Superman Is Jewish?

October 15, 2012
A veteran comic book fan, Brod, a professor of philosophy and humanities at the University of Northern Iowa, uncovers the connection between America’s most popular comic superheroes and their Jewish creators in a surprising series of cultural and psychological links. The author notes there is a common characteristic among the Jewish artists who developed the superheroes akin to the Jewish studio heads in the early days of Hollywood: “The Jewish men who created Supermen were men who were themselves seen as not measuring up to the standards of what real men were supposed to be.” What is fascinating is Brod’s detailed take on the many Old Country values and Yiddish traditions used to forge the templates for Superman, Batman, the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and such. From the themes of golems, aliens, and outsiders, the WASP identities of Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Stan Lee, and Jack Kirby permitted them to revolutionize the American comic book industry, allowing youngsters to fantasize cartoon struggles of good vs. evil in every issue. On his highly enjoyable trek through popular comics, Brod’s subjects become a metaphor for the immigrant experience in America.

Starred review from December 24, 2012
In this compelling exploration and history of the comic book industry, Brod, a University of Northern Iowa professor of philosophy and humanities, argues that many classic superheroes—from Superman and Batman to the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man—were not only created by Jewish-Americans but were also influenced by and came to embody the religious heritage of the writers and artists who created them. Narrator Peter Berkrot’s performance is stellar in this audio edition. His steady, expertly paced reading captures the spirit of the author’s prose, his voice reflecting Brod’s fascination with and love of comics. Berkrot’s tone and rhythm are both spot-on throughout—and he deftly handles the pronunciation of Yiddish words and phrases. For fans of comic books, this will be an excellent listening experience. A Free Press hardcover.