The comment by the Fox News “Fox and Friends” co-host still reverberates in my mind. She said something to the effect of, “Politics have no place in comic books,” or “Leave politics out of comics.” Anyone even superficially interested in comic book media, e.g. anyone who paid money to see “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” any of the Avengers movies, “Iron Man,” or anyone salivating to throw their money at “Captain America: Civil War” must realize the inanity in such a comment. I mean, the character is “Captain America” for crying out loud and his costume is red, white, and blue. He doesn’t get his powers from chugging PBR Popeye-style.

Image Comics has two great books already knee-deep in their respective sci-fi/political story arcs. Invisible Republic (Hardman, Bechko, Boyd) and We Stand On Guard (Vaughan, Skroce) are two of the best books available today. Each in their unique ways present some very conceptual and provocative commentary on politics. Invisible Republic examines the role of a Che Guevara-type leader of a revolution who disappeared from society after his regime was overthrown. We Stand On Guard depicts freedom-fighters in a future Canada ruled by a militaristic and resource-hungry United States.

To the brilliant collection of Image Comics, a new book has debuted upon the comic book landscape much like a crazy new GOP candidate on the debate stage. Citizen Jack (Humphries, Patterson) delves into the seedy underbelly of U.S. politics and perhaps tries to address the question: “Must politicians make a pact with the Devil in order to succeed?” Sam Humphries (writer) and Tommy Patterson (artist) introduce us to Jack Northworthy, a down-on-his-luck former high school hockey star who enjoyed a brief stint as mayor of his small town. His big-time dreams have yet to fade in spite of his sole source of income being his snow removal service. The mayor of his small town has no compassionate ear for his troubles, either, as the new mayor is his ex-wife who’d really like for Jack to make an alimony payment. Jack is not without an ally, however, as a disembodied voice reminds him special plans are in the works to help him not simply become mayor, but become President of the United States of America!

Fox News is in for a rude awakening if they believe comic book creators are simply going to throw their hands up and surrender: “Oh, you’re right, Tucker. We give. No more politics in comics.” I’m sure the media is going to be skewered in this fascinating new book, as the smartest pundit in the room isn’t a person but a dolphin named, “Cricket.” Of course, the news show hosts have no interest in listening to Cricket be rational or offer any sane bits of lucid commentary or analysis. Readers interested in biting satire dipped in Lovecraftian horror should enjoy this new Image comic for mature audiences.

On November 14th, 2015 we had the pleasure of talking to New York Times bestselling artist of The Game of Thrones comic Tommy Patterson. Tommy stopped by G’s Comics in Murray, KY., to sign limited edition variants of Citizen Jack and have a long chat with us. If you’d care to listen to our podcast and our talk with the uber-talented Tommy Patterson, well then, here you go:

Tagged: Citizen Jack, Game of Thrones Comic, Image Comics, Invisible Republic, Political Satire, Sam Humphries, Tommy F Patterson