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alt.comics.MiddleEast

The point of this isn't Spiders so much as it is communications, and the growing use of comic books to sell ideology (kind of like Fox News in print). Noy Thrupkaew reports on Persepolis, a graphic novel by Iranian artist/political commentator Marjane Satrapi. As with Spiders, Persepolis focuses on the role of women in reforming Islam. Thrubpkaew points out that 70% of Iranians are under the age of thirty; what better way to reach this audience than with a comic book? [Pantheon Books, 160 pps.]

Comics (or graphic novels) are an ideal vehicle for promoting political causes in emerging nations. In fact, after reading what Gospelcom.net has to say about comics in the Middle East, I'm a bit surprised the Republican party hasn't resorted to using comic books to reach all those Rush fans out there in the red states.

I don't see this is as an indication that American political parties are behind the curve, not at all. I think it means that the stereotype of “adult comic book reader = illiterate” is pretty strong in our culture, and it's presently viewed as an inappropriate form of outreach. I'm sure that if Karl Rove thought comics could still influence voters, Dreamhavens nationwide would be stocked to the ceilings with the latest edition of The Incredible Bush.

Comic books have played a role in American politics, especially in Get Out the Vote and union organizing efforts. But, as anyone who watched last night's History Channel special on comics can tell you, the U.S. comic book industry is in sad shape, almost as broken-down as our Bush-battered electoral process.

Are comics a thing of the past? No, they've just evolved into animated and special effects-laden live action video fare. Why read Batman when you can watch Batman Beyond? After watching Wing Commander Bush strut across the USS Abraham Lincoln's deck, it's not hard to imagine future presidential spots evolving into sixty-second battles between Rancher Man and Hillary Woman or maybe even a return of The Gorebot vs. The Dickster. Or wait, I guess Showtime's already working on the first superhero campaign ad. [2nd item]

— posted by Mark Gisleson

Posted by Steve Perry at June 24, 2003 8:42 AM

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