What happened to the world? We never really find out.

The first volume of Warren Ellis's FreakAngels starts after the so-called "end of the world." The FreakAngels are a dozen young people who were born at the same moment 23 years ago. Although unrelated, they share physical characteristics and a psychic connection. About six years ago, they focused their energies on creating a better world, and instead destroyed it. Or a lot of it, anyway. Now, they're doing what they can to protect the Whitechapel district of London from roving gangs, as well as one of their number who went rogue and wants them dead.

The story is confusing. The characters are enigmatic. But one read through this collection leaves you with a lot of questions that you hope will be answered soon. The people are well developed, if vague, with a strong sense of personality and nicely written dialogue.

As a stand-alone reading experience, this first volume likely will leave readers unsatisfied. As an introduction to a longer series, it's a winner. I want more.