Way back in Sidekickcast Episode #1 we briefly discussed the range of Presidential Comics being brought to us by IDW publishing . This sparked my interest in the links between comics and politics, was this a one off event or was there evidence to suggest comics have been the secret weapon in political campaigning?

I decided to begin my investigation by learning all I could about the source of my inspiration; the Presidential Materials comics from IDW. There are three books available, each US presidential candidate has their own biographical story with a third flipbook also available collecting both candidate's issue in one volume. The Barack Obama writing duties are being handled by Wheadonverse novel author Jeff Mariotte, whilst Andy Helfer, a former editor at DC with biographies of Malcolm X and Ronald Reagan under his belt crafts John McCain's journey that could lead to the White House.

Each story chronicles the life events that drove these men to pursue the hot seat at the Oval office, including their rise to prominence in the US political system. At the time of posting IDW reports that pre-order sales have Obama with a significant lead over John McCain; 48-34%. Will this be reflected come polling day or is it more likely that people that comics are already more attracted to the more liberal ideals of the Democratic party? Surely John McCain's story has the potential to be a far more entertaining story, his time as a POW during the Vietnam War should provide the reader with some real life drama and tragedy.

Follow up:

It would seem that there was further evidence of the comic industries' backing of Senator Obama's bid for the presidency with the cover of Savage Dragon #137 depicting Savage Dragon with Barack Obama, offering his endorsement. I found this rather strange, although I agree that Obama is the right choice I like to believe I wouldn't be swayed either way by the recommendation of a fictional superhero, especially a green Mohawk-finned alien. Of course what this cover really represents is Savage Dragon creator Erik Larson's support of Barack Obama, or does it? If you were of a suspicous nature, which of course I am not (mostly), you be suggest that this was all a be a careful premeditated attempt to boost the sales of a flagging title. If this were the case, it would be fair to say it was a success, this particular issue is now on it's third printing. Whatever the motivation behind the decision, it was still a fairly brave and bold move in the best tradition of 'He who dares wins'.

We are all aware of the presence and power of political cartoon strips. Every great political debate has been fought out in the pages of the world's newspapers, providing some of the sharpest satirical comment on the issues of the day. An effective comic strip can tear the dignity from the most up-standing politician with the ferocity of a rampaging Hulk and the acid-tongued wit of Spider-Man on Reed Richards juice. This type of political illustration is a part of our daily lives and reaches a much larger audience than comic books could ever hope to. Political comics tend to offer a more biographical or narative approach to the subject with perhaps more subtlety.

It would at first seem a strange marriage, comics and politics, but the more I search the more evidence I find. The first issue of Captain America in 1941 has him punching Hitler on the cover, The Teen Titans tackling drug abuse in the 80's with the help of Nancy Reagan and one even I remember, Barbara Bush and your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man battling illiteracy in the 90's. They seem to be forever chained together as politicians and the government continue to use the comic book medium to spread their message, making me believe that at least they believe that it works. I don't think it can hurt to have a more politically conscious comic book community, especially in an increasingly demotivated electorate. It could be said that politics could learn as much from comics as comics has learnt form politics. If I could give advice to anyone working towards a position in public office, it would be something passed on to me from one of the most loved and well known comics of all time; "With great power comes great responsability"