For award-winning writer Mark Russell, biting satire and topical commentary has been a trademark of his signature style. Russell has parlayed that style into critical and fan acclaim across multiple DC series, from the Eisner-nominated “The Flintstones” to “Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles” (winner of the 2019 GLAAD Award for Outstanding Comic), “Wonder Twins,” “One-Star Squadron,” “Superman: Space Age” (2022 Eisner nominee, Best Limited Series), and the upcoming “Batman: Dark Age.”
At a time more relevant than ever, DC is re-releasing Russell’s first work for the publisher as a graphic novel for young adults, with additional bonus content. “Prez: Setting a Dangerous President” arrives in all participating comic book shops, bookstores, and mass-market retailers and e-tailers Tuesday, June 4.
“Prez: Setting a Dangerous President” introduces readers to fast-food worker Beth Ross, against the backdrop of a national meltdown and the 2046 presidential elections. Due to a hilarious combination of events and a video of Beth getting her hair caught in a deep fryer, the 19-year-old viral sensation known as “Corndog Girl” becomes the youngest commander-in-chief in United States history. In a nation where corporations can run for office, the poor are used as human billboards, and tacos are delivered by drone, is the social-media sensation ready for politics, and is politics ready for her?
Previously selected as one of YALSA’s (Young Adult Library Services Association) Top Ten Graphic Novels for Teens, “Prez: Setting a Dangerous President” is a 184-page softcover collecting the original six-issue Prez series from 2016 by Russell and artist Ben Caldwell (“Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles,” “Justice League Unlimited,” “Wednesday Comics: Wonder Woman”) and Dominike “Domo” Stanton (REPRESENT, “The Lesson,” “The Sandman Universe: House of Whispers”), along with a new original story from Russell and Caldwell. The collection also includes a short story from the 2016 Catwoman: Election Night one-shot, plus the original “Prez” Sneak Peek from 2015’s DC You publishing initiative.
