An Amazing Fantasy: American Jews and the Comic Book Industry

Even in the United States, Jews were often rejected from jobs in favour of white Protestants. As a result, they were pushed to find jobs in a variety of different fields that were often considered less professional or vulgar. One of these industries where Jews pioneered their talents was the American comic book industry, which was virtually created by Jews seeking integration into a culture that often wanted to reject them. Balancing ideas and images of the American Dream with inspiration from Jewish traditions, Jewish artists created some of the world's most recognisable comic book characters, from Superman (modeled on Moses) to the Incredible Hulk (modeled on the Golem). Jewish cultural undertones permeated the stories. As a whole, the work of American Jewish comic book artists displays their desire to assimilate into the greater American culture while still retaining some elements of their distinctive Jewish identity.

In English with Polish translation, free admission