What I like about Franklin is that he didn't just stand around in the background of Peanuts after Schulz added him in 1968. Rather, Franklin turned out to be a strong supporting character, and was one of the brainiest kids of the whole Peanuts gang.

Though Charles Schulz denied any ulterior motive behind the introduction of Franklin into "Peanuts", I find it hard to believe that this character wasn't intentionally African-American to satisfy some internal desire or external pressure. The date (circa 1968) would certainly suggest this on the part of Schulz. Of course, by that time the core cast had already solidified, leaving little room for additional primary personalities but some room for a token or two. Nevertheless, I don't recall the strip ever making any issue over Franklin's race.

Franklin, unfortunately, didn't have much of a personality. I remember reading tons of Peanuts strips, and I can't come up with a word to describe the boy. Of course, that's what makes him token, right? Schultz could have at least made him interesting. That's what separates Franklin from, say, Michael from Lost.

I dont remember Franklin that well and I watched and read peanuts just about everyday.