Free Wheelin Franklin

Gilbert Shelton created this French version of his Free Wheelin Franklin poster that says "Dope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope." Freewheelin' Franklin Freek, although laid-back, is the most street-smart of the trio. Apparently he has always been on the streets and it appears that he is several years older than the others. He is certainly old enough to be troubled at times by impotence. In one story he reveals that he grew up in an orphanage and never knew his parents. Tall and skinny, he has a big bulbous nose, a waterfall mustache and a ponytail. He wears cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. In one strip, he runs into an ex-girlfriend who has a child that bears a striking resemblance to him. He does his best to evade them and is relieved when she doesn't recognize him. He is thus unburdened of any parental obligation. In another strip, when he meets his own (possible) father (Popeye), the same story line is inverted. Depending on the level of colorisation used in the strip in question, or perhaps the use of dye, Franklin's hair is red, blonde, or light brown.