The following is an interview with Magnetic Press Publisher Mike Kennedy regarding the recent launch of a Kickstarter campaign for the collected hardcover editions of Florent Maudoux’s manga-inspired and darkly stylish action adventure series, Freaks’ Squeele. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Kennedy about his experience in revisiting the series, what he is most excited for readers to enjoy with these updated editions, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Magnetic Press recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for Florent Maudoux’s series, Freaks’ Squeele. As the campaign will collect over 1,000 pages of story in seven hardcover editions, what has been your experience in revisiting these incredible stories and characters?
Mike Kennedy: We’re really excited for this series and campaign. I’ve been a fan of Florent’s work for over a decade, since I first came across it. I was baffled why it wasn’t available in the States then, and I’ve been baffled ever since that it hasn’t managed to make its way over here. The stories are so steeped in and inspired by Western pop culture, it was just a matter of time and opportunity. When Magnetic signed an exclusive first-look partnership with Label 619 last year, that opportunity became ripe to finally serve some overdue justice. Reading the series again after so long since I first saw it, I’m thrilled by how fresh and new it still is. I had forgotten so many of the details and nuances. There is so much lore and so many layers to these characters and stories, it’s no wonder it spun off so many branching series and even a Role-Playing Game. It is a fun world to live in (said as a spectator, not speaking for the characters within it…)
BD: While this campaign will mark the American debut of the series, do you feel that there is anything that even seasoned fans may be excited to discover with the new editions?
MK: We want this new presentation to be the ultimate “reintroduction” for anyone who might already be familiar with the series. The Kickstarter campaign will feature new editions of the existing material, a new Boxed Set, a new Art Book, and a bunch of cool, in-world artifacts as stretch goals. Even fans who already own the original French editions may want to get their hands on this stuff! It really is a love letter to Florent’s work and the expansive world he has created (and is still creating with new material today…)
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that these stories may connect with and impact today’s readers?
MK: Beneath all of the super-heroic action and fantasy of this series, Freaks’ Squeele is incredibly identifiable for readers of all kinds. Social politics, self-identity, freedom of choice vs. obligation, self-doubt, and everyday matters of the heart are at the core of everything in this series. Anyone who has experienced the dynamics of college or high school should identify with at least one character in this book.
BD: In light of the Kickstarter campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you would like to highlight for our readers?
MK: Highlights would certainly include the exclusive boxed set containing all 7 volumes plus an exclusive 48-page artbook of extras. The box itself is designed to resemble a dormitory “foot locker” when closed, with magnetic flaps keeping it shut. As stretch goals, we plan on offering various travel stickers from within the fictional world that customers can apply to customize their individual “steamer trunk.” Other stretch goals will be revealed along the way, and we have some cool ones planned…
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – from Magnetic Press that you would like to highlight for our readers?
MK: We’ve been really excited by the response to all of our Label 619 releases, including the recent MFKZ series and upcoming SHIN ZERO by Mathieu Bablet and Guillaume Singelin. SHIN ZERO is a new trilogy that people are really celebrating for its “slacker Power Rangers” motif. We offered some really cool stretch goals with the SHIN ZERO campaign too, and they’re turning out really nice. Mathieu’s books have done very well for us on Kickstarter, including SHANGRI-LA, CARBON & SILICON, ADRASTEA, and MIDNIGHT ORDER, not to mention Guillaume Singelin’s FRONTIER. There’s a reason Mathieu and Guillaume have collected so many awards for their work – they’re amazing, world-class talent.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for readers to lend their support to the Freaks’ Squeele Kickstarter campaign?
MK: The Freaks’ Squeele campaign is live now on Kickstarter. I’d recommend anyone interested check it out and pledge early, as the campaign-exclusive items and bonuses will be unavailable once the campaign ends…
