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FreakAngels #6
FreakAngels, Volume 6
Twenty-three years ago, twelve strange children were born in England at exactly the same moment. Six years ago, they used their psychic powers in unison and accidentally flooded the world. Today, they live in and defend Whitechapel, perhaps the last real settlement in soggy London, from the evil machinations of one of their own – a “Freakangel” gone rogue. But when Mark, the bad seed, returns and forces his old friends to expand their consciousness beyond all concepts of space and time, they discover there’s something coming… something dark and terrible beyond the borders of Whitechapel, closing in for the kill. Writer Warren Ellis and artist Paul Duffield proudly present the last stand of the Freakangels in this final, gorgeous sixth volume of the 2010 Eagle Award-winning online web comic!
Episodes #0121-0144
Episodes #0121-0144
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Warren Ellis
1,971 books5,765 followersWarren Ellis is the award-winning writer of graphic novels like TRANSMETROPOLITAN, FELL, MINISTRY OF SPACE and PLANETARY, and the author of the NYT-bestselling GUN MACHINE and the “underground classic” novel CROOKED LITTLE VEIN, as well as the digital short-story single DEAD PIG COLLECTOR. His newest book is the novella NORMAL, from FSG Originals, listed as one of Amazon’s Best 100 Books Of 2016.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.
He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.
Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.
A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.
Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 5, 2018
FreakAngels was a free online comic series which ran from 2008 to 2011 and comprised of six volumes in total. Considering the volumes were only arbitrary breaks in an otherwise continuous storyline, I chose to only review that initial volume. The quality was consistent throughout, so I issued the same 4 stars to all but the finale, which, in my view, was underwhelming. Due to said finale, and hindsight being 20-20 and whatnot, I believe those 4 stars for the rest of the volumes were a tad bit generous. Let me try to explain why.
The premise was intriguing, “23 years ago, twelve strange children were born in England at exactly the same time.6 years ago, the world ended.This is the story of what happened next.” But it never developed into the epic story I had envisioned. The FreakAngels spent more time bickering among themselves, than focusing on the bigger picture. Each assumed a fairly stereotypical role. Some helpful—mechanic, engineer, doctor, salvager hunter, watch tower guard, gardener, group historian; some harmful—sexual criminal, mind controlling outcast; some somewhere in between—free love enthusiast, free spirit wackadoodle. And then there was my personal favorite, Kaitlyn, AKA Whitechapel police.
Who had her very owntorture chamber holding cell!
Not only did the FreakAngels fall into these generic roles, but half of the group wound up falling in lurve with one another, which led to some added drama. Most of the group’s energy though was aimed at puzzling out the outcast’s nefarious plans, putting the pervert on lock down, and preventing either from wrecking any more havoc on the innocent civilians caught in the fallout.
The art had a workmanlike quality to it. It was serviceable, but not all that creative or original. There was a basic, straightforward layout with muted colors. Some of the faces looked weird, when laughing or shouting, and it oddly appeared as though the doctor lady was sporting a pencil mustache in various panels. There was nothing really poster worthy here, is what I’m getting at. Things did improve somewhat in volume 5, by tossing some vibrant colors to the mix. That’s also where the storyline began to come together.
On a positive note, the FreakAngels’ powers were pretty awesome, and it was clever how things steadily escalated over time. I thought that part of the story was brilliantly executed.
And, the storyline itself was fairly consistent from volume to volume, unlike a few other series I’ve read. *cough* Saga *cough* The group dynamics were well reasoned, and I enjoyed most all of the characters. There were some great moments of levity throughout, most often provided by Kaitlyn, whom I found to be very amusing.
Bottom line: Although I’m adjusting my ratings down to 3.5 stars for volumes 1-4, I’ll stick with 4 stars for Vol. 5, due to the uptick in the artwork, and then 3 stars for Vol. 6. Overall, I would still recommend the series, but it wasn’t as epically awesome as some of the other graphic novels I’ve read, such as Locke & Key.
If you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic story, FreakAngels is definitely one worth considering. Read the entire thing for free right here: http://www.freakangels.com/?p=23
The premise was intriguing, “23 years ago, twelve strange children were born in England at exactly the same time.6 years ago, the world ended.This is the story of what happened next.” But it never developed into the epic story I had envisioned. The FreakAngels spent more time bickering among themselves, than focusing on the bigger picture. Each assumed a fairly stereotypical role. Some helpful—mechanic, engineer, doctor, salvager hunter, watch tower guard, gardener, group historian; some harmful—sexual criminal, mind controlling outcast; some somewhere in between—free love enthusiast, free spirit wackadoodle. And then there was my personal favorite, Kaitlyn, AKA Whitechapel police.
Who had her very own
Not only did the FreakAngels fall into these generic roles, but half of the group wound up falling in lurve with one another, which led to some added drama. Most of the group’s energy though was aimed at puzzling out the outcast’s nefarious plans, putting the pervert on lock down, and preventing either from wrecking any more havoc on the innocent civilians caught in the fallout.
The art had a workmanlike quality to it. It was serviceable, but not all that creative or original. There was a basic, straightforward layout with muted colors. Some of the faces looked weird, when laughing or shouting, and it oddly appeared as though the doctor lady was sporting a pencil mustache in various panels. There was nothing really poster worthy here, is what I’m getting at. Things did improve somewhat in volume 5, by tossing some vibrant colors to the mix. That’s also where the storyline began to come together.
On a positive note, the FreakAngels’ powers were pretty awesome, and it was clever how things steadily escalated over time. I thought that part of the story was brilliantly executed.
And, the storyline itself was fairly consistent from volume to volume, unlike a few other series I’ve read. *cough* Saga *cough* The group dynamics were well reasoned, and I enjoyed most all of the characters. There were some great moments of levity throughout, most often provided by Kaitlyn, whom I found to be very amusing.
Bottom line: Although I’m adjusting my ratings down to 3.5 stars for volumes 1-4, I’ll stick with 4 stars for Vol. 5, due to the uptick in the artwork, and then 3 stars for Vol. 6. Overall, I would still recommend the series, but it wasn’t as epically awesome as some of the other graphic novels I’ve read, such as Locke & Key.
If you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic story, FreakAngels is definitely one worth considering. Read the entire thing for free right here: http://www.freakangels.com/?p=23
August 22, 2016
So that was it, a very appropriate ending to a great post-apocalyptic series. You should definitely read FreakAngels for yourself, so at this point all I'm going to say is that it ranks among Warren Ellis’ very best work IMO, up there with Transmetropolitan and The Authority. Even if you don’t consider yourself an Ellis fan you may want to give FreakAngels a try... and let its thoughtful, subtle, humane approach surprise you. Really good stuff!
February 6, 2013
Lately, with irritating frequency, I end up reading the a series of books or comics, enjoying the hell out of it, then being let down by the ending.
Sometimes this is because a series gets canceled. Which sucks all around and isn't the author's fault. (Firefly.)
Sometimes the ending merely leaves me with a profound sensation of "meh." And while the intellectual equivalent of a shrug is not a terrible thing in itself, it's a pisser of a way to end a story that I've enjoyed and devoted time, money, and attention to. (The Boys.)
Worst, in my opinion, is when the ending seems to come out of nowhere, leaving me with the feeling that the author was just making shit up all along. Or it trails off like a sad half-hearted fart. This pisses me off to a high degree and makes me want to choke people. Because sure, sometimes as a writer, you make things up. You tease a bit. You add a little maguffin to firm up an otherwise flaccid plot. But then, when it comes to the end of things, you know what you do? You tie up all those loose ends anyway. You fucking *DO* it. You owe your reader legitimate closure and resolution. And if you don't provide it, you are a cock and I want to choke choke choke you. Yes you J.J. Abrams. (Alias.)
Ahem. Sorry.
The point I wanted to make is that I just finished this final volume of Freakangels, and it tied everything up delightfully.
The ending made sense, was satisfying, answered questions, gave resolution and closure, and maintained the same fun/serious tone of the entire series.
That means you can read this series joyfully, with a spring in your step. Safe in the knowledge that you're not going to get fucked at the very end.
Thanks again, Warren Ellis. I wish there were two of you so I could keep one in my basement. Forever.
December 10, 2018
Too bad it's over, I want more.
Since it's writer is Warren Ellis, author of Transmetopolitan one of my favorite graphic novels I had high expectations and I wasn't disappointed. Overall solid series from great author.
Since it's writer is Warren Ellis, author of Transmetopolitan one of my favorite graphic novels I had high expectations and I wasn't disappointed. Overall solid series from great author.
May 1, 2018
Ended kind of the way the whole series went. Fine.
November 9, 2019
TW: Sexual assault
I'm not thrilled with how the series has handled Luke the Rapist. The series couldn't seem to decide on a tone for handling him.
The ending seemed very, very sudden. While I appreciate ending a series sooner rather than dragging it out to The Walking Dead-like proportions, there wasn't much time for the characters to develop or for the world-building to flesh out the situation more. The ending itself was vague and predictable.
I'm not thrilled with how the series has handled Luke the Rapist. The series couldn't seem to decide on a tone for handling him.
The ending seemed very, very sudden. While I appreciate ending a series sooner rather than dragging it out to The Walking Dead-like proportions, there wasn't much time for the characters to develop or for the world-building to flesh out the situation more. The ending itself was vague and predictable.
July 10, 2012
SPOILERS
Like all final books in a beloved series there are lots of revelations, storylines are tied up, and the ending is a controversial one. It seems the end of the world brought about by the Freakangels was not the end of the world… entirely, and the Freakangels decide to do something equally massive with their powers but this time for constructive purposes not destructive. And some of the Freakangels get drunk and hook up.
It’s hard to talk about the aspects of the plot as it’d just give away too much of the content of the book but suffice it to say that if you’ve enjoyed the series thus far, Warren Ellis’ ending does a fine job of finishing it satisfactorily and without betraying the characters or the story. It’s an ending, but don’t expect explanations of who the Freakangels really are, how and why they have their powers, and the world beyond Whitechapel – you won’t get it.
What you get is a great, intelligent and exciting ending to a superb series that has been one triumphant book after another. Ellis and Paul Duffield have created an incredible comics series that ought to be better known and even could be a brilliant TV show. It’s just a shame the series ended after 6 books, I could’ve read 6 more but it ends well and I can wholeheartedly recommend the entire series for fans of well written, imaginative comics with a hint of steampunk and sci-fi thrown into the mix. Freakangels rule!
Like all final books in a beloved series there are lots of revelations, storylines are tied up, and the ending is a controversial one. It seems the end of the world brought about by the Freakangels was not the end of the world… entirely, and the Freakangels decide to do something equally massive with their powers but this time for constructive purposes not destructive. And some of the Freakangels get drunk and hook up.
It’s hard to talk about the aspects of the plot as it’d just give away too much of the content of the book but suffice it to say that if you’ve enjoyed the series thus far, Warren Ellis’ ending does a fine job of finishing it satisfactorily and without betraying the characters or the story. It’s an ending, but don’t expect explanations of who the Freakangels really are, how and why they have their powers, and the world beyond Whitechapel – you won’t get it.
What you get is a great, intelligent and exciting ending to a superb series that has been one triumphant book after another. Ellis and Paul Duffield have created an incredible comics series that ought to be better known and even could be a brilliant TV show. It’s just a shame the series ended after 6 books, I could’ve read 6 more but it ends well and I can wholeheartedly recommend the entire series for fans of well written, imaginative comics with a hint of steampunk and sci-fi thrown into the mix. Freakangels rule!
February 7, 2017
This ended mostly how I expected although with a much more uplifting tone. Ellis lightly touches on positive themes of helping others, maturity, and togetherness.
As a whole, I enjoyed the series, and found myself wanting to finish each volume in one sitting, mainly because it was engaging. From what I understand it was a web series, with Ellis experimenting using the medium. In the story, powers are involved, the how's and why's are not investigated. It's more about the characters and how the world perceives them and how they should and should not interact with the rest of the world. I'd give the whole thing 3.5 stars and worth a read if you have the opportunity.
As a whole, I enjoyed the series, and found myself wanting to finish each volume in one sitting, mainly because it was engaging. From what I understand it was a web series, with Ellis experimenting using the medium. In the story, powers are involved, the how's and why's are not investigated. It's more about the characters and how the world perceives them and how they should and should not interact with the rest of the world. I'd give the whole thing 3.5 stars and worth a read if you have the opportunity.
Read
April 13, 2023The last volume mostly consists of the Freakangels talking. They discuss their mistakes, realize what they can do to fix them, and then fix them. It's a good conclusion. But why didn't they think of doing this during the past six years? Surely they were capable. Ah well, I'm mostly satisfied how this ends.
One final note: while Ellis and Duffield did a terrific job giving all of the Freakangels distinct personalities, I wouldn't say I "liked" them (with the exception of Arkady). For the most part, they're mopey, bitter, a bit self-interested, and not people I'd enjoy being around. Yeah, their bitterness makes sense given all they went through, but reading about them for six volumes was a little grating. It's probably an age thing; if I read the series when I was 20 I'm sure I wouldn't have this problem. That aside, I would be impressed at any age with the storytelling craft of this series. Excellent writing, pacing, and artwork throughout. I was enthralled despite not really caring for the personalities of the main cast.
One final note: while Ellis and Duffield did a terrific job giving all of the Freakangels distinct personalities, I wouldn't say I "liked" them (with the exception of Arkady). For the most part, they're mopey, bitter, a bit self-interested, and not people I'd enjoy being around. Yeah, their bitterness makes sense given all they went through, but reading about them for six volumes was a little grating. It's probably an age thing; if I read the series when I was 20 I'm sure I wouldn't have this problem. That aside, I would be impressed at any age with the storytelling craft of this series. Excellent writing, pacing, and artwork throughout. I was enthralled despite not really caring for the personalities of the main cast.
February 14, 2022
I think Freakangels is one of the best webcomics I've come across, and by extension, one of the best comic books I've ever read in the entire medium. This is the second time Ellis has made me feel this way about a comic book.
Now, if you were to judge it superficially you would find my statement hyperbolic, of course. It doesn't have the ambitions of The Incal, the subversiveness of Watchmen or the inspired creativity of The Sandman. What it does have is a powerhouse of character dynamics that have a consistency of quality I rarely see. And yet, it's so confident in its tone, so modest in presentation and execution. A moral complexity that your favorite comic WISHED it had. It is impecable from beginning to end. For a story with TWELVE main characters the landing is absolutely maddeningly perfect.
Man, I had a longer review where I clarified more but I deleted it by accident, just trust me when I tell you this shit was worth a read.
Now, if you were to judge it superficially you would find my statement hyperbolic, of course. It doesn't have the ambitions of The Incal, the subversiveness of Watchmen or the inspired creativity of The Sandman. What it does have is a powerhouse of character dynamics that have a consistency of quality I rarely see. And yet, it's so confident in its tone, so modest in presentation and execution. A moral complexity that your favorite comic WISHED it had. It is impecable from beginning to end. For a story with TWELVE main characters the landing is absolutely maddeningly perfect.
Man, I had a longer review where I clarified more but I deleted it by accident, just trust me when I tell you this shit was worth a read.
December 22, 2019
Celkově to hezky uzavírá a dává to smysl. Jen to není žádná bomba.
December 28, 2012
I was just browsing the online library SWAN catalog, thinking I'd pick up a few things by Warren Ellis and stumbled across al six volumes of FreakAngels. What's this? How had I not heard about this? Oh, because I don't ever pay attention to anything Avatar puts out. No wonder it passed by me just like Gravel did years ago.
Honestly, after the first volume I would have given up on it completely had I not checked out the entire series. I figured I'd push on through as long as it was here, why not? The first two volumes are very seriously pedestriain and have a problem in their pacing. It's like watching paint dry. They move at a snail's pace and without much intrigue to lure the reader from one issue to the next. Combined with art I find to be too influenced by Japanese manga/anime and it was wearing on me.
But Ellis did something in these books that he doesn't normally do and that is some very serious character development. By the third,f ourth and fifth volumes, I was really loving it and was interested and intrigued by the characters (a few of them, anyway) and was eager to see how things panned out as the series went on. Unlike most of his work, it focused more on the relationships of the peple in the book than it did on the idea behind the book. After a time, I couldn't put it down.
Each character, although similar, is given a very distinct personality, a very different voice. It's a tough thing to do with an ensemble cast. It was like reading a sci-fi Lord of the Flies. And Ellis starts to pour on the dialogue, leaving the story in the hands of the characters at the present moment and abandons the typical cmic book omnipotence of the monlogue boxes. It really was a refreshing thing to see from both Ellis and Avatar.
And then it follows itself to the only logical conclusion it could arrive at and is a bit of a let-down at the end. I guess I just expected a few unexpected twists, but it did exactly what you thought it was going to do in the end. Ah, well.
Writing: B
Art: C
Honestly, after the first volume I would have given up on it completely had I not checked out the entire series. I figured I'd push on through as long as it was here, why not? The first two volumes are very seriously pedestriain and have a problem in their pacing. It's like watching paint dry. They move at a snail's pace and without much intrigue to lure the reader from one issue to the next. Combined with art I find to be too influenced by Japanese manga/anime and it was wearing on me.
But Ellis did something in these books that he doesn't normally do and that is some very serious character development. By the third,f ourth and fifth volumes, I was really loving it and was interested and intrigued by the characters (a few of them, anyway) and was eager to see how things panned out as the series went on. Unlike most of his work, it focused more on the relationships of the peple in the book than it did on the idea behind the book. After a time, I couldn't put it down.
Each character, although similar, is given a very distinct personality, a very different voice. It's a tough thing to do with an ensemble cast. It was like reading a sci-fi Lord of the Flies. And Ellis starts to pour on the dialogue, leaving the story in the hands of the characters at the present moment and abandons the typical cmic book omnipotence of the monlogue boxes. It really was a refreshing thing to see from both Ellis and Avatar.
And then it follows itself to the only logical conclusion it could arrive at and is a bit of a let-down at the end. I guess I just expected a few unexpected twists, but it did exactly what you thought it was going to do in the end. Ah, well.
Writing: B
Art: C
February 18, 2013
Ich denke, allein der Umstand, dass ich in den letzten 12 Stunden kaum etwas anderes getan habe, als an diesem Comic zu lesen, zeigt meine Begeisterung für die Reihe. Ich habe mich relativ schnell in sie verliebt und obwohl ich heute andere Pläne hatte, konnte und konnte ich einfach nicht aufhören zu lesen - bis ich durch war.
Ich liebe die Geschichte der 12 Menschen mit besonderen Fähigkeiten, die langsam erst im Laufe der Geschichte zu begreifen scheinen, dass sie einander brauchen und dass sie gemeinsam so viel schaffen können. Dabei gibt es - wie man eigentlich erwarten könnte - innerhalb der Geschichte eigentlich an keiner Stelle Verwirrungen wegen der vielen Charaktere. Ganz im Gegenteil, schon auf den ersten Seiten des ersten Bandes werden viele von ihnen vorgestellt und sofort hat man zu den Namen ein Gesicht und einen Charakter parat - das zieht sich durch alle sechs Bände.
Die Geschichte ist teilweise sehr brutal und roh und eigentlich gibt es keine Seite, auf der es keine Schimpfworte gibt. Aber es passt einfach zu der rauen Welt, in der sie leben - die sie sich geschaffen haben.
Das Ende war in meinen Augen einfach perfekt. Sogar Alice konnte ich dann richtig gut leiden - das hätte ich wirklich nicht gedacht. Es ist schon wahnsinnig zu sehen, was für charakterliche Veränderungen einige der Charas durchgemacht haben. Gern würde ich sagen "Ich möchte mehr davon lesen", aber das Ende war einfach so abgeschlossen und perfekt - nein, das könnte ich mir gar nicht anders wünschen.
Eine tolle Reihe. Das wird mir sicher noch lange im Kopf bleiben ...
Ich liebe die Geschichte der 12 Menschen mit besonderen Fähigkeiten, die langsam erst im Laufe der Geschichte zu begreifen scheinen, dass sie einander brauchen und dass sie gemeinsam so viel schaffen können. Dabei gibt es - wie man eigentlich erwarten könnte - innerhalb der Geschichte eigentlich an keiner Stelle Verwirrungen wegen der vielen Charaktere. Ganz im Gegenteil, schon auf den ersten Seiten des ersten Bandes werden viele von ihnen vorgestellt und sofort hat man zu den Namen ein Gesicht und einen Charakter parat - das zieht sich durch alle sechs Bände.
Die Geschichte ist teilweise sehr brutal und roh und eigentlich gibt es keine Seite, auf der es keine Schimpfworte gibt. Aber es passt einfach zu der rauen Welt, in der sie leben - die sie sich geschaffen haben.
Das Ende war in meinen Augen einfach perfekt. Sogar Alice konnte ich dann richtig gut leiden - das hätte ich wirklich nicht gedacht. Es ist schon wahnsinnig zu sehen, was für charakterliche Veränderungen einige der Charas durchgemacht haben. Gern würde ich sagen "Ich möchte mehr davon lesen", aber das Ende war einfach so abgeschlossen und perfekt - nein, das könnte ich mir gar nicht anders wünschen.
Eine tolle Reihe. Das wird mir sicher noch lange im Kopf bleiben ...
February 8, 2013
Okay. If this had been a novel, I'm not sure how I would have felt about it. You're dropped in a post-apocalyptic world with minimal information. Eventually you learn how the world came to be the way it was. There are some conflicts. The rising action suddenly crescendos as you learn even more about the breaking of the world and the ante gets upped all at once. And then...the story ends. There is resolution, but not much of it. There is denouement, but not really or everyone, and not in a completely satisfactory way. It seemed an inauspicious end for a compelling and interesting story. The universe created here really begs for a spin-off or something. There are so many unsolved mysteries, loose ends, and giant question marks.
That being said, it was some of the more compelling graphic storytelling I've encountered in a while. The characters are incredibly unique and distinct, and really well scoped and developed. The interactions between those characters are rich and varied. The dialogue is crisp. The setting is novel. I couldn't stop reading. I would read it again. So in the end I think the series gets 4 stars, with the closing book garnering 4.5 or 5.
That being said, it was some of the more compelling graphic storytelling I've encountered in a while. The characters are incredibly unique and distinct, and really well scoped and developed. The interactions between those characters are rich and varied. The dialogue is crisp. The setting is novel. I couldn't stop reading. I would read it again. So in the end I think the series gets 4 stars, with the closing book garnering 4.5 or 5.
July 19, 2012
I have some mixed feelings about how the series ended. I do like but I don't like that it took them six years to even think of doing it. We don't see their initial reactions at the time, but I can buy that they were scared kids unsure of their limits. But they never even tried? I did like that not everything was tied up with a bow, and that there were a lot of unresolved issues left. (What happens next in London? And what were the FreakAngels, really?) The art is quite beautiful, especially around the climax.
January 23, 2020
There were too many characters for any of them to be fully flushed out by the end, and the ending seemed a bit convenient and boring.
My biggest issue with the series was Luke. The others find him unabashedly raping another person. And yes, they rage for a bit and technically try to deal with him. But then when it doesn’t work, their response is to marker a dick on his forehead, erase his memory (why?) and... move on? Luke’s entire narrative felt jarring and unnecessary to the larger arch.
My biggest issue with the series was Luke. The others find him unabashedly raping another person. And yes, they rage for a bit and technically try to deal with him. But then when it doesn’t work, their response is to marker a dick on his forehead, erase his memory (why?) and... move on? Luke’s entire narrative felt jarring and unnecessary to the larger arch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2011
This is pretty much the only way it COULD end, but it was weird and talky and... pretty much a Freakangels ending, actually. It was also effing awesome. I don't even know what to say, I'm mostly just sad there's no more.
June 27, 2020
JUNE 2020, EDITED TO ADD: The author is a serial sexual harasser/assaulter. I've adjusted my rating accordingly and no longer recommend this series.
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So good so good. Highly recommend the series!
(I read them online at www.freakangels.com)
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So good so good. Highly recommend the series!
(I read them online at www.freakangels.com)
December 9, 2022
Volumes three four and five of this series sailed along at such a brisk pace, and seemed to be leading to another four or five trades that I was worried Freakangels wasn't going to conclude so much as stop. Volume five, in particular, promised several different meandering storylines that would be intriguing and on-track with a solid Warren Ellis story. But this volue takes everything in a very different direction, and lands in a logical and satisfying conclusion that would make me feel cheated if the story were to ever continue.
A story of healing without forgetting, and forgiving without compromising, this was my favorite contained graphic novel series that I've read this year. It's not five stars because the art is perfectly acceptable webomic art which adequately told the story, but I would have much rather seen someone with a vivid, unique style bring this story to life. A muted palette makes total sense for this steampunky dystopia but sharper backgrounds and unique looking characters would have made this a classic series, as opposed to A Solid Read.
Still, I recommend the whole series to anyone looking for an approachable, fast read series about superpowered people that focuses on interpersonal relationships, issues of consent, rape culture, and the corruption of power but does so without being unnecessarily explicit or using shock value to make its points.
A story of healing without forgetting, and forgiving without compromising, this was my favorite contained graphic novel series that I've read this year. It's not five stars because the art is perfectly acceptable webomic art which adequately told the story, but I would have much rather seen someone with a vivid, unique style bring this story to life. A muted palette makes total sense for this steampunky dystopia but sharper backgrounds and unique looking characters would have made this a classic series, as opposed to A Solid Read.
Still, I recommend the whole series to anyone looking for an approachable, fast read series about superpowered people that focuses on interpersonal relationships, issues of consent, rape culture, and the corruption of power but does so without being unnecessarily explicit or using shock value to make its points.
July 22, 2021
(Zero spoiler review) 4.5/5
So, it did manage to wrap itself up with (nearly) the same level of brilliance of its five former volumes. I did have my doubts however, as this was a 3, and then a 4 at times throughout the story. A few of Ellis' choices early on weren't particularly to my taste, and I was fairly certain this one was going to be the damp squib out of the six, although it all managed to wrap itself up in as neat a package as to earn five stars. This is mostly down to Paul Duffield's art, which continued to set new standards in excellence the longer the series progressed. Ellis showed the restraint to keep this series grounded in its strengths, although it was Duffield who really put his stamp on things. What I wouldn't do for an oversized hardcover collection of this prettiness. If you've made it this far, you weren't about to not read a series that has five outstanding volumes, and then one bed shittingly average one, although thankfully that's not the case. Freakangels remains one of the highlights of my comic journey so far, and one of the strongest and most consistent ones to boot. It really is a must read. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
So, it did manage to wrap itself up with (nearly) the same level of brilliance of its five former volumes. I did have my doubts however, as this was a 3, and then a 4 at times throughout the story. A few of Ellis' choices early on weren't particularly to my taste, and I was fairly certain this one was going to be the damp squib out of the six, although it all managed to wrap itself up in as neat a package as to earn five stars. This is mostly down to Paul Duffield's art, which continued to set new standards in excellence the longer the series progressed. Ellis showed the restraint to keep this series grounded in its strengths, although it was Duffield who really put his stamp on things. What I wouldn't do for an oversized hardcover collection of this prettiness. If you've made it this far, you weren't about to not read a series that has five outstanding volumes, and then one bed shittingly average one, although thankfully that's not the case. Freakangels remains one of the highlights of my comic journey so far, and one of the strongest and most consistent ones to boot. It really is a must read. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
August 11, 2017
I really liked this final chapter of the story. The whole series impressed me by being able to talk about 12 (13 with alice) main characters and give them any sort of depth in the short amount of time it takes to read. I loved the sense of optimism it ended with, although there were some heartbreaking moments with Mark (aided by the best art in the series yet for those few panels) and Alice/Connor.
As far as complaints go, I only have a few. I never thought the art lived up to the writing and character work, but that makes sense since this started as a web comic. My other complaint is selfish, in that I wish the series were longer. 6 short chapters went by very quickly and it would have been great to spend more time with each freakangel.
Overall, a great series, and I'll tackle some of Ellis' other work for sure.
As far as complaints go, I only have a few. I never thought the art lived up to the writing and character work, but that makes sense since this started as a web comic. My other complaint is selfish, in that I wish the series were longer. 6 short chapters went by very quickly and it would have been great to spend more time with each freakangel.
Overall, a great series, and I'll tackle some of Ellis' other work for sure.
November 28, 2025
An interesting meditation on believing people can get better, this closing volume swings for the fences in terms of how to resolve a supernatural story with the most human of conversations. What I initially believed would ultimately be some kind of battle is actually turns out to just be the healing power of hashing out a long-standing falling out. I honestly loved it, and I didn't realize how much this approach would address the many curiosities of this series. There is something to be said and appreciated about the idea that rehabilitation can and perhaps should be forgiveness without forgetting. You can carry your better self into the future. It's just that you often cannot do it alone. Keep this in mind and keep good people close to you. I would like to believe there is always a way out and forward.
September 29, 2017
I FA sono indistruttibili e sono un'anomalia nel pianeta. Ma il pianeta non è tutto sommerso, lo è la sola gran Bretagna, circondata da un muro costituito da anomalie temporali che hanno tenuto a bada le altre nazioni, e in particolare gli americani, I ragazzi decidono l'unica cosa che suppongono crei pochi problemi ad essi stessi e alla popolazione locale: fuggono altrove, e siccome nessun altrove potrebbe davvero aiutarli, fuggono nel futuro. Numero carino che conclude la prima stagione di Freak Angels
December 9, 2020
El final de esta historia trata sobre crecer. Mucho desarrollo de los personajes aquí se concluye. Debo decir que no pensé que iba a disfrutar un libro con tanto diálogo, pero Ellos, demostrando el tipo de escritor que quiero ser, demuestra que con un buen ritmo de diálogos y secuencias graficas, una historia puede ser un viaje placentero sin importar el contenido de esta.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2022
A huge let down of an ending to what seemed like a very unique, promising series so far..
We get on with the hourly storyarc but the author tends to somehow finish it in the quickest possible way he could so he can go ahead with his other works...
All of a sudden, after 5 hefty volumes, the angels decide to fix everything?? Duh... 🙄
We get on with the hourly storyarc but the author tends to somehow finish it in the quickest possible way he could so he can go ahead with his other works...
All of a sudden, after 5 hefty volumes, the angels decide to fix everything?? Duh... 🙄
November 7, 2016
Y así termina toda la saga. Un final que se nota pensado desde el comienzo. Termina bien, tal vez en punta pensando en una futura segunda parte. Pudo ser mejor? Tal vez, me cuesta trabajo pensar en cómo concluir de manera distinta la saga. Recomendado desde inicio a fin.
May 7, 2017
Like an awesome roller coaster ride, this series had thrills and I enjoyed every second of it, but the ending just fell flat. Perhaps it was the simple separation of freaks and angels. Would I go for another ride? Hell yeah!
July 3, 2017
The Midwich Cuckoos resolve personal issues, embark on a programme of self-improvement, restore a damaged property, avoid the neighbours and think about the future. I am so tired and that is all I have to say about that. Good read. Lovely art.
Read
May 23, 2021It was decent in the end. Ended up reminding me of Misfits and I enjoyed it in the same way. Nice pacing and a satisfying ending. Apparently there's an animation in the works which I am looking forward to.
July 9, 2017
Y se terminó Freak Angels. Serie distopica y paranormal con excelente guión y pobre dibujo. No obstante la recomiendo porque Warren Ellis hizo un excelente trabajo aquí.
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