FROM COMIC TO COMIC BOOK: POLITICAL POWER: AL FRANKEN ARRIVES IN STORES JUNE 16
Before his stunning 2009 senatorial election the world knew Al Franken as that funny guy from Saturday Night Live, or maybe the incendiary liberal talk show host on Air America. Now he's a political rising star in the Democratic Party and the featured subject of Bluewater Productions' latest biography comic due in stores June 16th. Political Power: Al Franken traces the career of Minnesota's newest Senator from a staff writer on SNL where he made a living skewering politicians to his current position on Capitol Hill. The issue also covers Franken's somewhat controversial election that was eventually decided by the Minnesota Supreme Court. However, according to writer Jerome Maida the most important aspect of this newest addition to the Political Power series is trying to show an often unseen side to Franken's character. "Al Franken has this reputation - not completely unfounded, if you read the comic - as a metaphorical bomb-thrower, a guy who hates his enemies and has an in-your-face style," said writer Jerome Maida said. "While I did find some stuff that would support that perception, I also found out a lot more interesting stuff that makes him a real person, a character instead of a caricature." The 32-page issue, penciled by Beniamino Bradi (with cover art supplied by Deborah Max), will be available in comic shops, bookstores and various online venues including Amazon for the cover price of $3.99. Bluewater's Political Power line has attracted mainstream publicity and strong sales. The company's comics featuring Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, Al Gore and Rush Limbaugh have all generated strong sales in a declining comic book market. The goal of these biography comics is simple: Tell moving stories of politically powerful individuals in an even-handed and balanced way. The comic book series, launched earlier this year, has drawn considerable media attention, including features on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, "The View" and "Live with Regis and Kelly." It has also been featured in such periodicals as People Magazine, OK! Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, USA Today and thousands of blogs and other media outlets. Political Power (and its sister title Female Force) individual issues are also available on Amazon.com, where they have been ranked among the site's top 300 books.
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