Capping off this week of Obama-influenced comics, I'd like to introduce you readers to an alternate version of comic book's most famous hero, Superman. Calvin Ellis was the last son of Krypton who grew up on Earth and learned of his alien origins whilst mastering his superpowers. Sound familiar? Well, think again! Because Calvin isn't only The Man of Steel, he's also President of the United States of America. Wow, what a twist!
Writer Grant Morrison's creation of this Superman was inspired by a joke Barack Obama gave on national television before he was elected president. Barack claimed he was from planet Krypton and sent to Earth by his father Jor-El. Obviously referencing Superman's origin and flexing his nerd muscles, Barack became the basis for this otherworldly Superman. Juggling the responsibilities of being President and a secret superhero, Calvin's story presents a mixture of political drama and science-fiction. The villain he fights in his story is an evil Superman from another world who calls himself Superdoom. Yes, I'm serious. Superdoom. Calvin, after his one issue, reappears in "Multiversity", a book about various alternate worlds colliding. If his resemblance to Obama isn't enough, his wife is a black woman resembling first lady Michelle Obama who also happens to be her world's version of Wonder Woman. Go figure.
Having the First Family translated as superheroes is flattering I'm sure, but this seems to be the limit of how far comic books go in idolizing political figures. In some sense, given Barack's media presence, it's also a case of celebrity idolization. While I am politically ambiguous, I'd be interested in seeing the opposite reaction to Barack Obama within comics. With iconic characters like Spider-Man and Superman, its understandable why most worldly events would be highlighted in their respective books, but the respect and admiration the president has received through these books is quite noticeable. So is Barack Obama really a superhero? No, he isn't. But, like a superhero, Barack represents the pride, freedom and legacy U.S. presidents carry similar to comic's most well-known superheroes.
I hope you enjoyed this week's topic and have found Obama's comic presence as interesting as I have. Thanks for reading!
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