Political Superheroes? The Bio Comics of Capital Hill

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I’m not sure the world needs Al Gore: The Comic Book. But you know what, world? You’ve got it anyway.

Yesterday, Bluewater Productions rolled out more politically-themed titles of their new biography comic book series that feature political big-wigs Rush Limbaugh, Nancy Pelosi, Sonia Sotomayor and Al Gore.

(More on Techland: Wait, That’s a Comic? The Adventures You Never Needed to See)

Warning: Unsolicited commentary to follow.

On the surface, I can see the appeal. It’s hidden learning for children. I get it. What makes me a little nervous is embedding these people in comic pages – the same pages where superheroes live. My suspicsion is probably heightened by the fact that Gore and co. join the ranks of Bluewater’s other celebrity comics of late: Lady Gaga, Robert Pattinson and Ellen DeGeneres.

I’m not saying these people are bad role models. Maybe Pattinson rescues puppies in his spare time, who knows? What really turns me off to Bluewater’s scheme is that 1., I have a hunch these are highly unauthorized “biographies” and 2., it reinforces that success is equated with the spotlight.

(More on Techland: Batman & Robin Comic Generator)

I would never say that Ms. Pelosi is not a “Female Force,” but if you market something to teach little girls about women who areshaping modern history and culture,” I’d expect to see diversity of careers. So far they’ve given us Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Stephenie Meyer, J.K. Rowling and Barbara Walters – great ladies, but all living in highly publicized personal lives. Where are the doctors? The scientists? The engineers? The first woman to win a Nobel for economics? Lilly freaking Ledbetter?

Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather kids read an unauthorized celebrity comic about Rowling than watch reruns of Jersey Shore, but I also think it’s important to show that you don’t need a television show or a political platform to be great.

Sigh. End rant.