter to be instantly notified when the Magnetic Press pre-order campaign goes live.
“Whether you’re into supernatural school drama, genre-bending art, or just want to see a werewolf fight a bear for dorm territory, FREAKS’ SQUEELE delivers the goods—with claws, swords, and sarcasm,” said Magnetic Publisher Mike Kennedy. “Think Jujitsu Kisiren meets X-Men by way of Scott Pilgrim, with a dash of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a heavy pour of French irreverence.”
In FREAKS’ SQUEELE, the world is populated by demons, werewolves, gods, and mutants, many of whom are descendants of ancient mythological beings, and super-heroism is a regulated profession, like being a lawyer or doctor. Aspiring heroes must attend accredited universities, where they study combat and ethics and compete in duels and tournaments, often with lethal consequences. These events are broadcast and monetized, turning heroism into spectacle. The series follows three freshmen students — Chance, Li Xiong Mao, and Shadow — who must navigate these trials and tribulations while uncovering conspiracies, surviving sabotage, and managing the popularity of their identities.
“The world of FREAKS’ SQUEELE is a critique of power structures disguised as a superhero romp, where every sword swing, spell, and sarcastic quip is loaded with history, trauma, and rebellion,” said Kennedy. “It is deeply addictive storytelling.”
Originally published by Ankama Éditions in France, Magnetic Press’ publication of FREAKS’ SQUEELE marks the series’ American debut. The Kickstarter campaign features over 1,000 pages of story in all seven FREAKS’ SQUEELE hardcovers, as well as an artbook and a limited edition “Dorm Footlocker” storage box for collectors. Fans can follow the FREAKS’ SQUEELE on Kickstarter to be instantly notified when the Magnetic Press pre-order campaign goes live.