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FreakAngels
FreakAngels promo ad, artist Paul Duffield
Author(s)Warren Ellis (writer)
Paul Duffield (artist)
Websitewww.freakangels.com
Current status/scheduleEnded
Launch date15 February 2008
End date5 August 2011
PublisherAvatar Press
Genresteampunk

FreakAngels is a British post-apocalyptic webcomic created in 2008 by Eagle Award-winning writer Warren Ellis and artist Paul Duffield, and published in book format by Avatar Press. The plot focuses on twelve 23-year-old psychics living in Whitechapel six years after civilization in Great Britain is destroyed. The webcomic has received various awards and has been collected in a series of six volumes.

Crunchyroll adapted the webcomic into an animated series in January 2022.[1]

Publication history

[edit]

Warren Ellis announced the project at the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con with the statement: "I've written two hundred pages and I still have no idea what it's about… it's retro-punk, it's near future steampunk"[2] It was launched on 15 February 2008. New installments were released in six full-colour page episodes every week,[3][4] a schedule that allows the story the chance to grow naturally.[5]

The story grew out of Ellis' question as to what would have happened if the Midwich Cuckoos had survived and grown to "disaffected and confused twenty-one-year-olds." The story builds on the legacy of John Wyndham's style of disaster fiction.[6]

The series ran for 144 episodes, completing on Friday 5 August 2011. Duffield eventually moved on to his own webcomic project, The Firelight Isle.[7]

Synopsis

[edit]

Ellis' synopsis of the plot involves characters "living in a post-flood London that they might possibly have had something to do with."[2] The so-called FreakAngels, who possess telepathy and many other "special" abilities, such as space-time manipulation/distortion, and pyrokinesis, live in Whitechapel.[4]

As the story progresses, eleven of the FreakAngels are introduced and their role in the community is expanded. For the most part cooperatively they have created a small community of roughly three hundred people with fresh water, watch towers, markets, home-grown vegetables and a medical clinic. Their society is threatened, however, externally from refugee attacks and internally from personal conflicts and crime.

Reception

[edit]

Brian Warmoth of MTV News stated that FreakAngels works well because of the combination of the steampunk-styled imaginative prop design and the bleak, post-apocalyptic setting, as well as a well thought-out underlying mystery. However, Warmoth noted the ongoing nature of the comic being detrimental, as the big reveals hadn't happened yet during the review in 2009.[8]

Larry Cruz from Comix Talk praised FreakAngels' "subversive style of grittiness" and described the comic's dialogue as "a cut above prose you’d find in most novels." Characterizing the webcomic as "anti-steampunk", Cruz argued that went against steampunk tropes by setting the story in a post-apocalyptic setting rather than in an "age of science." Cruz stated that Ellis' high reputation as a writer is well deserved, as he "pours his heart and soul into FreakAngels".[9] Critics have also argued that the cavalier treatment of psychological horror and sexual abuse inflicted on some characters is not consistent with the tone or aesthetic of the sometimes "silly and mundane" weekly web comic.[10]

Awards

[edit]

FreakAngels has won various awards:

Collected editions

[edit]

The series has been collected into trade paperbacks:

  • Volume 1 (144 pages, November 2008, hardcover, ISBN 1-59291-057-2, softcover, ISBN 1-59291-056-4)
  • Volume 2 (144 pages, May 2009, limited edition hardcover, ISBN 1-59291-072-6, softcover, ISBN 1-59291-071-8)
  • Volume 3 (144 pages, November 2009, limited edition hardcover, ISBN 1-59291-078-5, softcover, ISBN 1-59291-079-3)
  • Volume 4 (144 pages, June 2010, hardcover, ISBN 1-59291-095-5, softcover, ISBN 1-59291-094-7)
  • Volume 5 (144 pages, January 2011, hardcover, ISBN 1-59291-116-1, softcover, ISBN 1-59291-115-3)
  • Volume 6 (144 pages, November 2011, hardcover, ISBN 1-59291-134-X, softcover, ISBN 1-59291-133-1)

Animated series

[edit]

Crunchyroll Studios produced a 9-episode animated series based on the webcomic which was released on January 27, 2022.[1][14]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FreakAngels

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
FreakAngels is a British post-apocalyptic webcomic written by and illustrated by Paul Duffield, serialized weekly in six-page color installments by from February 15, 2008, to August 5, 2011. The story centers on twelve psychically empowered young adults, dubbed the FreakAngels, who were born simultaneously in twenty-three years prior to the narrative's present and whose collective powers accidentally triggered a cataclysm that flooded much of the world six years before the main events. Set in the ruins of a submerged , , the series explores themes of , responsibility, and redemption as the protagonists protect their fragile settlement from external threats and internal conflicts while attempting to reconstruct civilization. The webcomic's distinctive format emulated manga serialization with its episodic structure, decompressed pacing, and airy two-tier page layouts, blending Western comic traditions with Eastern influences to create a fast-paced yet atmospheric read. Originally available for free online, FreakAngels was later collected into six full-color trade paperback volumes by Avatar Press between 2008 and 2012, making it one of the publisher's flagship titles. The series garnered critical acclaim, earning the Eagle Award for Favorite Web-Based Comic in both 2010 and 2012, a nomination for the British Fantasy Award for Best Comic/Graphic Novel in 2010, and recognition as one of Rolling Stone's 50 Best Non-Superhero Graphic Novels. In January 2022, FreakAngels was adapted into a nine-episode produced by Crunchyroll Studios as a Crunchyroll Original, premiering worldwide with subtitles in multiple languages and focusing on the core premise of the ' post-apocalyptic existence. This adaptation highlighted the original work's themes of abilities and societal rebuilding, expanding its reach to audiences while staying true to and Duffield's vision.

Creation and publication

Development and influences

Warren Ellis originated the concept for FreakAngels in late 2007 as an experimental free webcomic, designed to deliver accessible online content exploring post-apocalyptic survival intertwined with psychic abilities among a group of young adults. The premise drew directly from his reimagining of John Wyndham's The Midwich Cuckoos, posing the question of what would happen if those telepathic children survived into adulthood and accidentally triggered a global cataclysm. This approach allowed Ellis to test digital serialization without traditional publishing constraints, launching the series on February 15, 2008, with weekly six-page installments. In early 2008, Ellis recruited Paul Duffield as the artist after Duffield posted his artwork on Ellis's online forum, The Engine, catching the attention of contacts at publisher who recommended him for his Euro-manga aesthetic. Duffield's style, marked by intricate linework, expansive panel compositions, and influences from artists emphasizing emotional expressiveness and fluid action, defined the comic's visual identity, particularly in depicting the decayed yet resilient architecture of a flooded . Their collaboration began with Ellis supplying scripts featuring "window-pane" panel suggestions, giving Duffield leeway to adapt layouts for pacing and atmosphere, which in turn influenced Ellis's character development based on the designs. Key creative decisions focused on narrative economy and thematic resonance, such as concentrating on six core protagonists out of the original twelve psychics to foster intimate character dynamics and interpersonal conflicts in a resource-scarce world. The setting—a perpetually inundated in post-flood —was selected to symbolize environmental devastation and human , mirroring late-2000s apprehensions about climate collapse and ecological tipping points. Broader influences encompassed British traditions of speculative dystopias and post-apocalyptic survival motifs, integrating ingenuity with elements to underscore themes of redemption and community reconstruction.

Online serialization

FreakAngels launched as a webcomic on February 15, 2008, hosted on Avatar Press's website, with new episodes released weekly on Fridays. Each installment consisted of six full-color pages, designed in high resolution and presented one page at a time to optimize viewing on web browsers and encourage sequential reading. The series featured interactive elements to foster reader involvement, including the message board launched by as a companion forum for discussions and feedback. actively engaged with the community through regular updates and posts on the forum, responding to reader comments and sharing insights into the creative process. Over its three-year run, FreakAngels produced 144 episodes, concluding on August 5, 2011, after the creators determined the narrative had reached a natural endpoint. Maintaining the rigorous weekly schedule proved challenging, described by observers as punishing due to the demands of consistent high-quality color production. Ellis advocated for free online distribution as a strategy to cultivate a broad audience, embracing the webcomic's despite issues like unauthorized sharing and , which he viewed as extensions of that openness rather than threats. This approach aligned with his broader that digital availability could drive interest in subsequent print collections without restricting online access.

Collected editions

The collected editions of FreakAngels were published by in English, compiling the webcomic's 144 episodes into six trade paperback volumes released between 2008 and 2011, with each volume covering approximately 24 episodes and including bonus material such as cover galleries, sketches, and creator commentary. Volume 1, released on November 18, 2008 ( 978-1-59291-056-4, 144 pages), collects episodes 1–24. Volume 2 followed on June 9, 2009 ( 978-1-59291-071-7, 144 pages), covering episodes 25–48. Volume 3 was published December 8, 2009 ( 978-1-59291-078-6, 144 pages), for episodes 49–72. Volume 4 appeared July 13, 2010 ( 978-1-59291-094-6, 144 pages), spanning episodes 73–96. Volume 5 came out March 8, 2011 ( 978-1-59291-115-8, 144 pages), for episodes 97–120. The final Volume 6 was released November 8, 2011 ( 978-1-59291-133-2, 144 pages), collecting episodes 121–144. Hardcover editions of individual volumes were also produced, featuring variant covers and signed limited runs. In 2012, Avatar Press issued a complete edition ( 978-1-59291-172-1), compiling all six volumes in a for collectors, totaling over 800 pages of full-color content. This edition, valued at $99.99, included the bonus materials from the trade paperbacks and was positioned as a comprehensive holiday gift set following the webcomic's conclusion earlier that year. Digital editions of the trade paperback volumes became available starting in 2018 through platforms such as Amazon Kindle and Comixology, offering full-color downloadable versions of the collected stories. International translations began appearing in 2010. In France, Le Lombard published the series starting with Tome 1 on June 10, 2010 (ISBN 978-2-8036-2698-4, 148 pages), releasing subsequent volumes through 2012 to complete the run in French. In Spain, Glénat (via Editores de Tebeos) issued the volumes from 2011, with a pack of Tomos 1–3 released January 7, 2012 (ISBN 978-84-9947-488-5), and individual editions like Volumen 5 in 2011 (ISBN 978-84-9947-184-6, 144 pages). In Germany, Panini Verlags GmbH released Band 1 on November 23, 2010 (ISBN 978-3-86201-023-6, 152 pages), with Band 2 following May 1, 2011 (ISBN 978-3-86201-083-0), and the series continuing to Band 6 by 2013.
VolumeRelease DateISBN (Trade Paperback)PagesEpisodes Covered
1November 18, 20081441–24
2June 9, 200914425–48
3December 8, 200914449–72
4July 13, 201014473–96
5March 8, 201114497–120
6November 8, 2011144121–144
Variant covers and limited editions, such as signed hardcovers, were available for select volumes through specialty retailers.

Setting and characters

Post-apocalyptic world

The story of FreakAngels is set in a post-apocalyptic six years after a catastrophic event that flooded much of the world. The disaster was accidentally caused by the collective psychic powers of the protagonists, the FreakAngels, when they were seventeen years old. The primary location is , a fortified enclave serving as one of the last surviving settlements amid the ruins, housing around 300 refugees who have adapted to the submerged landscape. Society in this world lacks any , with dependent on loose scavenger communities that rely on bartering in local markets and cooperative efforts to maintain basic infrastructure. These communities face constant threats from external raiders—often desperate refugees from other areas—and internal conflicts arising from or factional disputes, fostering a precarious balance of cooperation and vigilance. The protagonists' powers play a crucial role in this structure, enabling defense, resource management, and communication in the absence of traditional systems. Technologically, the setting blends remnants of pre-flood civilization with improvised low-tech solutions, emphasizing the isolation of Britain from the rest of the world. Salvaged vehicles and artifacts from the old era are scavenged for parts, while innovations like steam-powered systems and hydroponic or home-grown production sustain the enclave's watchtowers, medical clinics, and daily needs. This hybrid approach underscores a regression to sustainable, localized ingenuity amid the broader collapse. The atmosphere evokes a climate-driven , characterized by perpetual , overgrown vegetation reclaiming the flooded , and an eerie quiet broken only by the sounds of activities. Whitechapel's elevated structures and makeshift barriers against the create a sense of claustrophobic resilience, with the encroaching amplifying themes of environmental reckoning and human fragility.

Main characters

The twelve central characters of FreakAngels, known collectively as the FreakAngels, are childhood friends who discovered their psychic abilities in their youth and now live communally in , a fortified enclave amid the flooded ruins of . Their psychic abilities—ranging from and to more specialized talents—bind them as a surrogate family, fostering dynamics of mutual support, occasional conflict, and collective responsibility for their community's survival. While each possesses unique traits and roles, their relationships are defined by deep loyalty forged through years of shared isolation and the weight of their extraordinary origins. Arkady is the strongest , skilled in and , but suffers from brain damage due to a past , making her somewhat eccentric. Caz is a member of the group, contributing to community defense and daily operations with her psychic abilities. Connor is the most compassionate member, often acting as the emotional glue holding the group together, with the ability to unify their minds for enhanced powers. Jack is an ineffectual loner who frequently acts independently, using his powers in support of the group's efforts despite his isolated tendencies. Karl is an agriculturalist who grows food for the community, working closely with and utilizing abilities for practical tasks. Kait serves as the self-appointed constable of , enforcing order with a sense of inspired by old cop shows. KK (Kolfinnia Kokokoho Titching) is a wildcard , known for her piloting skills with a steam-powered and general prowess. is the tech-savvy inventor, collaborating with Karl on mechanical innovations aided by . Luke is a strategic with a detached, philosophical outlook, though he struggles with a and has been reformed through intervention. Mark is an exiled psychopath and the antagonist among them, responsible for much of the chaos, including mind control and the initial cataclysm trigger; he possesses regenerative abilities. Miki is the community's back-alley doctor, using mind-reading to learn medical skills from experts and providing care with a tough demeanor. Sirkka is an empathic healer who aids abuse victims using mind control and psychic healing, known for her polyamorous relationships and compassionate nature. These dynamics highlight the FreakAngels' interdependence, where individual strengths complement one another in sustaining their communal life, even as personal struggles test their unity.

Plot summary

Early arcs

The early of FreakAngels, collected in the first three volumes, introduce the core group of psychically gifted young adults—known as the FreakAngels—and their efforts to safeguard the survivor community in , a fortified enclave in a flooded . These initial storylines focus on establishing communal stability amid emerging threats, while gradually unveiling the characters' interconnected pasts and abilities. In Arc 1 (volume 1), the narrative opens with glimpses into the protagonists' routine existence six years after the , portraying a seemingly functional post-disaster society where the FreakAngels—Connor, Jack, , Luke, KK, and Sirkka—oversee daily operations in . Key routines include organized patrols to monitor the perimeter and farming initiatives to ensure for residents, underscoring the group's role as protectors and builders of a nascent civilization. The arc's tension builds through the first significant encounter with an outsider: a young woman named Alice arrives from armed and driven by a personal vendetta linked to one of the FreakAngels, disrupting the community's fragile peace and hinting at broader consequences from their shared history. Subtle allusions emerge to the protagonists' involvement in the cataclysmic event, tied to their simultaneous births 23 years prior and the emergence of their telepathic and telekinetic powers, suggesting a for the world's flooding. Arc 2 (volume 2) shifts toward internal frictions within the group as external dangers intensify, exploring strains in their relationships and leadership dynamics amid the harsh realities of survival. A major threat materializes in the form of a raiding party infiltrating , armed with weapons and intent on exploiting vulnerabilities, including targeting the newcomer Alice. This incursion forces the FreakAngels to coordinate their defenses, marking the first notable instance of their combined abilities—merging , mind influence, and kinetic force—to repel the attackers and retaliate against hostile outposts. The arc heightens mystery around the origins of their powers, with fragmented memories and interpersonal conflicts revealing how their abilities both unite and divide them, while underscoring the ongoing perils of a lawless, submerged . Arc 3 (volume 3) expands the scope by forging tentative external alliances, as the FreakAngels integrate refugees into to bolster the settlement's workforce and resilience against isolation. These newcomers contribute to communal growth, including advancements in and , but introduce new survival challenges, such as a lurking preying on residents and persistent raid attempts that test the group's vigilance. A pivotal revelation surfaces regarding pre-flood events, providing deeper insight into the apocalyptic mechanism triggered by the FreakAngels' powers and their unintended role in reshaping global geography. The arc escalates tensions through rule-breaking within the community and the psychological toll of enforcement, emphasizing the precarious balance between protection and control in their evolving haven. Throughout these early arcs, recurring key events reinforce the FreakAngels' dual existence as both everyday guardians and extraordinary beings: the solidification of patrols and hydroponic farming as cornerstones of ’s sustainability, and the pioneering application of synergistic talents in moments, which amplifies their defensive capabilities but raises ethical questions about power's limits.

Later arcs

In the fourth arc (volume 4), the FreakAngels face intensified external invasions as the rogue member Mark returns to at the head of an armed force seeking revenge for past grievances, including an earlier attempt by the group to kill him. This external threat exacerbates internal betrayals, as flashbacks reveal the group's prior show of force against authorities that inadvertently triggered the , forcing the remaining FreakAngels to confront their shared history of division and the broken rule against using their powers harmfully. Major battles ensue, including a high-stakes defense where sacrifices herself nearly fatally to save KK from a fatal fall after her flying vehicle is shot down, ultimately leading to group decisions on whether to expand 's defenses or risk further isolation amid ongoing raids. The fifth arc (volume 5) delves into the full origins of the , directly tying it to the protagonists' uncontrolled powers during their youth, as the twelve FreakAngels reunite and rigorously re-examine their past actions, including instances of that challenge their understanding of mortality—such as Luke's improbable survival from a severe head . High-stakes confrontations arise as Connor's attempt to abandon sparks tensions over loyalty and autonomy, while visions from the watchtower reveal ominous presences on the horizon, prompting collective probes into their collective guilt and the unintended global they caused six years prior. The sixth and final arc (volume 6) features ultimate confrontations as Mark compels the group to expand their consciousness beyond conventional space and time, unveiling a massive, dark external force encroaching on from beyond the flooded ruins. Resolutions unfold through intense battles and personal reckonings, where the FreakAngels address sacrifices like those in prior defenses and paths to redemption via accountability for their role in the , culminating in a that secures but leaves its future ambiguous amid the approaching unspecified menace.

Themes and style

Core themes

FreakAngels explores psychic powers as a for the turbulence of , where immense abilities lead to unintended and catastrophic consequences. The protagonists, a group of young adults with god-like telepathic and telekinetic gifts, inadvertently "broke the world" as children by unleashing a massive that devastated Britain and isolated it behind an energy barrier, symbolizing the and recklessness of experimenting without foresight. This event underscores themes of power's double-edged nature, where the characters grapple with guilt and the moral weight of their actions, often making impulsive decisions driven by lingering immaturity even in adulthood. The environmental in FreakAngels serves as a stark backdrop for examining humanity's destructive potential, with the representing the fallout from unchecked power rather than gradual degradation. Rather than wallowing in despair, the emphasizes proactive rebuilding, as the FreakAngels repurpose salvaged —like steam-powered water purifiers—and cultivate sustainable practices in their flooded Whitechapel enclave to foster resilience amid ruin. This approach critiques the consequences of hubristic interference with natural or societal orders while highlighting hope through communal ingenuity. Central to the story is the tension between community and isolation in a collapsed , where the protagonists form a tight-knit found bound by shared links and history, yet face external from wary survivors who view them as threats. Their settlement thrives on mutual reliance, with each member contributing unique skills to protect and sustain the group, contrasting the broader world's fragmentation and prejudice. The series subverts traditional post-apocalyptic tropes through its mixed-gender ensemble of protagonists featuring a balanced representation of men and women, who embody agency, cooperation, and diverse personalities—from the pragmatic leader Alice to the empathetic —without relying on stereotypes for conflict or resolution. This focus on female-driven narratives alongside male characters challenges expectations in the , portraying women as powerful architects of and interpersonal dynamics rather than victims or accessories.

Artistic and narrative style

Paul Duffield's artwork in FreakAngels employs full-color illustrations with fine, expressive pen lines, drawing on a aesthetic to create clear and airy compositions. The panels often follow a two-tier layout—typically four rectangular panels per page—for intuitive readability, while incorporating organic, grid-less arrangements to heighten dynamism during action sequences and allow quieter moments for character introspection. This approach evokes manga influences through visual decompression, stretching key scenes across multiple panels to emphasize emotional and atmospheric depth. Warren Ellis's writing utilizes sharp, acerbic dialogue to drive character interactions, often prioritizing interpersonal dynamics and subtle revelations over rapid plot advancement. Internal monologues appear through caption overlays, providing introspective glimpses into the protagonists' psyches, while non-linear elements like interspersed flashbacks gradually unfold the backstory's mysteries. These techniques build tension through implication rather than exposition, aligning with the series' focus on psychological and relational layers. As a , FreakAngels innovates with vertical scrolling-friendly pages optimized for screen viewing, where each page loads individually to minimize horizontal scrolling and suit browser or mobile displays. Color palettes shift deliberately across episodes—such as cool greys and muted reds for desolate ruins contrasting with warmer browns and greens in more intimate scenes—to unify visual tone and highlight phenomena through vivid accents. These shifts serve as visual metaphors for the characters' powers, enhancing the thematic exploration of control and chaos. The pacing adopts a weekly episodic structure of six pages, blending slice-of-life vignettes with thriller undertones to foster an immersive, organic flow without relying on traditional cliffhangers. This format allows extended dialogues and scene-building, treating each installment as a self-contained unit while advancing the overarching narrative.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

FreakAngels garnered positive critical reception for its pioneering use of a free weekly format, which allowed for serialized in six-page installments that emulated the pacing and emotional intimacy of while remaining rooted in Western comics traditions. Critics praised the series for breathing new life into digital comics, with Comics Alliance describing it in 2011 as "a Western comic that breathes like ," highlighting its success as one of the most effective Original (OEL) attempts. noted its viability as a free serial in 2014, emphasizing how such models, exemplified by FreakAngels, fostered through forums and wikis, making it a model for accessible . The series also received acclaim for its strong female characters, such as the resilient KK, who embodied toughness and agency in a post-apocalyptic setting, contributing to themes of that resonated in fan discussions on online forums. On , the collected volumes averaged ratings around 4.0 out of 5 from thousands of readers, reflecting broad appreciation for the character-driven narrative and Paul Duffield's vibrant artwork. During its run from 2008 to 2011, FreakAngels attracted a substantial online audience, with fan communities actively discussing its motifs and world-building. However, some reviewers criticized the early episodes for slow pacing, as the vignette-style structure prioritized character introductions over rapid plot advancement, which could feel deliberate but occasionally bogged down the momentum. Additionally, a portion of readers expressed dissatisfaction with the ending's handling of long-teased mysteries, finding certain elements unresolved or abrupt despite the series' overall coherence.

Awards and adaptations impact

FreakAngels received recognition for its innovative webcomic format, including a win for Favourite Web-Based Comic at the 2010 Eagle Awards. The series also secured the same Eagle Award category in 2012. Additionally, it was nominated for the 2010 British Fantasy Award in the Best Comic/Graphic Novel category. It was also named one of Rolling Stone's 50 Best Non-Superhero Graphic Novels. The comic's free weekly online distribution model, hosted by , influenced subsequent digital publishing strategies in webcomics by demonstrating how initial free access could drive engagement and sales of print collections. This approach positioned FreakAngels as a key example in discussions of Warren Ellis's broader body of work, particularly his dystopian narratives akin to those in , highlighting his shift toward serialized . Avatar Press leveraged the series to enhance its online visibility, establishing FreakAngels as a cornerstone of their digital offerings during its run from to 2011. Following its conclusion in , FreakAngels remained accessible through archival collections on Avatar Press's platform and print editions, sustaining its availability for new readers. In the , the series featured in retrospectives examining early innovations, underscoring its role in bridging print and digital formats.

Animated adaptation

Production

The animated adaptation of FreakAngels was announced on February 25, 2020, as the first project under 's slate of original productions, developed by Crunchyroll Studios as a 9-episode series based on the by and Paul Duffield. Warren Ellis sold the adaptation rights to Crunchyroll Studios approximately two years prior to the announcement, marking his initial involvement in the project before stepping back amid personal controversies in 2020. The creative team included director Chikayo Nakamura, with episode direction handled by Kiyotaka Kantake and Yûsaku Kumagai; character designs by Hiroshi Shimizu, known for work on MEGALOBOX and Blue Exorcist; and art direction by Osamu Masuyama, a Studio Ghibli alumnus who contributed to Made in Abyss. The English voice cast featured Della Saba as Alice, alongside Marsha Thomason as KK, Julie Nathanson as Arkady, and Tru Valentino as Jack, among others, emphasizing a full Western dub for the post-apocalyptic narrative. Production development began following the 2020 announcement, with animation work progressing through 2021 despite delays caused by the ; the series incorporated dynamic to depict the protagonists' powers, condensing the webcomic's expansive timeline into focused core story arcs across the limited episode count.

Release and response

The FreakAngels premiered on on January 27, 2022, with all nine episodes released simultaneously across more than 200 countries and territories. Produced as a Crunchyroll Original, it featured original English and subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, , French, and German. The series garnered mixed reviews from critics and viewers, with praise for its but criticism for its pacing and adaptation choices. On , it holds an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 from 1,118 user votes as of November 2025. Reviewers highlighted the strong visual style, including detailed backgrounds and fluid action sequences in later episodes, as a standout element. However, many noted the rushed pacing across the condensed nine-episode format, which condensed the webcomic's sprawling narrative and diminished its subtle character development and thematic depth. A from But Why Tho? encapsulated this sentiment, calling it "a post-apocalyptic tale that fails to answer its own question" while rating it 7 out of 10 for its engaging setting and characters but faulting the underdeveloped plot. Viewership on reflected moderate initial interest that tapered off, earning an average user rating of 3.1 out of 5 from over 1,400 reviews. The series introduced the story to a broader audience but did not lead to significant follow-up projects, with no second season announced as of November 2025.

References

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  35. https://www.comcav.net/products/freakangels-vol-2-tpb
  36. https://www.comcav.net/products/freakangels-vol-3-tpb
  37. https://www.cbr.com/freakangels-vol-4/
  38. https://www.amazon.com/Freakangels-Vol-6-Warren-Ellis/dp/159291134X
  39. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2022-03-15/.183582
  40. https://raintaxi.com/freakangels-volumes-1-6/
  41. http://comixtalk.com/freakangels_reviewed_larry_el_santo_cruz/
  42. https://www.animefeminist.com/freakangels-episode-1/
  43. https://comicmole.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/an-intro-to-freakangels-by-warren-ellis-and-paul-duffield/
  44. https://comicsalliance.com/freakangels-manga-ellis/
  45. https://www.cbr.com/ellis-takes-flight-online-with-freakangels/
  46. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/sep/07/ebooks-new-reading-online-comics-comixology-warren-ellis-freakangels-avatar-press
  47. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/forums/gen-discussion-1/webcomic-reviews-freakangels-649304/
  48. https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/i30wzg/just_finished_freakangels_spoilers/
  49. https://www.cbr.com/winners-announced-for-2012-eagle-awards/
  50. https://locusmag.com/2010/06/2010-british-fantasy-award-nominees/
  51. https://comicsalliance.com/mark-waid-digital-comics-interview-digital-december/
  52. https://www.avatarpress.com/category/freakangels/
  53. https://www.animeherald.com/2020/02/25/crunchyroll-announces-crunchyroll-originals-original-programming/
  54. https://www.cbr.com/freakangels-warren-ellis-comic-joins-crunchyroll-original-anime-lineup/
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18272438/fullcredits/
  56. https://www.awn.com/news/crunchyroll-drops-freakangels-first-look-clip
  57. https://www.animationmagazine.net/2022/01/crunchyroll-unveils-freakangels-cast-preview-new-ultra-titles/
  58. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2022/1/20/crunchyroll-reveals-freakangels-voice-cast-previews-first-episode
  59. https://timeldred.com/freakangels2022/
  60. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2021/12/16/freakangels-premieres-on-crunchyroll-january-27-2022
  61. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18272438/
  62. https://www.bubbleblabber.com/2022/02/english-dub-season-review-freakangels-season-one/
  63. https://butwhytho.net/2022/01/review-freakangels-season-1-a-post-apocalyptic-tale-that-fails-to-answer-its-own-question/
  64. https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GXJHM378Z/freakangels
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