Super Abe Unveiled

August 19, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Super Abe Unveiled: Symbolic Comic Character Takes Center of Political Counter-Narrative

Elmhurst, IL. – Abraham Lincoln’s legacy has been invoked in a new comic superhero named Super Abe. For the Good of Illinois, an Illinois 501(c)4 has unveiled the iconic new superhero as the symbolic champion and defender of limited, accountable and transparent government on behalf of the people of Illinois.

“It’s time for fresh thinking and new ideas that invite every Illinoisan to be a part of the political process. At present, many of our leaders seem to be anything but heroes—some even go on to officially earn the title of villain. It’s time for something different we can use to reach more Illinoisans more effectively,” said Adam Andrzejewski, the organization’s Founder and Chief Executive.

Comic books burst into American pop culture during the tumultuous 1930’s. The Great Depression, natural disasters, organized crime, and an explosion of government programs and regulations threatened the future of the United States. When Siegel and Shuster introduced Superman in 1932, Americans desperate for heroes willingly embraced the comic book character and he quickly became an American cultural icon.

When WWII began in 1939 with the invasion of Poland, America faced an even greater threat: the most widespread war in history, brutal attacks against civilians, and the use of nuclear weapons resulting in the deadliest conflict in human history. During the war, Simon and Kirby introduced Captain America, a super soldier created to save his country from the Axis powers of WWII.

“We shall call you Captain America, son! Because, like you – America shall gain the strength and the will to safeguard our shores,” read the byline on Captain America’s first issue. Americans once again embraced a symbolic superhero found in the pages of comic books and Captain America became one of the top-selling comics during the war.

Stan Lee, creator of such comics as Spiderman, Iron Man, and The Incredible Hulk once said, “People have always wanted heroes and always will. Unfortunately, sometimes the time isn’t right for us, because our leaders don’t seem to be heroes.” Andrzejewski believes the time is right for a new kind of a superhero: One dedicated to protecting liberty by taking on the political establishment. And who better to be that hero than the Great Emancipator himself, Abraham Lincoln.

“America now faces other threats—both foreign and domestic—with grave consequences similar to those during the 1930’s. Economic turmoil not seen since the Great Depression has left families struggling to get by, The War on Terror continues to spread, corruption is eroding the efficacy of the democratic system at every level of government and an explosion of state and federal governments threatens to finally put an end to the American experiment,” said Andrzejewski.

Super Abe’s first assault on corruption is illustrated in a comic strip depicting the vindication of Barack Obama’s vacated senate seat, which former Governor Rod Blagojevich has been accused of trading in exchange for financial benefits for himself and his wife, Patty.

Firebone, a creative brand consultancy retained by For The Good of Illinois, created Super Abe.

Andrzejewski ran a highly praised—though unsuccessful—bid for the Illinois GOP gubernatorial nomination, energetically received by voters as a breath of fresh air and a departure from the establishment politics as usual. He was also widely hailed as the typification of Tea Partiers’ independent principles.

With government transparency and responsibility in his crosshairs, Andrzejewski founded For The Good of Illinois in 2007 and worked with government agencies to publish spending online in an effort to expose over-spending, negligent management and corruption. A reengineered For The Good of Illinois, and affiliated Political Action Committee (PAC), is dedicated to reigniting liberty, opportunity and prosperity in Illinois for the benefit of future generations. Former U.S. Congressional Candidate (IL-8th) and Long Grove Village President, Maria Rodriguez is the organization’s Executive Director and embraces the group’s sentiment that too many Illinoisans have been disenfranchised by politician’s self-serving fiefdoms and left feeling they cannot fight city hall, held at the mercy of political machines.

For the Good of Illinois PAC provides financial support from our members to candidates at the state level who believe in limited, accountable and transparent government, in addition to applying pressure on incumbents by identifying, recruiting and coaching viable candidates.

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All images are Copyright © 2010 For The Good of Illinois, An registered Illinois 501(c)4
Download press-ready files: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7762753/SuperAbe_Reveal.zi