In the world of Slipshot, heroes come in many forms. Some are brave warriors, others are brilliant strategists. And then, there’s Fredrick—an unlikely hero whose journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about saving the world.

Fredrick’s World

Fredrick is not your typical protagonist. He’s a working-class college student navigating life in present-day San Francisco—a city that, despite its tech reputation, still holds onto its everyday, unpolished charm. Fredrick rides a beat-up old Vespa scooter through its busy and cluttered streets, grounding him firmly in a reality far removed from high-tech hype. His parents, both food service workers, instilled in him a strong work ethic but little direction in terms of ambitions. Unlike many of his peers, Fredrick doesn’t have lofty dreams or grand aspirations. His goal is simple: graduate with his computer science degree and secure a stable, easy job. But even this path feels hollow to him, as his passion for computer science is lukewarm at best.

This lack of clear purpose makes Fredrick relatable to anyone who has ever felt unsure about their future. He is awkward, makes mistakes, and is often out of his depth.

Jillian Crenshaw: Fredrick’s Crush and Complete Opposite

Adding to Fredrick’s struggles is Jillian Crenshaw, a fellow student at his college and a symbol of everything Fredrick feels he isn’t. Coming from a wealthy background, Jillian exudes confidence, ambition, and purpose. She’s headstrong and bossy, with clear goals for her life, which often puts her at odds with Fredrick’s more passive, go-with-the-flow attitude.

Fredrick harbors a quiet crush on Jillian but feels the gap between them is insurmountable. Her polished demeanor and privileged upbringing only emphasize the insecurities Fredrick feels about his working-class roots. Yet, this dynamic adds depth to Fredrick’s character. His admiration for Jillian isn’t just about romantic attraction; it’s also about what she represents—a life with direction and confidence that he yearns for but struggles to attain.

From Concept to Creation

Slipshot’s development was as much a visual journey as it was a written one. In early sketches, Fredrick’s awkward, unsure nature was front and center. His beat-up old Vespa scooter was always part of the concept—a nod to his modest roots and the everyday challenges he faces.

Here’s a look at one of the early sketches compared to the final design:

As the story progressed, so did Fredrick’s character—and the illustrations reflect that growth. Early artwork captured his hesitance and insecurity, while later versions depict a young man beginning to find his footing. Initially, we considered making Fredrick angrier—a refugee in a world where he didn’t belong. However, this approach shifted as his journey evolved. Rather than driven by anger, Fredrick’s growth is fueled by his newfound maturity and determination to take action in the face of adversity. This evolution mirrors the challenges he faces across the two novels, as he transforms from a reluctant bystander to someone willing to take action when it matters most.

A significant part of Fredrick’s transformation is his role as a guardian to Cythiria, a teenager who has become a central figure in his life. Taking on this responsibility has profoundly shaped his character. No longer just a young man grappling with his insecurities, Fredrick has learned to think beyond himself, driven by a sense of duty to protect and guide Cythiria through the trials they face together. This relationship underscores his growth and makes his journey all the more compelling.

Why Fredrick Matters

Fredrick’s journey is a reminder that heroes aren’t born—they’re forged through trials and challenges. As the events of Slipshot unfold, Fredrick is thrust into situations that force him to confront his fears, question his assumptions, and find strength he didn’t know he had. His story resonates because it’s grounded in the everyday struggles of self-doubt, class disparities, and the search for identity.

Through Fredrick, Slipshot invites readers to see the hero in themselves, no matter how unremarkable they might feel. It’s a powerful message for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t measure up.

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