Franklin: Many iconic characters have graced the world of comic strips, but few have had the social impact of Franklin from Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts.” Introduced on July 31, 1968, Franklin is the first black character in the strip, a significant milestone in the context of America’s civil rights movement. His presence in the world-renowned comic strip reflects the era’s social changes and showcases Schulz’s subtle approach to addressing complex societal issues.

Franklin (Peanuts)

First Appearance: July 31, 1968

Last Appearance: November 5, 1999 (Peanuts comic strip)

Creator: Charles M. Schulz

Gender: Male

In-universe information

Franklin is a fictional character in the comic strip Peanuts, known for being the first black character in the strip. He is a friend of Peppermint Patty and Marcie and attends school with them. Franklin’s father is a soldier in Vietnam.

Publication History

Franklin was introduced following a correspondence between Schulz and a Los Angeles schoolteacher, Harriet Glickman, who suggested the inclusion of a black character. His skin color was later referenced in The Charlie Brown Dictionary.

Personality and Traits

Franklin is known for his lack of anxieties or obsessions, contrasting with other Peanuts characters. He enjoys playing sports, is skilled in dancing, and occasionally plays musical instruments in animated films and television specials.

In Other Media

Franklin appears in various Peanuts animated television specials and movies, debuting in animation in the 1970s. He is portrayed as a silent character in his first few appearances and later gains speaking roles.

Cultural Impact

Franklin’s presence as the only black character in Peanuts has been discussed in various media, including Saturday Night Live. In the 1994 animated television special, his full name is given as Franklin Armstrong, though this is considered apocryphal.

Recent Appearances

Franklin reappeared as a supporting character in 2015’s The Peanuts Movie and was the focus of a BBC Radio 4 broadcast titled “Franklin” in November 2020.

The Genesis of Franklin

Franklin’s creation was spurred by a letter from Harriet Glickman, a Los Angeles schoolteacher. Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968, Glickman wrote to Schulz, suggesting the inclusion of a black character to promote racial integration and harmony. Schulz initially expressed concern about seeming patronizing, but ongoing correspondence with Glickman led to the development of Franklin.

This exchange marked a pivotal moment in the history of comic strips, showing an artist’s responsiveness to societal change and the power of public influence in shaping media narratives. Schulz’s eventual decision to introduce Franklin was a bold move, given the racially charged atmosphere of the late 1960s.

Franklin’s Debut and Characterization

Franklin first appeared in a July 1968 strip, meeting Charlie Brown at the beach. Their interaction was simple yet profound, with Franklin sharing that his father was a soldier in Vietnam, juxtaposing Charlie Brown’s more mundane family background. This encounter, devoid of racial stereotypes or political overtones, exemplified Schulz’s approach to character development – one grounded in everyday experiences and mutual respect.

Over the years, Franklin became known for his calm demeanor and level-headedness, often serving as a foil to the more eccentric personalities in the strip. He was portrayed as a normal kid, enjoying baseball and interacting seamlessly with other characters like Peppermint, Patty, and Marcie. Schulz’s portrayal of Franklin avoided the common pitfalls of tokenism; he was neither idealized nor marginalized but was instead a fully integrated member of the Peanuts gang.

Franklin in Animation and Beyond

Franklin’s transition to animated form in the 1970s was another significant milestone. His silent debut in “Snoopy, Come Home” (1972) and a subsequent speaking role in “There’s No Time for Love, Charlie Brown” (1973) paved the way for his regular appearance in Peanuts television specials and movies. In these adaptations, Franklin was often shown to be skilled in dancing and music, adding layers to his character that were not always explored in the comic strips.

Franklin’s impact transcended the world of animation and comic strips. He became a symbol of diversity and inclusion, a topic that was addressed in various media forms, including a memorable segment on “Saturday Night Live.” In this skit, Chris Rock humorously pointed out Franklin’s unique position in the Peanuts universe, highlighting the broader social implications of his character.

In 1994, the animated special “You’re in the Super Bowl, Charlie Brown” gave Franklin the last name “Armstrong,” a decision made in collaboration with Robb Armstrong, creator of the comic strip “Jump Start.” Though not considered canonical by Schulz, this addition underscored the collaborative spirit and cultural sensitivity behind Franklin’s character.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Franklin’s legacy is not confined to his role in the Peanuts strip or its animated adaptations. His influence extends to the broader cultural and social landscape. Franklin’s character represented a quiet but powerful statement on racial integration and equality when America grappled with these issues.

The decision by Schulz to include Franklin and his careful, respectful portrayal broke new ground in the realm of comic strips, which had traditionally been a predominantly white space. Franklin’s presence in a popular and widely syndicated strip like Peanuts played a subtle yet significant role in normalizing interracial friendships and challenging racial stereotypes.

In 2015, Franklin reappeared in “The Peanuts Movie,” reaffirming his status as an enduring and beloved character. His portrayal remained true to Schulz’s original vision, reflecting societal changes while retaining the core values that define the Peanuts gang.

Moreover, Franklin’s character has inspired artistic and scholarly discussions about representation in media. In 2020, BBC Radio 4 broadcast a radio play titled “Franklin,” delving into the backstory of his creation and highlighting his cultural significance.

Conclusion

Franklin from Peanuts is a testament to the power of representation in media. His introduction and development reflected not only the changing times but also an active contribution to the ongoing dialogue about race and equality in America. Through Franklin, Schulz offered a gentle yet profound commentary on society that resonates with audiences today. As we look back on his journey since that first appearance in 1968, it’s clear that Franklin is more than just a character in a comic strip – he’s a symbol of progress, a beacon of hope, and a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all forms of media.

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FAQ: Franklin from Peanuts

1. Who is Franklin in the Peanuts comic strip?

Franklin is a fictional character in Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts. Introduced on July 31, 1968, he is notable for being the first black character in the strip to attend school with Peppermint Patty and Marcie.

2. When and how did Franklin first appear in Peanuts?

Franklin made his first appearance on July 31, 1968. He met Charlie Brown at the beach, where they bonded over playing ball and shared stories about their grandfathers.

3. What inspired Charles M. Schulz to create Franklin?

Schulz was inspired to create Franklin following correspondence with Harriet Glickman, a Los Angeles schoolteacher, who wrote to him after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., suggesting the introduction of a black character to promote racial equality.

4. What are some of Franklin’s key personality traits?

Franklin is depicted as level-headed, without anxieties or obsessions common to other Peanuts characters. He is also skilled in dancing and playing musical instruments, as shown in various animated specials.

5. How is Franklin represented in Peanuts animation and TV specials?

Franklin appears in several animated television specials and movies. His animation debut was a silent role in the 1972 movie “Snoopy, Come Home,” his first speaking role was in the 1973 special “There’s No Time for Love, Charlie Brown.”

6. What is Franklin’s full name in the Peanuts universe?

In the 1994 animated television special “You’re in the Super Bowl, Charlie Brown,” his full name is Franklin Armstrong. However, this surname is generally considered doubtful as it was never mentioned in the comic strip.

7. Did Franklin make appearances in other media or references?

Franklin has been referenced in various media, including a 1992 episode of Saturday Night Live by Chris Rock and a 2000 SNL skit featuring Tim Meadows as a grown-up Franklin. He also appeared in the 2015 film “The Peanuts Movie” and was the focus of a BBC Radio 4 play in 2020.

8. What was the societal impact of Franklin’s introduction to Peanuts?

Franklin’s introduction was a significant step in racial representation in popular media, coming at a time of heightened awareness of racial issues in the United States. His inclusion faced some resistance but was generally seen as a progressive and bold move by Schulz.

9. When was Franklin’s last appearance in the Peanuts comic strip?

Franklin’s last appearance in the Peanuts comic strip was on November 5, 1999, before Charles M. Schulz’s death.

10. How did Charles M. Schulz view the inclusion of Franklin in the comic strip in school settings?

Schulz received a letter from a Southern editor requesting that Franklin not be shown in school with white characters. Schulz disregarded this view, notably depicting Franklin sitting in front of Peppermint Patty in school, reflecting his stance on racial integration.

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