Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
One of the hottest movies playing at cineplexes around the country today is “The Avengers,” based on a dream team of Marvel comic book heroes. The latest in a long series of hugely successful movies based on a superhero character pulled from the pages of the comic book, “The Avengers” proves the eternal popularity of these fantasy figures.
Superman. Batman. Spider Man. Captain America. The Spirit. The X-Men.
What do these American cultural icons have in common? They were all invented by Jews. And that doesn’t include later artists who have taken the art form to new heights: Jules Feiffer and Art Spiegelman, and even novelist Michael Chabon.
Jews built the comic book industry from the ground up, and the influence of Jewish writers, artists, and editors continues to be felt to this day. But how did Jews come to have such a disproportionate influence on an industry most famous for lantern-jawed demigods clad in colorful tights? Is the superhero really a Jewish phenomenon?
Find out Thursday at noon at the Boulder JCC at Menorah’s Older Adults: Not Just for Seniors lunch and learn program, “Is Superman Jewish?: Up, Up and Oy Vey!”
Kathryn Bernheimer will discuss the Jewish creative forces that have pioneered and dominated the comic book industry since its (Jewish) inception. Come explore the distinctly Jewish subtext of comic book fiction and celebrate yet another Jewish contribution to American popular culture.
Reservations appreciated but not required: Kathryn@boulderjcc.org, 303-998-1021.
