How to tell a story with and about colour? The graphic novel Franklin is a sharp answer to this question. The inside cover and first page are printed in the familiar red, white and blue shades of the Dutch national flag. A reference to whom’s history we are dealing with here. The story talks about a part of the Dutch liberation during the Second World War that is often ignored. Cultural diversity is the subject in question. A significant part is the perception of ‘race’; only the characters’ skin colours are painted inside the delicate pen-drawn illustrations. A clear and radical design decision with an unapologetic outcome. It appealed to us that all characters are speaking in their native tongue. Both content and design contain multiple elements that add different layers to the story. Our encounter with Franklin is informed by our individual point of reference. Both in concept and form it questioned our assumptions about the lives and contribution of oppressed racial minorities in key moments of Dutch history. On multiple levels Franklin confronts the reader with these subjects. A beautifully designed book with an urgent message.
How to tell a story with and about colour? The graphic novel Franklin is a sharp answer to this question. The inside cover and first page are printed in the familiar red, white and blue shades of the Dutch national flag. A reference to whom’s history we are dealing with here. The story talks about a part of the Dutch liberation during the Second World War that is often ignored. Cultural diversity is the subject in question. A significant part is the perception of ‘race’; only the characters’ skin colours are painted inside the delicate pen-drawn illustrations. A clear and radical design decision with an unapologetic outcome. It appealed to us that all characters are speaking in their native tongue. Both content and design contain multiple elements that add different layers to the story. Our encounter with Franklin is informed by our individual point of reference. Both in concept and form it questioned our assumptions about the lives and contribution of oppressed racial minorities in key moments of Dutch history. On multiple levels Franklin confronts the reader with these subjects. A beautifully designed book with an urgent message.