Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes his Marvel comics debut

Boxing Day came early for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as he made his Marvel comics debut in a variant cover for the latest issue of Civil War II. 

The cover for the issue, titled Civil War II: Choosing Sides #5, was released on Aug. 31 and sees the leader flashing his charming smile from the corner of a boxing ring while surrounded by members of Canadian superhero team Alpha Flight. 

Canada-based cover artist Ramon Perez told NPR he originally envisioned Trudeau shirtless, but later drew a tank featuring the country’s signature maple leaf when Marvel thought it too risque. “And then about two weeks or three weeks ago, Justin’s popping up in media topless, here and there, camping with his family and stuff like that,” he said. “And I’m like, there you go, we could have had him topless.” 

Writer Chip Zdarsky, who penned the story, explained, “It kind of just made sense, like this opportunity to have a Canadian-driven story at a time when Trudeau just keeps making headlines as Canada’s cool prime minister.” He added, “His only superpower, as far as I know, is awkwardly playing Beatles medleys on piano.” 

Looks like Captain America and Thor aren’t the sexiest heroes in the Marvel universe anymore.