Decision 2012: Barack Obama
Art by Damian Couceiro
Colors by Digikore Studios
Letters by Steve Wands
Covers by Jeffrey Spokes
BOOM! Studios
Release Date: November 9, 2011
Cover Price: $3.99

BOOM! Studios ran a straw poll of sorts for the first time in comics history. In September, they stated that they would judge the winner by the quantity of comics ordered, even saying that any candidates or potential candidates with less than 1500 orders would not be printed. And the winner was: Decision 2012: Barack Obama #1.

Other qualifying candidates that made the cut were Sarah Palin (#2 even though she isn’t running), Ron Paul, and Michele Bachmann.

The entire comic is a biography in panel form. Damian Couceiro‘s art is serviceable but nothing I would seek out for normal comics. I know he’s pretty new on the scene and I do see potential, this just isn’t his best work. I don’t think there was much in the comic that I found new, most was basic information of how President Obama grew up, the accomplishments that he had over the years, and some of his achievements while in office. My favorite part were the tidbits at the bottom of each page that gave some background information on things that were mentioned in the panels above it.

I know that lots of people don’t like him and many others are disappointed in him, but this comic is a reflection of history and biography. From his early years as a child to his prep school days, from college to his community work, this comic gives us the basic facts of who Barack Obama is. It touches briefly on his campaigning and his presidency but the vast majority is dedicated to his formative years. It’s not being used to shape the minds of our youth any more than television and the internet already do. If you hate our President then this comic most definitely won’t change your mind. If you are a fan, then chances are you might like this as a keepsake. I think that anything that gets our younger generations interested in voting cannot be all bad. But that’s just my opinion. I’m pretty sure people will find a reason to argue with me on that point, but since I am the one writing this review, they can just suck it.

My advice is vote for whomever you feel like, but vote! It’s a rare thing to have the ability to have your voice heard, use it! Sure, the electoral college isn’t perfect, but you still have a voice at all levels of government. I’m no radical but I don’t get people who complain about the government but refuse to vote. If you don’t participate then shut up. There, my little rant is over. As for who is going to win in 2012…well, I’ll tell you in about a year. Buy this comic (or others like it) if you want. I refuse to try to sway anyone to one side or the other. These Decision 2012 comics are collector’s items more than anything else, but one day who knows? Maybe we can use comics to teach history. *cough, cough* Maus *cough, cough*