June 16, 2010 (MMD Newswire) — 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 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. Next month the biography comics will feature: Arnold Swarchenegger & Margaret Thatcher.
To find a local comic book store near you go to comicshoplocator.com.
For more information about Bluewater Productions, visit the company’s Web site at bluewaterprod.com.
High-resolution images and interview opportunities are available upon request.
About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” “Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”
Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers.
Following its commitment to green publishing, Bluewater comic books are printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper. FSC certification guarantees that the paper used in Bluewater books contains fiber from well-managed and responsibility harvested forests that meet strict environmental and socioeconomic standards.
For more information, visit bluewaterprod.com.
Jason M. Schultz / Executive VP
Bluewater Productions INC
11500 NE 76th Street Suite A3
Vancouver, WA 98662
Direct Line: 360-828-1696
Bluewaterprod.com
FROM COMIC TO COMIC BOOK: POLITICAL POWER: AL FRANKEN ARRIVES IN STORES JUNE 16