Holy 401(k), Batman! It's the Y2K Bug -- a fierce creature that can't see well but is sensitive to panic and movement -- and it's coming this way across the Millennium Bridge.
But fear not. The latest installment of 401 Komics features our heroes, Professor K and Father K, successfully facing down the imposing creature, and while they're at it, instructing plan participants on how to prepare for the new millennium.
"Y2K: The Millennium Bug and Your 401(k)" is one of the first in an educational comic book series masterminded by Ted Benna, founder of the 401(k) Association and the father of the 401(k) plan, and Ken Alexander, a licensed falconer, adventurer and 401(k) plan consultant.
Mr. Alexander, the prototype for Professor K, came up with the idea of using comic books as education tools, said Mr. Benna, who co-writes the scripts with Mr. Alexander and is the model for Father K.
The comic books are being marketed to both service providers and plan sponsors, he said. MassMutual Retirement Services, Springfield, Mass., is piloting the program with 20 of its larger clients and has an exclusive on the series until Aug. 1, said Marty McDonough, MassMutual spokesman.
"It's not something you mail to everybody," Mr. McDonough said. Mainly, the books are given to targeted groups or put in common areas.
"We see it as targeting a segment no on else is getting through to very well," he said. "They're colorful and different. We like to think they are innovative."
The amazing 401 Komics duo has seen a lot of interest from plan sponsors, two of which are buying them directly, Mr. Benna said.
Stay tuned for other exciting adventures.
