Spidey saves Inauguration Day for Obama in comic

President-elect Barack Obama's mythic status as a saviour for the U.S. could be cemented by his appearance in a new Spider-Man comic from Marvel.

A five-page story, added as a bonus feature in the latest Spidey installment coming out on Jan. 14, takes place in Washington D.C. on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.

"When we heard that president-elect Obama is a collector of Spider-Man comics, we knew that these two historic figures had to meet in our comics' Marvel Universe," says Marvel's editor-in-chief Joe Quesada in a statement.

"Historic moments such as this one can be reflected in our comics because the Marvel Universe is set in the real world. A Spider-Man fan moving into the Oval Office is an event that must be commemorated."

Marvel comics have featured most presidents, but generally in walk-on roles, adds Quesada.

In "Spidey Meets the President!," one of the super hero's oldest enemies, the Chameleon, tries to stop Obama's swearing-in ceremony.

Fortunately, Peter Parker is covering the event as a photographer and manages to save the day.

"I hope this doesn't ruin the inauguration for you," Spider-Man tells Obama, as the Chameleon is led away by security.

"Honestly, I'm more upset by the Chameleon's shockingly deficient understanding of the electoral process," Obama replies.

At the end, Spider-Man bids a quick goodbye as Obama stops him with one more thing to say:  "I've been a fan of yours for a long time and before you go I just want to say ... Thanks. Partner."

At this point the two exchange a fist-bump — a direct reference to the gesture the president-elect and future first lady, Michelle Obama, often do.

As for Michelle, there is a superhero future for her as well.  In April, she will be appearing in the Female Force comic book series.