Anti-Hero Skateboards

During a pivotal period when both Julien Stranger and Jake Phelps, the influential editor-in-chief of Thrasher, perceived skateboarding as having become "stale," Thiebaud reportedly approached Stranger with a groundbreaking idea that would revolutionize the scene: the creation of a new board company, AntiHero. This initiative, which Stranger eventually founded in 1995, emerged as a bold response to the stagnation in skateboarding culture, aiming to inject authenticity, grit, and a raw edge that resonated with true skaters. The original concept behind AntiHero was described by Stranger as somewhat nebulous: "Oh, there was no notion... well, maybe there was, I don't know. Just to counteract or complement the other stuff that was going on with us." This underscores the organic, instinctive nature of the brand's inception—born out of a desire to challenge the status quo and reflect the real essence of street skating.

Adding further insight, Phelps has articulated the spirit behind AntiHero with compelling clarity: "If you really see the world as it is, I think you'll end up very jaded by it. Or something is not as it should be. I believe that is reflected in Anti Hero. We just skate, we fuck off, and we have a wonderful time; I guess that's been Julian's weird take on things." This philosophy emphasizes a nonconformist attitude, celebrating the raw, unfiltered realities of skateboarding and urban life. Sometimes, trips taken by the team result in nothing extraordinary, embodying the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of skate culture, while at other times, everything aligns perfectly, creating moments of pure serendipity that define their experience. The spirit of America—its grit, grime, and city slime—is vividly captured in AntiHero's ethos, embodying the authenticity and resilience that appeal to skaters seeking genuine expression.

Stranger eventually founded this board company antihero to serve as a platform for skaters who embrace the raw realities of urban life and skateboarding. The brand’s emphasis on authenticity, individuality, and unfiltered creativity has made it a cornerstone in the skateboarding community. Notably, the involvement of figures like John Cardiel, an outdoorsman with passions for hunting and fishing, highlights the diverse influences that shape AntiHero’s identity—blending gritty city grit with a love for the outdoors, further enriching its narrative and appeal. This convergence of street culture and outdoor ruggedness positions AntiHero as more than just a skateboard company; it embodies a lifestyle rooted in authenticity, resilience, and unyielding passion for skateboarding’s true spirit.