Comic Book Resources' own Mike Smith, famed socio-political activist who's garnered more than 5,058 posts since joining the sizzling forum community in late August, 2005 (averaging about 19.15 posts per day) made a courages and moving plea to comic book creators for taking a more active role in helping steer our troubled nation's political leadership into safer pastures. The resounding call, creating waves of controversy throughout the comics community, was made on a forum thread discussing The Comic Book Creators' Party proposed Presidential candidate for the 2008 elections, Neal Adams and his provocotively debated science theory, Growing Earth.

The idea that comic creators could have a special place in US politics, some of them showing signs of being excellent leaders that could capture the hearts and minds of Americans, is neat. While I don't think interest in comic writing could act as a unifier in a group of people starting a political movement, it would be interesting to hear some clever comics creators ideas on the nation, its development, and prospects for the future.

Whenever we have more concerned people presenting their ideas in a public forum - from the garbage man, to the teachers, to the comic creators - our country is moving in the right direction. The mind set of THE PEOPLE is at the fore of the public forum and discourse. Comic creators do have a bit of a spotlight, so could use their prestige and position to turn their "mikes" up a bit louder than others to be heard. Doesn't mean they'll necessarily be that great, but would surely be welcome to present their views on successfully directing the nation [to a more favorable state of affairs].

Still early to estimate the influence this will have on renowned creators with sharp socio-political opinions and messages in their work, such as Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Steven Grant, Mark Millar and Warren Ellis, among many others - Michael Netzer, the enigmatic comics creator who first proposed the formation of the party in November, 2004, had this to say about Smith's activism:

Mike Smith is one of the true brave leaders within the comics community's forum discussions and I have no doubt that comics creators from all genres will not be able to easily ignore the controversy his bold new initiative will raise.

More to come as events unfold.

Permalink Posted: 9:14 AM EST