The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers
The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers
Introduction
The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers is an underground comic series created by Gilbert Shelton in 1968. The series follows the misadventures of three stoner hippies—Freewheelin’ Franklin, Fat Freddy, and Phineas—as they navigate a world of drugs, counterculture, and absurd mishaps. The comics, infused with satire, political commentary, and psychedelic humor, became a defining work of the underground comix movement of the late 1960s and 1970s.
Renowned for its anti-establishment themes and drug-fueled escapades, the series continues to influence countercultural media, inspiring a TV adaptation, a planned film, and countless homages in popular culture.
Comix History
Originally published in 1968 in Shelton’s underground newspaper The Rag, the first full-length Freak Brothers comic appeared in Feds ‘n’ Heads (1968). By 1971, Shelton began The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers #1, which became a cult classic.
Over the years, the series was published by Rip Off Press, and reprinted worldwide in multiple languages. The comics were frequently sold in head shops, counterculture bookstores, and alternative press outlets, often skirting mainstream censorship.
The series’ success spawned spinoffs, including Fat Freddy’s Cat, an equally beloved comic starring Fat Freddy’s cynical, streetwise feline.
Characters
The Freak Brothers
- Freewheelin’ Franklin Freek – The coolest and most street-smart of the trio, known for his wisdom, mustache, and leather vest. Famous quote: "Dope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope."
- Fat Freddy Freekowtski – The naïve, gluttonous, and most accident-prone Freak Brother. Often the butt of jokes, he is constantly harassed by his cat and tricked into absurd situations.
- Phineas T. Phreak – The intellectual and radical of the group, distinguished by his wild hair and glasses. He is passionate about social causes, conspiracy theories, and chemistry, frequently trying to synthesize better drugs.
Fat Freddy’s Cat
A sarcastic, cunning, and streetwise feline, Fat Freddy’s Cat has his own separate adventures, often getting into fights with dogs, outwitting humans, and mocking his clueless owner. His standalone comic strip series became nearly as popular as the main Freak Brothers stories.
Supporting Characters
- Dealer McDope – The local drug dealer, often scamming the Freak Brothers or providing them with questionable substances.
- Norbert the Nark – A bumbling undercover cop constantly failing to bust the Freak Brothers.
- Hiram "Country" Cowfreak – A hippie farmer who occasionally helps the Brothers in times of need.
- Fat Freddy’s Mom – A strict, conservative woman horrified by her son's lifestyle.
Ideas and Themes Explored
The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers tackled social, political, and countercultural themes, including:
✔ Drug Culture & Legalization – Advocating for marijuana decriminalization while satirizing reckless drug use.
✔ Anti-Establishment & Police Brutality – Mocking authority figures, police, and politicians.
✔ Capitalism & Consumerism – Critiquing commercialism and the exploitation of youth culture.
✔ Survival & Resourcefulness – The Freak Brothers constantly hustle for rent, food, and weed.
✔ Paranoia & Conspiracy Theories – The comics frequently play on government surveillance and hippie paranoia.
Bibliography (Major Publications)
Original Series
- Freak Brothers No. 0: Underground Classics #1 (Jan. 1985) – A reprint of early underground comix appearances.
- Freak Brothers No. 1: The Collected Adventures of the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers (1971) – The first full-length collection of Freak Brothers stories.
- Freak Brothers No. 2: Further Adventures of Those Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers (Mar. 1972) – Continued drug-fueled escapades.
- Freak Brothers No. 3: A Year Passes Like Nothing (1973) – More short stories, highlighting political satire.
- Freak Brothers No. 4: Brother, Can You Spare 75¢ for the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers? (Nov. 1975) – Focuses on their attempts to dodge responsibility.
- Freak Brothers No. 5: Grass Roots (May 1977) – One of the most popular issues, featuring the Freaks' misadventures in rural America.
- Freak Brothers No. 6: Six Snappy Sockeroos (June 1980) – A collection of six shorter stories.
- Freak Brothers No. 7: Several Short Stories (1982) – A mix of humorous and political stories.
The Idiots Abroad Trilogy
- Freak Brothers No. 8: The Idiots Abroad, Part I (1984) – The Freaks embark on a chaotic world tour.
- Freak Brothers No. 9: The Idiots Abroad, Part II (1985) – The adventure continues with run-ins with foreign authorities.
- Freak Brothers No. 10: The Idiots Abroad, Part III (1989) – The epic conclusion of their international misadventures.
Later Issues
- Freak Brothers No. 11 (1990) – One of the last original single-issue comics.
- Freak Brothers No. 12 (1992) – More classic Freak Brothers tales.
- Freak Brothers No. 13 (1997) – The final issue of the original run.
Collected Editions & Modern Releases
- Fifty Freakin' Years with the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers (2017) – A definitive 50th-anniversary collection, featuring restored artwork, rare stories, and behind-the-scenes content.
These issues represent the full evolution of The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, from its underground comix roots to its modern collected editions.
The TV Adaptation
In 2021, an animated TV series adaptation premiered, featuring Woody Harrelson (Freewheelin’ Franklin), John Goodman (Fat Freddy), and Pete Davidson (Phineas). The series modernizes the Freak Brothers, transporting them from the 1970s to present-day San Francisco, where they struggle to adapt to legal weed and a changing world.
Though met with mixed reviews, the show introduced the Freak Brothers to a new generation, expanding their cultural footprint.
The Film Adaptation
A Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers film has been rumored for years, with Gilbert Shelton expressing interest in a feature-length adaptation. While a movie has yet to materialize, the 2021 animated series suggests Hollywood is still interested in bringing the Freaks to the big screen.
The Freaks in Popular Culture
The Freak Brothers’ influence can be seen in:
- Cheech & Chong – Their stoner comedy mirrors the Freak Brothers’ dynamic.
- The Simpsons & South Park – Counterculture humor in animation owes much to Shelton’s work.
- Head Shops & Counterculture – Freak Brothers comics remain popular in cannabis culture.
- 420 Celebrations & Legalization Movements – The Freak Brothers are often referenced in pro-cannabis activism.
References
Rip Off Press - Home of the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers
Knockabout Comix - UK publisher of the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers
WikiPedia the Faboulous Furry Freak Brothers
The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers at Don Markstein's Toonopedia.
