Johnny Hiro

Fred Chao’s Johnny Hiro (2007–present, AdHouse Books) is a charming, offbeat comedy series following a hapless young man navigating life in New York City—while also contending with giant monsters, ninjas, and other absurd urban perils. Chao, the sole writer and artist across its three issues, blends slice-of-life romance and job-hunting struggles with playful kaiju and martial-arts chaos. The series stands out for its warm, hand-drawn whimsy and its affectionate yet surreal take on the everyday grind, making it a cult gem of indie comics.