Upcoming Oprah comic illustrated by Bradenton resident

Heroes are enshrined in some way, shape or form.

Monuments. TV specials. Museums dedicated in their name. Comic books.

Oprah Winfrey, queen of the daytime talk show circuit - and an inspiration to millions of women - will be featured in a new comic book in Bluewater Productions' "Female Force" biography series. The series recently featured First Lady Michelle Obama, 2008 vice president nominee Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton.

The bigger news is that Bradenton resident Joshua LaBello will be illustrating the book. We did a feature story on LaBello a couple of months ago when he illustrated the Obama book, which went on to outsell both the Palin and Clinton comics.

Unlike most comic book heroes, Winfrey won't have any super powers. She won't be able to absorb cosmic energy, disintegrate harmful fat cells in unsuspecting audience members or stop people from jumping on couches. The "Female Force" series is known for highlighting the real lives of "super" women - women who have helped shape our history and culture.

The comic will depict Oprah's rise to fame and the challenges she faced along the way.

“She might not wear a cape, but she is some kind of super hero to a great many people,” Labello said. “Despite a childhood riddled with abuse and adversities, she turned her wounds into wisdom, grabbed hold of every opportunity and reached a level of success that practically redefines the term.”

Look for the comic at a comic book store near you in September.

-January Holmes