Political Power: Al Franken

It's hard to remember, but there was a time when Al Franken was just another comic and writer. Today, he is a rising political star, set to become the latest subject in Bluewater Productions' Political Power line of biography comics. Political Power: Al Franken will be released to comic shops across the country in May, 2009.

Writer, Jerome Maida, said the biographical comic book introduces readers to sides of Franken's character few knew he possesses. "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," 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."

Maida discovered that Franken fell in love with politics at a young age, for instance. He also discovered that Franken co-wrote the powerful film, When a Man Loves a Woman, based on his wife's alcoholism.

Franken made history in 2008, when he defeated Republican incumbent, Norm Coleman, to become the junior U.S. Senator from Minnesota - but this victory did not come easily. The race was decided by a razor-thin margin, and Franken's opponent called for a recount. Several appeals were filed over the next eight months, which took the case all the way to the Minnesota Supreme Court, where they ruled in Franken's favor. He was finally sworn in on July 7^th, 2009, but only after Coleman declined to take the case further (to the U.S. Supreme Court), and conceded.

Political Power: Al Franken traces his rise from Saturday Night Live writer, a position he often used to skewer politicians, to radio talk show host, to viable Senate candidate, to controversial Minnesota Senator.

Bluewater's Political Power has attracted mainstream publicity and 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 evenhanded and balanced way.

"At a time [when] comic book readership continues to decline, our Political Power books continue to bring new readers to the graphic medium," said Darren G. Davis, president of Bluewater Productions. "I'm proud of that. And I think our readers will find that Jerome has crafted a compelling tale in Political Power: Al Franken."

Political Power: Al Franken retails for $3.99.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010