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.

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