Unpresidential

Unpresidential, from authors Kevin Bieber and Victor Reynolds and artist Jerimiah Labib, is a brash satirization of American and, to a lesser extent, North Korean, politics and society. Told in graphic novel format, Unpresidential imagines an alternative universe in which Donald Trump mysteriously disappears in the midst of the 2016 presidential primary, leaving Kim Jung-un the opportunity he’s been waiting for–the chance to run for US President. What ensues is a satiric, absurdist tale of the affectionately-titled “Un’s” exploits in attempting to capture the hearts and minds of the American populace.

Though artist Jerimiah Labib’s style isn’t my favorite, it serves the purpose of emphasizing both the satirical and grotesque elements of the narrative, (some of which include, for example, Mike Pence being beheaded by a bear and Un entering a psychedelic Twitterverse. The story makes clear the more glaring similarities between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un and satirizes Americans’ susceptibility to absurd claims and personalities. Un’s promises to, for example, promote corporations from people to gods, on the surface outlandish, has now become not only plausible but likely in our current socio-political reality. And, through its satire, the narrative makes its point of how close to absurdity our current political and social situation is. Be forewarned that there are moments depicting relatively graphic (excuse the pun) sex and violence. Overall, it’s a fun and pointed romp, but it’s not necessarily mind-blowing.