Prez: The First Teen President

Gr 7 Up—This complete revamp stylistically transitions the classic comic through the decades and uses the art to modernize the story line. Villain Boss Smiley is looking to the presidency but cannot run for office himself. The laws have been amended so that not only is the voting age lowered to 18, but also the age at which someone may run for president. Carefully, Boss Smiley selects Prez and "coaches" him into the politician that would most benefit himself. Prez is completely unaware of his manipulation, but through the help of his friends he realizes that he must break away from Smiley and stand his ground as the president. Readers may initially be put off by the first story line in the comic, because it refers to events from the 1970s with which they are unfamiliar. Also, the representation of characters often conforms to stereotypes of the era. However, the plot and art morph into a complex narrative that could be incorporated in political science classes. The art evokes traditional comics, relying on exaggerated or caricaturelike figures.