> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Comic book icon laughs at politics - URL: https://www.smdp.com/comic-book-icon-laughs-at-politics/ - Published: 2008-07-08T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T20:05:46.000Z - Author: Guest Author - Tags: Government & Politics, Santa Monica, #archive-import *By CHRISTINA YOON Special to the Daily Press* SANTA MONICA PUBLIC LIBRARY President George W. Bush pounds his podium emphatically, exclaiming, “By presidential decree, I declare... It’s pronounced ‘nooku-lar.’” Barack Obama stands by a sign printed with his campaign slogan: “Change we can believe in.” As he shakes the hand of an admirer, Obama turns to him and says, “No, you misread the sign. I don’t have four quarters for a dollar.” This is politics, Stan Lee-style. In his new photo book “Election Daze,” the 85-year-old creator of superheroes such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Hulk and the Fantastic Four switches gears, poking fun at some of the most visible and influential political figures today. Photographs of politicians including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain taken by Capitol Hill photographer Lauren Victoria Burke are enhanced by Lee’s goofy one-liners. “It’s the type of writing I enjoy doing,” Lee said. “And it’s the kind of thing I can do quick, so it doesn’t interfere with my regular work.” The wisecracking writer signed copies of “Election Daze,” as well as carefully preserved copies of rare comic books, prized figurines and even an adult-sized Spider- Man costume, at the Santa Monica Public Library last Wednesday. The event was planned in conjunction with comic book store Hi-De-Ho on Santa Monica Boulevard. Anxious fans of all ages snaked around the building, awaiting the man who many consider to be the godfather of comic books. Fan Dino Andrade fell in love with Spider-Man as a kid and is so devoted to comic book culture that he has started Soulgeek.com, a dating site and online community for “fan-guys” and “fan-gals” who are just as obsessed with science fiction, horror, fantasy and animation. Waiting patiently at the library for Lee’s arrival, Andrade showed his support for his latest work despite its departure from the classic comic book genre. “The guy’s earned the right to be able to do what he wants,” Andrade said. “He’s considered one of the great icons.” Lee said that he’s received an overwhelmingly warm reception by his devoted fans to “Election Daze.” “If you’re a fan of mine you have to have a sense of humor,” he said. This is not the first time Lee has explored the genre of the photo book. He previously released the photo book “Monsters Unlimited,” which matched stills from old horror movies with humorous captions. In the 1960s, Lee published a magazine called “You Don’t Say,” which poked fun at the era’s superstar politicians like presidents John Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson. “It’s almost therapeutic,” Lee said of writing photo books. “You don’t feel like you’re working.” This was especially true for Lee as he wrote “Election Daze,” as he was able to think up material just by watching the constant news coverage surrounding this year’s contentious presidential campaigns. “It is interesting as hell,” Lee said of politics. “I wish they had a debate every night. I like when two people argue about the same thing.” As for his own political views, Lee is unsure about where he’s leaning this year. “I’m more inclined to vote Democratic but I haven’t totally made up my mind,” he said. However, Lee assured his fans that people of all political persuasions, and even those who have no interest in the current campaigns at all, would still get a kick out of “Election Daze.” “It’s not a book of politics,” he said.“It’s a book of humor.” The slapstick humor of “Election Daze” is a reflection of Lee’s lighthearted view on life. “I’ve always been kind of foolish,” he said. “I remember my teacher saying I always act like the class clown. I’m a real ham!” There are plans for more photo books in the future, including those with sports and celebrity themes. And Lee shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. “You’ve heard of the old cowboys who want to die with their boots on? I want to die with my fingers on my keyboard.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/070808-03_01.jpg) REACHING OUT: Comic book icon Stan Lee recently released a photo book titled ‘Election Daze.’ (Photo: Photo courtesy Thomas H. Kang) *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 8, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/070808.pdf?ref=smdp.com)