Freaks of the Heartland
Paperback: 170 pgs. | Digital: 137 pgs.
Publication: July 19th 2005 by Dark Horse Comics (first published July 20th 1995)
Writer: Steve Niles Art and Lettering: Greg Ruth
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Under the weathered skies of America's heartland, and in the wounded hearts of every family in one tiny rural town, a terrible secret has been kept for too many years. Now, a young boy named Trevor must try to keep his younger brother Will from falling victim to the worst fears of a troubled town that can't begin to understand the tragic secret that binds its families together. Some folks would call Trevor's brother a monster. But to Trevor, Will is just another kid trapped in a dark reality he can't comprehend. When the situation moves from bad to worse, and their father threatens to do away with Will, Trevor learns that they're not alone - that "freak" children were born to other families in Gristlewood Valley. Against all odds, and with nothing but love for his brother in his heart, Trevor is going to do whatever he can to get the freak children out of harm's way, if it's not already too late.
About the Author
STEVE NILES is one of the writers responsible for bringing horror comics back to prominence, and was recently named by Fangoria magazine as one of it's "13 rising talents who promise to keep us terrified for the next 25 years."
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
A Review of Freaks of the Heartland
Going into Freaks of the Heartland thought it's be some horror fest or something of that persuasion. Instead got a surprise. In Freaks of the Heartland, we are introduced to Trevor who is a young boy living in what can only be called the hokey upside-down of country living. You see Trevor has a secret brother locked up in and out of the way in the family's barn. Will, Trevor's little brother, though isn't normal-looking. He's deformed like think Texas Chainsaw Massacre deformity. The townsfolk in the place including Trevor's dad don't believe Will is a human being. He along with the townsfolk believe he's a monster! Ocassionally, there are arguments over the fate of Will and creatures like him but it never gets too serious.
That is until, Trevor and Will's father driven by peer pressure succumbs to the idea that they should put an end to these "creatures". Trevor though knows that the mindset of the adults isn't right at all. Trevor and Will along with others set out to free the creatures in hope of helping them see a world beyond the one that exists of only being chained up.
Freaks of the Heartland is incredibly easy on the eyes thanks to the artwork with a rustic color to it. Many browns and greys which has an obvious country feel to it that goes great with the story. What have to mention isn't something that adds to one's like of is we never truly learn how the freaks of the Heartland came to be even though its touched upon in the graphic novel. The other issue is that the conclusion ends rather with, hmmm, loss of a grandness to it. Losses a lot of its excitement.
With Freaks of the Heartland, you get something that is all right graphic novel reading. Seems a story of accepting those different from you with an innovative use of story. In some fronts quite immersing stuff.
Overall: Good read
Genre: Comic/ Graphic Novel
