President Obama offers 'shout out' to THE 99

We all know that President Barak Obama is no stranger to comic books. He has even publicly identified himself with Superman. What I didn't know is that he knew about The 99. Here is a video in which he gives a shout out to the creator.

The Actual Super Adventures of Barack Obama

I've always liked the Jib Jab videos, especially the ones where you can put your own face in them. I also like most are the ones that poke fun at politicians. This one's called "He's Barack Obama", and in it he is definitely a Superhero. It's hella corny but I really like this one. What do you think?

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Image's Free Agent

Who's this new Free Agent guy? I've never heard of him. Apparently President Obama calls on him to battle Terrorists in Afghanistan. I'll have to watch and see what Image Comics does with this character. You can read more about his latest appearance here. I'd be interested to hear what you think. Does he have potential?

Is Barack Obama Pro-Mutant?

Apparently President Barack Obama does not agree with the proposed Mutant Registration Act. This bodes well for our nation's Superheroes.

Barack The Barbarian

Okay, yes I think it's too much. I'll admit I am a fan or our current President but are we going to find any excuse to put the man in a comic book? I have to admit it will probably sell. That Spidey comic with the President in it did amazingly well. I was listening to a podcast the other day and some musicians were pontificating that if Barack Obama were to ever put out a song and put it on iTunes, it would be an instant hit and probably blow up the iTunes website. Business-wise writing about the President is probably a good bet. All that being said, I'm strangely drawn to this comic and will probably buy it. The press release is compelling. Hillary as a Sorceress?:

"BARACK THE BARBARIAN: QUEST FOR THE TREASURE OF STIMULI: Devil's Due and Larry Hama (G.I. Joe, Wolverine) take political satire to a whole new level. Hama, a surprise hire to some, but not to those who truly know his tastes, will take a look at the current state of politics both past and present and isn't afraid to point fun at Washinton's sacred cows. In the distant future the story of Barack Obama has become a little... distorted. According to THE MADDOWIAN CHRONICLES he was the one destined to save the great republic of America and dethrone the overpaid despots of the time. Join Barack, Sorceress Hilaria, her demi-god trickster husband Biil, Overlord Boosh and Chainknee of the Elephant Kingdom. Who can the lone barbarian trust, if anyone?"

President Black Superman & The Lack Of Ideas

In DC's Final Crisis #7 we got to glimpse an alternate earth where the President of the United States is not only black but also that world's Superman. The Wonder Woman of that world is also Black and is apparently called "Nubia". Click here to see the page where he's introduced. President Obama did say he was born on Krypton albeit as a joke. The intro for this Black Superman is brief and doesn't really contribute to the main story but damn it was good to see. Should it be surprising to see this happen during Black History month?
Now what we really need is a Black Superhero that's not an offshoot of a White character and yes I am complaining. READ MORE...

I read somewhere that Black Superheros have very generic motivations, that there just isn't enough of a range of characters. I can't say I disagree and I'm not interested in blaming anyone. I'm much more interested in what the solution is. How do we get the major comic book companies to recognize and represent that there are more than just the three or four kinds of Black people than they've shown us so far. Independent comic companies have been able to do it. Why not Marvel and DC? With DC we have the Milestone characters coming into the fold so there's hope there. I'm not complaining about the presentation of Black Superheroes in mainstream comics, (at least not in this particular rant), I'm complaining about the lack of variety.
You want some suggestions? How about a light-skinned Black Superhero? How about a young Black superpowered character that uses his powers for low level criminal activity because it's easier and later gets taken under the wing of a positive Black male Superhero father figure? How about a Black Superhero character whose powers aren't all cool and useful? How about a Black Superhero that can't use his powers much because he's too busy trying to make ends meet? I really could go on.

Barak Obama Superhero Endorsement

I love the fact that after years of creating fake U.S. Presidents for the comics, writers have come around to depicting the real one by face and name. Don't get me wrong, the concept is not that new. I've seen Bush cameos before and even some older ones but Barack Obama is showing up quite a bit more than his predecessors and he hasn't even taken office yet.
A couple of months ago I wrote a post that showed Savage Dragon supporting Obama's candidacy. You can seen him here with Spidey. Now I get that Spidey is the icon for Marvel. I have no problem with Barak calling him partner. It's all good but wouldn't it be great to see him endorse a Black Superhero like Black Panther, Black Lightning, or Static? I'm just saying. It's 2009, let's keep those milestones coming. How many Black Superheroes should Obama have in his cabinet? Can you see them playing Basketball at the White House?

Super President

Not to make light of those who paved the way but if there is one Black superhero that deserves to be in a comic book, it's Barack Obama. With the power to become President of the United States while still being Black among his many abilities, I for one am looking forward to his continuing adventures. Comic books of late have been straying farther and farther away from the reality of our universe but are now poised to stray back in our direction as our real President Elect will be showing up in the comic books we know and love. Maybe they have also come to realize it's time for a change.


Is he a superhero? Well Barack has already likened himself to Superman. In fact the web is littered with images making the comparison. You gotta love the poses. There is actually an official Barack Obama comic book that contains the President Elect's biography. (There's one for McCain too.) You can get it at Amazon.com among other places. Over in the Marvel comic book universe Obama had to beat out Stephen Colbert to win the Presidency.You may even recall Barack receiving an endorsement from a rather well know superhero earlier this year. They share the cover of issue 137 of the Savage Dragon.

What impact will Barack Obama have over the various comic book universes? He's already got a big mess to clean up over in this one. Only time will tell but until then, at least for the next eight years, make mine Obama!