Posted on 05/22/2006 1:09:22 AM PDT by KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle
UP, UP AND OY VEY!: How Jewish History, Culture and Values Shaped the Comic Book Superhero
Release Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Publisher: Leviathan Press
ISBN: 1-881927-32-6
Format: Paperback
"Up, Up, and Oy Vey chronicles how Jewish history, culture, & values helped shape the early years of the comic book industry.
"The early comic book creators were almost all Jewish, and as children of immigrants, they spent their lives trying to escape the second-class mentality which was forced on them by the outside world. Their fight for truth, justice, and the American Way is portrayed by the superheroes they created. The dual identity given to their creations mirrors their own desire to live two lives — privately as a Jew, and publicly as an American.
"Their creations are the descendants of a Jewish tradition littered with stories of super strength from Samson to the Golem of Prague. An increasing number of fans and amateur historians, obsessed with back-story "mythology," claim they've uncovered the secret "Jewish-ness" of the comic book characters.
"Superheroes, they claim, are usually outsiders; gifted yet misunderstood, and strangers in a strange land.
"This book observes comic book superheroes through three different lenses—historical, cultural, and biblical/spiritual. Utilizing a bibliographic and subjective methodology, the author (an ordained rabbi) charts how the superhero model has unconsciously tapped into the deepest core of Jewish spiritual understanding.
"Both teenagers and adults, especially those that are history enthusiasts, pop culture fans, seekers of Jewish spirituality, new-age mysticism cohorts, and of course, comic book readers, will enjoy reading this exciting and inspiring account of the birth and mythical origins of the comic book."
“This fascinating new book takes a look at the most surprising Jewish influence of all, the creation of the All-American superheroes who’ve consistently captured the public’s imagination for three-quarters of a century.”
“Finding the similarities between Jewish lore and modern American superheroes is an exciting and meaningful experience. I urge everyone who is interested in the deeper meanings behind heroes to enjoy this book.”
“I never fully realized the impact contained in that first Superman story. Simcha Weinstein brings a new understanding to the characters, the creators, and the world of comic books.”
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Moil man, a little snip will do ya!
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It's not just superheroes, there is also Superman's arch enemy, Lex Jewthor.
For a statistically small percentage of the population, Americans Jews have been spectacularly inventive and successful in so many areas of culture. Pop music, rock music, films, Broadway plays and musicals, television - you name it. We are an intelligent and imaginative people, and we strive toward success.
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History Channel (I'm addicted) has a documentary on the genesis of the Super Hero Comic books.
"COMIC BOOK HEROES UNMASKED"
http://boards.historychannel.com/category.jspa?categoryID=3021
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