Former President Jimmy Carter's story comes to life in a new comic based on Georgia native

If you live in Georgia long enough, you’ll find people with a Jimmy Carter story. People will tell you about the time they built a Habitat for Humanity House with the former President or enjoyed Sunday school with him at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.

Now, just in time for his 97th birthday, TidalWave Comics is giving a new generation a chance to learn about Carter through a graphic novel. “Political Power: Jimmy Carter” is written by Michael Frizell and drawn by Martin Gimenez.

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The publishing company is no stranger to biography comics. It’s been finding creative ways to introduce young readers to important historical figures for 11 years, including comics about other former presidents such as Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

“Non-fiction stories are sometimes more entertaining than stories involving capes and tights," publisher Darren G. Davis said.

While Jimmy Carter only served one term as president, the comic documents his path to the White House by covering his time in the U.S. Navy and serving as Georgia’s 76th governor. It also discusses Carter’s life after his presidency, his humanitarian work, and how he became involved with Habitat for Humanity.

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“It was a pleasure for me to work in the life of such an interesting and committed personality to the problems of the most punished minorities,” said artist Martin Gimenez.

"Few presidents enjoy positive press after their terms are over, but Jimmy Carter’s post-presidential life has been one of unwavering service and dedication to the country he loves. His charitable contributions prove he is a true servant-leader in every sense of the term," said writer Michael Frizell.

Comic shops in Savannah carry all sorts of non-fiction graphic novels that make learning more enjoyable for young readers.

Lee Heidel from Neighborhood Comics explained that non-fiction comics, like “Political Power: Jimmy Carter,” allow younger, advanced readers to learn about people, places, and concepts without having to tackle more mature narratives that they may not be ready to understand.

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“Non-fiction books are a great way to continue to encourage those kids to read and to give them information that is appropriate for their age level. And so whether that is a non-fiction, science-based book, or if it's non-fiction biography, in this case, it really does challenge the kids in a different way.

“Comics have always had this ability to pull in readers because it does part of the imagination work for you. You’re able to read through the bubbles and the panel direction that goes through the comics, but being able to see representations of these people and places allows you to immediately insert yourself into the panels along with them and to follow along in those stories and sometimes in a much more invested way.”

“Political Power: Jimmy Carter” is available in digital form from most online bookstores. The print version is available online and through your local bookstore and comic shop.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Political Power: Jimmy Carter examines the life of former president