It’s a mixed bag of comments this week in our Tuesday Twitter Fun.
Writer Joe Harris offers some encouragement to Senator Harry Reid. You can follow him at http://twitter.com/joeharris.
Writer Matt Fraction shows how he spends his time listening to tapes of former President Richard Nixon. You can follow him at http://twitter.com/mattfraction.
And writer Rick Remender lets Fraction know his thoughts on Nixon. You can follow him at http://twitter.com/Remender.
Today’s Friday Fun is an interesting nugget of Presidential history. Entitled, John F. Kennedy: New U.S. President, it’s goal was to introduce the newly elected President to the world. Produced in 1961 it was distributed by the USIS (United States Information Service) to US Embassies. Two copies have been found one from an embassy in Brussels Holland, another from Brisbane Australia.
The comic told the tail of his life with an interesting focus on his families international connections as well as his own. Also, there’s an emphasis on his anti-Communist stance.
It’s a great piece of Presidential history and well worth the read and study. It’s clear it was written for the time, political climate and the international audience. Below is a sampling of some of the comic.
You can read the full issue at http://www.ep.tc/jfk/.
It’s a mixed bag this week of political commentary on Twitter from folks involved with the comic book industry.
Brian Denham an artist on such series as Buffy commented on the Texas Governor race and the interesting last name match up. You can follow him at http://twitter.com/briandenham.
Ed Brubaker commented on the irritation of the time old irritating tradition of political robocalls. You can follow Brubaker at http://twitter.com/brubaker.
Savage Dragon creator Erik Larsen continued his posts directed at President Obama, urging him to include a public option in the health care bill. You can follow him at http://twitter.com/erikjlarsen.
GeekWeek founder Jeff Katz shows off he enjoys the sunday morning shows. You can follow Jeff at http://www.twitter.com/katzmoney.
Official Press Release
From Nelson, George Washington’s beloved pet horse, to Ofelia, the longhorn cow of Pres. George W. Bush, pets have played a colorful role in the lives of our presidents and their families. Now the latest presidential pet, Bo, the Obama family’s Portuguese water dog, is ready to teach young readers a history lesson on White House pets.
Bo Obama is the star of Bluewater Production’s Bo Obama: The White House Tails, a 40-page graphic novel for young readers to be published this week. Bo will serve as the narrator as he not only shares the joys and tribulations of living in the White House, but also provides a history lesson focusing on past presidential pets.
The comic also earned accolades from the press. SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL wrote, “Entertaining and informative, this title looks like a great way to engage younger kids in the political system.” The Chicago Tribune added, “The first dog’s magic touch extends to comic books.”
Written by Paul J. Salamoff and drawn by Emmy Award-winning Disney and Warner Brothers artist Keith Tucker, Bo Obama: The White House Tails is the second Bluewater comic adventure for the first dog. Bo previously starred in his own comic book in September of last year. That book sold out in just one week.
The graphic novel will be sold at all comic book stores, major booksellers, including Barnes & Noble and Borders as well as comic book stores. It will also be available from Amazon.com. The SRP is $6.99 for the 40 page graphic novel in stores this week.
Bluewater Productions has carved out a reputation for introducing new readers to comic books through its series of biography comics, Political Power, Female Force and Fame. These comics have already featured balanced and entertaining portrayals of such stars and political leaders as Michael Jackson, Princess Diana, Bill Clinton, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. Future issues will feature the life stories of Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Robert Pattinson and others.
“We try to reach all readers with our comics, young and old,” said Darren G. Davis, president of Bluewater Productions. “I’m particularly proud that our biography comics are being used in classrooms across the country to introduce students to historical figures. I expect that our Bo Obama graphic novel will give many young readers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the White House and its four-legged occupants.”
The ISBN for this title is: 978-1-61623-925-1
For more information about Bluewater Productions, visit the company at www.bluewaterprod.com.
Captain America #603
Narrator – Traveling on a bus from New York to Idaho… the man you would be Captain America learned a lot about the changing face of his country. The empty houses and unemployment lines reminded him of the world of his youth. He saw the Great Depression end as the war brought a wave of industry to America. Now, the factories were closed, and the wars abraod made no difference… he didn’t understand that. He remembered President Eisenhower, remembered the ideals of the ’50s… Remembered an America that had the best schools, the best worked… a great country.
Dark Avengers #14
Miss Hand – I want Norman Osborn to lead. I want you to lead our country into a place where Americans can live peaceful, fearless lives of comfort.
DoomWar #1
Desturi leader – — and now we are secure. All Ambassadors have been expelled. All borders closed, all press sent packing. All foreign nationals have been given twelve hours to leave the country, no exceptions made.
and
Press – Reaction from the world leaders has been mixed and cautious. White House sources say that President Obama is expected to make a statement later today.
and
Desturi leader – There is no epidemic, this is classic protest behavior.
and
Black Panther – The takeover of the Wakandan government is a criminal act. We offer you one chance to stand down and avoid bloodshed. One chance. If you disarm and stand down, I offer clemency and justice. We will allow representatives of the Desturi to participate in our political process, to have a voice in council.
Incorruptible #3
Max Damage – You’re right Armadale. This town’s a wreck.
Det. Armadale – And I still don’t know why you care. It’s like listening to Katrina apologize for New Orleans.
Resurrection #8
Sara – Well, this is a comforting thought. The country is in shambles, human civilization as we know it is over. But political correctness is alive and well.
President Clinton – I can only hope, Miss Lisco. I can only hope.
Marc Guggenheim has shaken up what would of been an average alien invasion/post apocalyptic story with the introduction of President Clinton as a main character. The story has quickly shifted from surviving in a destroyed world to what happens to the government that’s filled the void when the last President of the United States returns. Constitutional crisis’s and issues with succession abound. But the story isn’t bogged down by arcane law that you’d never learn in the most advanced political science class.
But this issue deals with the events of last issue with the discovery of Baltimore, Spock and their statuses. President Clinton must deal with the loss of his family and the possibility of losing his country. And we learn a little bit more as to why he was locked in the vault.
The “Church of the Cosmos” arc continues as Bill Clinton takes revenge on the Bugs for the deaths of Hillary and Chelsea and Susanne has an encounter with Book One fan favorite, “Spock.”.
Plot: Marc Guggenheim has crafted an original tale in what could easily have been the usual “post destruction of the world” story. The introduction of President Clinton as a character didn’t just up the possibilities of where stories can go but also added tension. What’s even more brilliant is President Clinton is sharing the role of the “every person.” To think the President of the United States can realistically fit that role shows the strength of Guggenheim’s writing ability. Rating: 8.75
Art: Justin Greenwood’s art in this issue is better than the last few. He’s been approving and becoming more consistent. While there are times characters might not look like themselves it’s no longer a drag on the overall product. It’s not the greatest but this is a series you’re reading for the story, not for the art. Rating: 7
Overall: Again Guggenheim has thrown the series in a twist with the introduction of Baltimore and what that represents. The series is now not s straightforward world post alien invasion, but now perspective has been added into it. Is one person’s slayer another’s savior? Overall Rating: 8
Recommendation: Buy
Page count: 32 Price: $3.99 Release: Wednesday 2/17/2010
Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with an advance copy of this issue for FREE for review.
Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love #4
Safiya – It’s just like I’ve said, sisters. The Anglo Fables talk about equality and independence, but are they really any better than our erstwhile masters?
Siege #2
Bucky – Steve, you need this. You want to take the country back? You need to put on the uniform and stand up. The world needs Captain America.
and
Hellfire – I don’t get it… why are we recording this?
Nick Fury – What I just described to you is the textbook definition of treason. It ain’t spy games and it ain’t cutesy crap. We are declaring war on the United States. I want it on record it was me who did this. I want it known it was me.
Hellfire – Like, we’re just kids under your scary influence.
Nick Fury – You are. Prepare to be taken as prisoner of war if we fail. Prepare to be treated as an enemy of the state. If we do not win, and you live, that is what is coming. All the other things we’ve been working towards, all of it means nothing if we do not do this. Osborn has to be removed. He is a threat to the American way of life and that’s that.
Siege: Embedded #2
Clerk – We oughta nuke ’em right outta there! Just vaporize the whole lot of ’em! But we ain’t gonna, and you know why?
Ben Urich – Because a nuclear attack on American soil would be unconscionable?
Clerk – Because the President of these United States — a man I did not vote for, mind you, so I don’t know why he gets any say over me and mine — does not have the guts to stand up for his people!
and
Ben Urich – Because it gets people watching. And talking about him. And buying his books. Controversy creates an audience.
and
H.A.M.M.E.R. Agent – Each ship has an Osborn-approved member of the press assigned to it.
T0dd Keller – Embedded journalists.
H.A.M.M.E.R. Agent – We’re ensuring cross-network saturation. Even if someone disagrees with your network’s style, they are still seeing the Asgard event as we intend it to be seen.
Todd Keller – This is really happening isn’t it? We’re going to invade Asgard.
H.A.M.M.E.R. Agent – We are going to invade Asgard, Mister Keller. You are going to tell the world why it’s a good idea.
Wolverine: Weapon X #10
Melita – My mom is black and my dad’s Mexican, but they don’t care what color my dates are so long as they’re Democrats.
Today is the first entry in our “Friday Fun” series of historic political comic books. Today’s entry comes from the 1988 Presidential race. The comic book is called Magical Mike and was created by Dick Hafer, and was endorsed by Jerry Falwell and Republican Party.
The comic book tells “the ‘real story’ of Michael Dukakis, the 1988 Democratic nominee for president. Includes jabs at blacks, gays, women (including Dukakis’ wife) – also attacks the sick, the poor, foreigners, peacemakers, and others, connecting Dukakis as the common link.”
Jerry Falwell encouraged his entire congregation to distribute the comic books and the Republican party made sure to include a copy on every delegate’s seat during the 1988 Republican convention.
Here’s some of the highlights:
You can catch the comic in it’s entirety here.
President Obama has increased the sales of the numerous comic books he’s been a part of. His appearance drove Amazing Spider-man #583 to be the top selling comic of the decade. Despite being only out for a year the issue sold just shy of 525,000 copies. So, logically numerous comic book companies are using the President to boost their sales.
Courtesy of Comixology we came across from this offering from Antarctic Press. Coming this January, may we present Obamamouse!
The economy is crumbling like stale roquefort. We are at war with Owl Kaida, our soldiers being targeted by their traps, poisons and predators. When the nation, perhaps the whole world, needs change, one rodent steps forward to offer it: Barack Obamouse. But if his daring plans for the country are to succeed, he will have to win over his skeptic political rivals and countrymice, including Hen Beck, John McCrane, Sarah Penguin and Ratt Limbaugh!
Marc Guggenheim’s Resurrection could easily just fall into the convention of a post apocalyptic world. With his introduction of President Clinton as a regular cast member the focus is no longer a tale of survivors, but instead a story of rebuilding a nation ravaged by an alien invasion. How does the return of the last President of the United States affect the landscape? Can he bring all the factions together?
In the back up feature, we’re treated to a tale of one person’s mission to save “important works of art” for future generations.
From Oni Press:
After the dramatic attack on Red Lion, the survivors of the alien occupation have found a surprising player in the battle to restore civilization. But will conflict within their ranks rip them apart? Plus: What is Sara Lisco’s secret?
Plot: Marc Guggenheim has crafted an original tale in what could easily have been the usual “post destruction of the world” story. With the introduction of President Clinton as a main character, the focus is no longer another Mad Max, instead we’re given political intrigue as our rag tag team attempts to reestablish leadership in a destroyed nation. But, behind it all is a sense of foreboding that maybe not all’s right with oru protagonists. Rating: 8.75
Art: Justin Greenwood’s art is a drag on the series While 99% of it is good, the occasional panel doesn’t look like the character it’s supposed to be. For the most part Greenwood’s art is a pleasure to look at and doesn’t distract from Guggenheim’s story. President Clinton is recognizable though not “picture perfect.” The artwork for the series has been at least consistent. Rating: 6.5
Overall: The introduction of President Clinton as a regular cast member is a political nerd’s dream. The twist of a nation rebuilding after an alien invasion with a focus on the political ramifications is original and entertaining. The series is worth a read from a writer well known in the comic and television industry. Overall Rating: 7.75
Recommendation: Buy
Page count: 32 Price: $3.99 Release: Wednesday 1/6/2010
Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with an advance copy of this issue for FREE for review.
