Focusing on American history, the American Graphic series uses a comic format to introduce figures that have caught people's attention from the present and the past. Here the focus is on the last election's new faces. In Sarah Palin, her surprise ascension to vice-presidential nominee is covered completely: both the excitement she brought to the ticket as well as her weaknesses are discussed. Though Sarah Palin has an uncertain future role in politics, this book leaves open the possibility of bigger things to come. Although the artwork varies in accomplishment even from panel to panel, it does capture the vigor of a political season. One excellent addition is putting actual quotes in yellow. The back matter includes a spread summing up each subject and his or her accomplishments and leads readers to facthound.org for more information.

These comic-book-format titles introduce political rivals and newcomers Palin and Obama. Focusing on their limited experience, growing public attention, and campaign strategies, the books reveal more about the 2008 presidential race than the subjects' personal histories. Mediocre illustrations combine with a simple, often repetitive text for an uninspired presentation. Brief biographical information with color photographs is appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.