Customer Reviews

Freaks Of The Heartland

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Steve Niles is today's first name for horror comics, first gaining popularity some time ago with his first 30 Days of Night series. Since then, Niles has churned out many works for various companies, all of which ranging from solid to disappointing. Freaks of the Heartland is no different, as it features a teriffic premise and fantastic artwork, but ultimately fails in it's delivery. The story follows a small town community that finds it's women all giving birth to deformed or freakish children. Soon enough, all the children attempt to run away, with dire results (naturally). Niles doesn't offer anything fresh here, or even try to come up with any sort of inventiveness to the proceedings. The sad part is, the story is ripe to be played around with to make it something really memorable, but once again, Niles just delivers an average story, only this time around it's filled with stereotypical hillbilly talk. The only saving grace of Freaks of the Heartland? Greg Ruth's spectacular artwork is a sight to behold, with his innovative techniques and stark contrasts making for something really special. Ruth's art is the only reason to give Freaks of the Heartland a look, it's just a shame that such fantastic work got wasted on a mediocre story.

The title of my review mostly says it all. The images in this graphic novel are breathtaking at times. Gorgeous and impossible simultaneously. I'm glad I bought it for that reason alone.

That said, the story is lacking. It doesn't really seem to go anywhere. Or, it does, but it ends right when you'd think it should be beginning. The concept is interesting and it had potential to pull something great out of such an artistically drawn hat. Unfortunately, it doesn't excel as well as one might hope.

But if you like pretty pictures, then go for it. I promise you won't be disappointed.

....and then the ending is rushed without any explanation as to why the "freaks" came to be or what really happens after the most lack luster conclusion to a stories i have read. The art and 2/3 of the story are 4 star quality.

Having read (and thoroughly enjoyed) many other of Steve Niles' works, I was expecting similar fare in this book. However, instead of the sinister creatures and cutting wit of previous titles, I was surprised to find this to be first and foremost a heartwarming tale of two brothers who find themselves in a bad situation. Plus, freaks -- who can go wrong there? I can't recommend this title highly enough.

The Booklist/ALA review above really hit the nail on the head. Ruth's artwork is great, at times even beautiful. The story, however, is rather lacking. Niles sketches out an intriguing setup, but just when it's really getting interesting, suddenly and maddeningly wraps things up, with an epilogue set some 50 to 60 years later that explains next to nothing. Not wanting to spoil anything, I won't be more specific, but there are a lot of obvious questions that are raised and then frustratingly ignored. The pictures sure are great, though.