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 awildly inventive comic saga that brings manga flair, western comic grit, and Franco-Belgian charm into one gloriously chaotic universe. Fans can now support Freaks’ Squeele on Kickstarter.
“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 Jujutsu Kaisen meets X-Men by way of Scott Pilgrim, with a dash of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a heavy pour of French irreverence.”
In the series, 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’ Squeel 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 seven Freaks’ Squeele hardcovers, as well as an artbook and a limited edition “Dorm Footlocker” storage box for collectors. Fans can support Freaks’ Squeele on Kickstarter now.
