Citizen Jack #1–6 (2015–2016) – Comic Review đł️đ
Genre
Political Satire, Supernatural Thriller, Dark Comedy
Main Characters
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Jack Steele – A washed-up snowblower salesman and former mayor with delusions of grandeur, Jack is bribed and bullied into running for President—by a demon.
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Marlinspike – A demonic entity who acts as Jack’s campaign manager and dark benefactor, manipulating public perception from the shadows.
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Sandy – Jack’s loyal yet skeptical assistant, often caught between reality and the absurdity of Jack’s chaotic rise.
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Avalon – A relentless and insightful journalist determined to expose the truth behind Jack’s meteoric political climb.
Writer
Sam Humphries – Known for blending sharp political wit with the bizarre, Humphries crafts Citizen Jack as both absurd and alarmingly familiar, especially in an age of media-driven politics.
Artist
Tommy Patterson – Brings raw energy to the panels with expressive character work and chaotic, sometimes grotesque scenes that capture the insanity of Jack’s world.
Editor Details
J. Michael Straczynski served as a consulting editor, guiding the comic’s thematic edge and storytelling structure.
Publisher and Brand
Image Comics – Independent, creator-owned publisher known for taking bold storytelling risks.
Brand: Creator-Owned, Non-Superhero, Political Satire
Release Year
đ 2015–2016
Brief Plot Summary
Citizen Jack follows Jack Steele, a disgraced former mayor turned small-town loser whose life takes a bizarre turn when a demon named Marlinspike offers to make him President of the United States. With zero qualifications and a mountain of personal issues, Jack becomes the face of a populist political movement fueled by media manipulation and supernatural influence. As Jack’s campaign gains traction, so does the chaos, blurring the line between farce and horror. What unfolds is a surreal and biting critique of fame, politics, and moral bankruptcy.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“The Demon in the Booth” – Jack’s campaign kicks off in a whirlwind of lies, late-night TV, and demonic deals.
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“Fake News, Real Consequences” – A media storm boosts Jack’s popularity while suppressing Avalon’s attempts to uncover the truth.
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“The Cost of Power” – Jack begins to unravel under the pressure of campaign success and Marlinspike’s dark expectations.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
đĄ Marlinspike as a Manifestation of American Politics: Some readers theorize Marlinspike isn't a literal demon, but a symbolic representation of media influence and populist manipulation.
đĄ Jack as a Satirical Trump Stand-In: Though the comic predates Trump’s presidency, fans often interpret Jack Steele as a prophetic caricature of unqualified leadership bolstered by spectacle.
đĄ Avalon as the Voice of Reason: Her arc may represent the fading relevance of honest journalism in an era of viral content and manufactured outrage.
Review Summary
Citizen Jack delivers a twisted, gut-punch satire of modern politics with supernatural flair. The writing is sharp, often hilarious, and deeply unsettling in its relevance. Humphries presents a nightmarish vision of democracy gone wrong, while Patterson’s art complements the absurdity with exaggerated expressions and darkly whimsical imagery. The character of Jack Steele is both laughable and tragic—a man so incompetent it’s terrifying to watch him succeed. The comic’s greatest strength lies in its boldness to hold a mirror to real-world issues with unapologetic irony. đđ°đ„
đł️ Final Verdict: A must-read for fans of political satire, dystopian fiction, or anyone brave enough to laugh through the madness of modern leadership.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
