All that is missing is the cape.
In the early pages of a new comic book “Political Power: Jimmy Carter,” the future president stands with his back turned and his arms planted firmly on his hips, gazing toward the ocean at a battleship.
“Young Jimmy’s heart yearned to journey past the borders of rural Georgia and see the world,” it reads.
The longest-living former U.S. president is the latest to get a biographical treatment in TidalWave Comics’ “Political Power” series, which has published comic books on nearly 100 political figures, including Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
It is being released just before his 97th birthday on Oct. 1, when Carter will add another notch to his “longest living” title.
Credit: TidalWave Productions
Credit: TidalWave Productions
“We really wanted to talk about his childhood, his presidency and what he has done since his presidency,” said Darren G. Davis, the publisher of TidalWave Comics. “Non-fiction stories are sometimes more entertaining than stories involving capes and tights.”
TidalWave Comics did not seek Carter’s permission to publish it. The company started its Political Power series in 2008 with titles about Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin.
“We wanted to tell fair and unbiased stories about politicians in a comic book form,” Davis said.
It is not an uncommon idea.
In 2013, former Congressman John Lewis published the first of his graphic novel trilogy, “March,” about the Civil Rights movement.
Credit: TidalWave Productions
Credit: TidalWave Productions
“Few presidents enjoy positive press after their terms are over, but Jimmy Carter’s post-presidential life has been one of unwavering service and dedication to the country he loves. His charitable contributions prove he is a true servant-leader in every sense of the term,” said Michael Frizell, who wrote the Carter comic book, which was illustrated by Martin Gimenez.
Noted comic book artist Dave Ryan did the cover, a portrait of Carter against the backdrop of a map of Georgia.
The Atlanta-based Carter Center asks well-wishers to submit birthday wishes and photos celebrating the 39th president at the Carter Center website.
The Carter Center also anticipates that Carter’s birthday Friday will be low key and marked by a quiet and solemn time.
Annette Davis Carter, 68, President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s daughter-in-law and the wife of Jeff Carter for 46 years, died Sept. 19. The family will celebrate her life on Saturday with services to be held at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains at 2 p.m.
President Carter's 97th birthday is fast approaching! 🥳 We're humbled by the outpouring of support and cheer from around the world. We've set up a special card for him: https://t.co/ZWf9F2Ojsc. Please sign with your best wishes and/or photo! ✍️#HappyBirthday #JimmyCarter pic.twitter.com/dP7b8NxsaB
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) September 24, 2021
