I had no idea what to expect going into Freakshow #1.  I thought it’d be a horror comic, or some comic version of gore porn.  How wrong was I.  And how solid it was.  Written by David Server and Jackson Lanzing with art by Joe Suitor the story is nothing I expected.

Ape Entertainment’s long-awaited dark superhero epic launches with a giant-sized debut issue! When five refugee survivors develop monstrous mutations from a devastating chemical explosion that leaves their city in ruins, they band together to seek revenge. But do these terrifying new abilities make them monsters — or heroes?

The comic shares more with super hero comics than horror.  It’s main characters might be freaks, but the writing makes you sympathetic towards them.  The background as to what caused them to gain their abilities is interesting and different.  I don’t even know how best to describe the series.  It’s just fantastic.

The mood, story, art, it’s all great.  Ape Entertainment should have a hit on their hands.  I can’t wait to read more and definitely want to see what else Ape has out there.  This is over-sized first issue is well worth the buy.

Plot: I went in thinking one thing and Server and Lanzing delivered a first issue I wasn’t expecting.  The story is solid, characters interesting, and universe is unique enough I want to see more.  This is only a three issue limited series and I’m looking forward to seeing what else the two have in store.  Rating: 9

Art: Suitors are is awesome.  I don’t know how to quite describe it, but it’s moody and dark with a horror tinge to it.  The art fits the feel of the series.  I loved the designs of the characters and the detail was great, not too much, not too little.  There’s some crazy images, and also quiet ones, both of which suck you in.  Like the writing, fantastic work.  Rating: 9

Overall: I don’t believe I’ve picked up a book from Ape Entertainment before, but if this comic is any indication, I’m missing a lot.  The first issue is just so solid, it’s an absolute buy.  The story is pretty original, the art is fantastic, just a great example to show great work isn’t always put out by the big two.  A definite buy.  Overall rating: 9

Recommendation: Buy

Page count: 48 pages    Price: $3.50     Release: Out Now

Ape Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with an advance copy of this issue for FREE for review.