The year is 2046, America has just elected its first teenage president…what could go wrong and what could go right? This is Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Russell‘s satirical comic Prez: Setting a Dangerous President at DC Comics. Along for the ride with Mark are artists Ben Caldwell and Mark Morales.
Oregon teen Beth Ross has just been elected President of the United States of America. Age restrictions were abolished when corporations gained the right to run for office. Elections are now held on social media, and after a corndog accident makes Beth Ross go viral, a nation is shocked to wake up and find that “Corndog Girl” has just become their new president.
The eyes of the world are on Beth. But in a nation so used to misrule that the poor are willing to do anything on TV for a chance at a better life, will a fresh start be enough to undo the damage caused by Boss Smiley and his corporate shadow government?
As it is with most comics by Mark Russell, his writing style shines in Prez: Setting a Dangerous President. He has the uncanny ability to deliver sharp satire and thought-provoking commentary on politics, media, and societal norms. Russell delivers witty dialogue that draws us into Beth’s world as she grapples with the responsibilities of her new role. I mean who else can write this off-the-wall satirical story with such ease other than Mark Russell?
The story reads a lot similar to those written in the independent comic world, although it was published by DC Comics. This is another strong suit of Mark Russell, the ability to engage readers from various genres with a story so unusual you have no choice but to invest your time into reading.
Ben Caldwell’s pencils, Mark Morales’ inks, and Jeremy Lawson‘s colors bring the vision set forth by Russell’s outstanding writing to life with unique artwork and wonderful design. The use of design and coloring to create an immersive experience is truly spectacular. Some may write-off the overall story as simply a funny book, but what this team was able to create from cover-to-cover is truly wonderful.
Releasing Prez: Setting a Dangerous President again in a new format during a time where the political climate is such as it is right now is a great decision on the part of DC Comics. Prez was originally co-created by Joe Simon and Jerry Grandenetti in 1973. The adaptation by Russell was released in single issues beginning in June 2015. The most recent series was selected as one of YALSA’s Top Ten Graphic Novels for Teens. Hitting bookstores again for those who want to collect everything about Prez or who missed out in the first place, now is the time to read this fun series.
Prez: Setting a Dangerous President is not your typical comic book, it is one made up of bold decisions, wonderful writing and unique artwork. While we might find ourselves glued to a specific genre or publisher, this story is worthing taking a break from whatever you are reading and diving into.
Prez: Setting a Dangerous President hit bookstores everywhere and your local comic shop on June 4, 2024 from DC Comics.
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