Review: ‘Freaks’ Sequeele’ Vol. 5 Roughly Translates
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
Without memory Xiong Mao, Chance , and Shadow will have to piece together a conspiracy. Yet, foes past and present act as obstacles to their mystery-solving journey. Also there romance may be in the offing for certain individuals. However, the question remains: will the three survive any of this and regain their memories?
Overall
6.6/10The creative team consists of writer, artist and colorist Florent Maudoux, translator Dan Christensen, localizer and edition designer Mike Kennedy, along with production assistant and letterer Chris Northrop. Among them only Mike Kennedy is relatively invisible in his duties.
Unfortunately, the opening story pages might be a bit boring for certain readers. Specifically any individuals hoping the ongoing narrative would continue off the cliffhanger from the last volume (Freaks’ Sequeele Vol. 4 [2026]). There is also the actual problem of various typos again cropping up throughout this volume. Not to mention one of the first story page contains a lack of translation for a few words that are in English in other spots. Also the beginning has some scene shifts that debatably lack the right transitioning to suggest how time is moving.
Sadly, there is a small amount of slurs in the dialogue from at least one of the heroic side characters. While various stories may use such words to reflect our world it is arguably only justifiable to use them when addressing how wrong they are.
Although most of the art is astounding there are places where Maudoux is obviously rushing. This is obvious to critical eyes in select panels which feature early fight scenes that have uneven bodily proportions.
In the sections that features colors some of the special effects will possibly appear to certain readers as more spectacular. There is also some noticeable improvement with the application and selection of the hues.
The script seems mostly solid despite all the typos one finds in this English translation. As far as characterization via dialogue is going there is consistency and all individuals feel unique. It is also worth mentioning that the newer characters fit in rather well with the regular cast. A few of them even advance a couple of the sub-plots. Speaking of plotting, there is the emergence of a larger story arc that is mere suggestion in earlier volumes. Lastly, some intriguing social commentary and a lot of exposition mix together to create a massive lore dump within this volume.
Freaks’ Sequeele Vol. 5 is out now from a combination of effort from the publishers Magnetic Press, Oni Press, and Label 619.
