Jeep Asks Consumers To Write Online Comic Book About 2007 Patriot

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The bad news is that you don't win a 2007 Jeep Patriot if you provide the winning story line in a new online comic book contest about the under-$15,000 SUV.

The good news is that you have a chance to win authorship credit and original Marvel Comics artwork if your ideas are the inspiration for the 20-page comic book about the new Jeep SUV.

In one of the more intriguing marketing ploys by an automaker this year, Jeep and Marvel Comics have rolled out plans for "The Patriot Factor," described as "an online adventure comic book whose story line will be provided by consumers."

The four young heroes in the comic — all of whom drive Jeep Patriots, of course — "outfox" villains and solve a mystery. No word yet on what kinds of vehicles the villains will drive. Participants will propose action and dialogue for the panels of each chapter of the comic at the Patriot Factor Web site. A team of reviewers from Jeep and Marvel Comics will pick the best of the bunch.

The first 100,000 people who register online will get a 28-page version of "The Patriot Factor." Winners will get the original illustrated panel created by Marvel artist Bing Cansino. They will also be listed as authors in the printed book.

"With the explosion of online communities, the expansion of the comic book genre into film and video games and the continued popularity of comic books, 'The Patriot Factor' is an excellent way to introduce the Jeep Patriot to and encourage our target audience with the product," said Jay Kuhnie, Jeep communications director.

He added that the Patriot is aimed at "a younger customer who has always wanted a Jeep but couldn't afford one."

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