Geek O System has a listing of their top 10 politically-charged comic books.  It’s a decent list and definitely worth checking out.  In reality the list of politically-charged comics is much longer than 10 and the debate as a top ten could go on forever.

Here’s our take of 10 politically-charged comic books you should check out, not necessarily a top ten.  While we agree with most of the choices here’s our take in no particular order starting with the ones we agree with:

V for Vendetta – Agree with this pick.  It’s hard to argue about a comic who’s basic story is based on fascism vs. anarchy.

Persepolis – Growing up during the Iranian revolution and reflecting on how that impacts your identity?  I think that qualifies as pretty political.

Superman: Red Son – Mark Millar’s alternate take on Superman sees him landing in the Soviet Union and what happens when the workers of the world have Superman on their side.

Civil War – One could make a hell of an argument that this was a statement on much of President Bush’s policies in the aughts.

Y: The Last Man – Gender studies in the form of a comic book.

Watchmen – Alan Moore’s dissection  and deconstruction of not just super hero stereotypes but also the Cold War all set upon the backdrop of the possibility of World War III.

Our four additions:

Ex Machina – Brian K. Vaughan’s series focused on a super hero turned Mayor of New York City.  The politics were sometimes in your face and some times subtle but such topics as gay marriage, drug legalization and birth control and abortion were touched upon.  We also can’t overlook an entire arc set during the Republican 2004 Presidential Convention.

DMZ – Brian Wood’s tale of a reporter stuck in Manhattan during the Second American Civil War.  The first thirty issues are a damnation of President Bush’s policies and the act of war but with President Obama in office the series quickly pivoted to focus on the expectations we project on our elected officials and the disappointment we suffer when they don’t meet them.

The First President of Japan – I think the title says it all.  Written by a Johns Hopkins University Professor the series focuses on the election of the first President of Japan and rising tensions in Asia concerning the United States, China and the Korea’s.  An under the radar comic book and one well worth picking up if you can find it.

Queen & Country – Greg Rucka’s spy series focuses on the Britain’s SIS with a focus on the human touch.  This is a spy thriller at it’s best.