A review by somesuchbooks
Smahtguy: The Life and Times of Barney Frank by Eric Orner

5.0

This graphic biography by Eric Orner is fantastic!  It not only paints a compelling, comprehensive portrait of its subject, former Congressman Barney Frank, but it provides a wonderful overview of political movements during the decades of Frank's time holding his various offices. Although you don't need to be of a liberal bent to enjoy this work, it definitely doesn't hurt, as Frank was/is a champion of underdog causes.  

While I certainly wouldn't call Orner's artwork beautiful, that's clearly not what he's striving for.  The art, not simplistic, but not super-realistic, manages to capture the personalities involved (and we've seen SO many of these folks SO many times on television and in print over the years), I think it must be the little, almost caricature-like details that he adds to each person.  I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the color-washed backgrounds; they are moody and perfect.  

Highly recommend.