While The Clone Wars features brave Jedi and clone troopers fighting side by side against evil, one has to wonder what would happen if your favorite Jedi and droids were replaced with politicians battling against harsh economic turmoil? MAD magazine had the same idea and came up with this hilarious "Loan Wars" feature. Here's an exclusive look from DC Comics at MAD magazine's annual 20 Dumbest People, Events and Things issue, which will hit stores on December 16th.
Starwars.com chats with MAD magazine editor John Ficarra about the "Loan Wars" feature and why it practical wrote itself with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Chairman of the Financial Services Committee Barney Frank as Jedi.
Why did you decide to do a Star Wars spoof about the bail out package?
We know there is a lot of interest in Star Wars right now, especially with the new JJ Abrams movie out in May.
Bernanke has Obi-Wan's beard and Paulson is self-righteous and annoying, just like Anakin. As for Yoda, have you seen and heard Barney Frank lately? I'm stunned that George's lawyers haven't sued him for unauthorized use of the little green Jedi Master. To be honest, the thing practically wrote itself.
Nice touch with President Bush as C-3PO and Cheney as R2-D2 in the background. Did you make Cheney into R2-D2 to remind us who in fact is running the show right now?
Your question is flawed. As best we can tell, no one is running the government right now.
What's your favorite element of the "Loan Wars" feature?
Looking at our spoof, the stormtrooper, third from the left, kills me know matter how many times I look at it.
Why do you think Star Wars fans will appreciate this feature?
Given Episode I's financial theme of the Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo, clearly Star Wars fans love anything to do with economic turmoil, sub-prime mortgages, credit default swaps, complicated derivative instruments and guys with lightsabers. Duh!
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