Considering how reality TV has changed the landscape of television by allowing more viewer participation in shows, one would think that more comic books would have embraced elements of the format. However, there are relatively few comic books over the years that have involved fans through voter participation or contests, but an upcoming comic book from Aspen Comics looks to change that.When I first heard the concept behind IDOLIZED I was intrigued, but after talking to series creator David B. Schwartz, I went from being intrigued to downright double back-flipping excited. At the forefront, IDOLIZED is utilizing some very innovative and groundbreaking reality TV type gimmicks, such as allowing fans to vote on character designs. But at the core, Schwartz’s description of IDOLIZED paints the picture of a series that is going to be a very well-thought out character piece and highly entertaining read.With Image Comics’ Meltdown, Schwartz created a brilliant and original take on the superhero medium, and Aspen Comics’ IDOLIZED looks like it will continue in that tradition. IDOLIZED tells the story of a girl with super powers and a dark past, who seeks revenge, and ultimately finds redemption, over the course of competing in a televised super hero competition show. Aspen Comics describes the series as “True Grit meets American Idol…with capes.”If IDOLIZED isn’t already on your radar, then you owe it to yourself to read Schwartz’ commentary on the series below. I have a feeling that this is a series that will catch a lot of people by surprise, so it’s one of those titles you might want to have your local comic book add to your hold box now, so you don’t miss out when it sells out.
