Prez TPB Vol. 1: Corndog in Chief – A Comic Book Overview
Genre
Satirical science fiction, political comedy, dystopian
future
Main Characters
- Beth
Ross – A nineteen-year-old social media star who unexpectedly becomes
the President of the United States, bringing youthful idealism and
defiance into a deeply flawed political system.
- Vice
President Tina – Beth's loyal and pragmatic second-in-command, often
serving as a stabilizing influence amid chaos.
- Boss
Smiley – A powerful corporate figure who represents the interests of
big business and seeks to control Beth.
- Carl
the End-of-Life Bear – A morbid but comically designed euthanasia
robot representing the dystopian healthcare system.
- Congressman
Longhorne – A corrupt political figure emblematic of the entrenched
establishment.
Writer
Mark Russell – Known for blending biting satire with
humanist storytelling, Russell brings a sharp critique of American politics and
corporate influence to Prez. His work here mirrors the absurdity of
contemporary issues through an imaginative, futuristic lens.
Artist
Ben Caldwell – His expressive and energetic art style
perfectly complements the comic’s satirical tone. Caldwell excels at capturing
both the zaniness and underlying humanity of the story, bringing vibrancy to
the futuristic setting.
Editor Details
Edited by Marie Javins, whose editorial direction
ensured that Prez maintained its unique blend of social commentary and
humor. Her experience with unconventional narratives helped shape the book’s
distinctive voice.
Publisher and Brand
Published by DC Comics under the DC You
initiative—an experimental branding effort launched in 2015 to diversify
content and storytelling styles. Prez stood out as one of the most
daring and subversive titles of the line.
Release Year
2015
Brief Plot Summary
Set in a near-future America where corporations can legally
run for political office and the social media mob wields real power, Prez:
Corndog in Chief follows teenager Beth Ross who, after a viral Twitter
moment, becomes the unlikely President of the United States. As she navigates a
system built on corruption, greed, and tech-run chaos, Beth attempts to
challenge the status quo with integrity and empathy—something unheard of in her
cyberpunk-tinged world. Her presidency becomes a symbol of hope and resistance,
but powerful forces conspire to crush her.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
- "Elected
by Meme" – The arc that details Beth’s rise to power through a
viral Twitter mishap, underscoring the surreal nature of democracy in her
future America.
- "Drone
Tacos and Death Panels" – A darkly comedic look at privatized
services and automated society, featuring Carl the End-of-Life Bear and
commentary on healthcare ethics.
- "The
Corporate Coup" – Beth’s resistance to corporate overlords,
particularly Boss Smiley, takes center stage as she fights to implement
genuine reforms in a broken system.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
- Beth
Ross as a Symbol of Hopeful Disruption – Many fans interpret Beth as a
Gen Z analog, embodying youth disillusionment with traditional politics
and the yearning for meaningful change.
- Carl
the End-of-Life Bear as Allegory – Carl is often seen as a satirical
take on both AI ethics and the commodification of life and death in
capitalist society.
- Boss
Smiley as the Deep State – While literal in his portrayal, some
theorize Boss Smiley is a manifestation of the unaccountable power behind
political puppets.
Review Summary
Prez: Corndog in Chief stands out as a bold, imaginative, and sharply satirical exploration of the political machine. Mark Russell’s writing is razor-sharp, balancing humor and tragedy with precision. Ben Caldwell’s art bursts with kinetic energy, using exaggerated visuals to underscore the comic’s absurdist future. The characters, especially Beth Ross, are written with surprising emotional depth, making her more than just a symbol—she’s a relatable figure of resistance. The series is a hidden gem for fans of dystopian satire with substance.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
