Shalom, Superman!

Related Content

• Little Rascal
  April 14, 2011
• Pay Time for Hitler
  January 27, 2011
• One Last Schmear
  March 25, 2010
• Jewban Sandwich
  April 15, 2010
• Unite & Conquer
  May 14, 2009

More About

• Kevin Eisenstadt
• Joe Shuster
• Jerry Siegel
• Graphic Novels and Comics
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

Have you heard the one about Superman going to shul? Yeah, neither have we, but it is bound to come up during Harry Brod’s lecture about the Jewish roots of our most beloved comic book heroes, The People of the Comic Book: It’s a Man! It’s a Jew! It’s Supermensch!

Although many people know Superman’s real name is Kal El, few are aware that two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland -- Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster -- created the Last Son of Krypton. “Most of the comic book heroes were created by Jewish men,” says Brod, professor of philosophy and humanities at the University of Northern Iowa. “This lecture looks at the history of the industry and is an attempt to say, What’s going on here?” Brod’s research on the topic will be included in the upcoming book Images of Jewish Masculinity, edited by Kevin Eisenstadt. Sure, Brod knows what you’re thinking, but says not to worry: “It’s not a standard, dry academic talk. It’s a fun talk and very interesting.” Look for the Bat signal tonight at 7:30 and follow it to the Jewish Museum of Florida. Admission is free. For reservations call 305-672-5044, ext. 11.
Tue., Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.