Prez by Mark Russell Series:
Published by DC Comics
Beth Ross isn't a politician or celebrity. That all changes when a video of her getting into an accident at work goes viral, earning her the name "Corn Dog Girl." This just happens to fall in the midst of an election in which candidates are willing to stop at nothing to obtain endorsements, every word spoken controlled and weighted by corporate endorsements. Beth, a teenager with no political aspirations, is endorsed as somewhat of a joke, her popularity soars out of control as people see a fresh face, someone to clean up the current reputation of American politics. Without her knowledge, she becomes a write-in candidate for President of the United States.
Yes, this all sounds quite far-fetched and unbelievable. Yet, in our current political climate, when a man lacking in…a filter and any sense of political correctness, is running for presidential office. A revamp of an older series originally published in the 1970s, Russell uses heavy satire to make a statement about our society’s political system. In this updated version of the series, he starts fresh and anew, not relying on any semblance of the previous series. Rather than using an individual with a political background and knowledge, Russell uses an teenage girl, frustrated with the system and not afraid to voice her opinion. Though the satire may be excessive at times, it doesn’t pack any punches. There is no sugar-coating in this version of Prez. Additionally, Russell weaves in modern technology like Twitter and other social media as a vehicle for the corrupt political campaigns. What seems like a relatively light and comedic series is actually quite moving and thought-provoking; Beth Ross’ own father is a victim of a mysterious flu, unable to afford treatment due to medical insurance issues.
Caldwell’s art truly does add to the story-line. Richly-drawn characters full of expression and detail. The colors are bright and captivating, replicating the energy and intenstity of Russell’s written words.
Though readers don’t learn a great deal about Beth’s character in the first issue, that quickly changes in subsequent issues. I’m thrilled to see a female character cast in a role originally assigned to a male. This fresh perspective, added with the comical satire mixed with the editorial of our nation’s political system, bumped this series up to the top of my favorites. One of the only DC comics in my pull-list, it’s one that I look forward to with each new issue. It exceeded each and every one of my expectations, I find myself wowed with each issue. Highly recommended.
