Comic Book Review: The Fro- Origin GN

The Fro- Origin GN
Created & Written by Chris Harden
Illustrated by Alfa Robbi & Anang Setyawan
Coloured by Jang
Published by Arcana Studios
Reviewed by Richard Caldwell

The Fro, an engaging new graphic novel from Chris Harden and company, is the story of harmony, in the spiritual sense as well as audio.
We are introduced to Tom Dull, everyman (read: LOSER), lackluster waiter by day and by night- a karaoke regular with dreams as big as the world. Risking his life to save a stranger, Tom himself is saved and given the means to become not just a rockstar, but a rockstar superhero. In having possibility thrown his way, over the following weeks he must learn balance between a budding musical career and the pressing need to right the wrongs of misplaced karma.
Obviously, with a moniker like the Fro one is expecting something more comedic and possibly even exploitative than what you will read here. Although the story is light-hearted enough as to appeal to fans of the Peter Parker archetype, there is pleasantly no pot or potty jokes in this story. Lines are never crossed into parody/spoof territory (although maybe homage…). In fact, the only retainer of the misbegotten 70’s pop culture here is in the sense of good vibes versus bad vibes, presented in a very casual and friendly Buddhistic manner.
Literally, Tom Dull becomes the chosen champion of an order of Buddhist monks, with the musically-empowered abilities of the Fro giving him new direction in life, as well as the strength to see it through. Following of course, this here origin story, wherein he must prove his place, prove to himself, that not only does he deserve the new role given, but that he can actually get the job done. As origin stories go, this is a wonderfully well thought out read.
The art team is far, far more than just competent, showcasing an extremely fun visual style while rhythmically pacing a fantastic storytelling prowess. God knows I love me some consistency in sequential media, and Robbi and Setyawan seem to be total professionals. I want to give special kudos to the color-work of Jang, whose hues and tones were bright and solid and masterful. There were points for me where much of the mood of the book was not just polished in the colors, it was defined by the colors. A great creative team, and I hope to see all of their names again soon. My only complaint were a handful of lettering glitches scattered throughout, but as the book was just picked up by Arcana, maybe a final edit will help nullify the kinks.

All said, this book was overflowing with personality, and to elevate things even moreso, as a concluding chapter we are offered a prose story detailing the historical mythos, showing the origin scenario from an even broader perspective. A surprisingly good finish to a super fun comic.
Dig the jam and you will not be let down.

www.The-Fro.com

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Richard Caldwell

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