Ximo Abadia's art is beautiful, vibrant, and layered with symbolism. I particularly gravitated toward the art style, which is initially what drew me to this title. After reading it, I found the narrative wanting, but also saw its simplistic approach as a validly accessible alternative to more robust texts that may turn some readers off. This book has a lot of potential as a conversation starter or an introductory text to a larger conversation about history (Spanish Civil War), tyrants (Franco), the corruption of absolute power, and hatred. From a literary standpoint, it also allows readers, from various lexical levels, to consider the author's choice to use shapes as symbols for difference. While the book left me wanting more, I still feel it's a book worth considering. Not a fan of the title, however. I don't see the need to Anglicize the name as an attempt to infantilize the subject.

The art style of Frank by Abadia Ximo kept me entertained for a good five minutes - that's how long it took for me to plow through this graphic novel. Frank just skims the surface of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco's rise to power and rule with very little being fleshed out into storylines. This might be a great introductory read for younger readers (10+ years old), I would not recommend to older readers. There's just not enough there to make it a worthwhile read. Overall, great art style, but lacking the depth of story to keep me entertained.