Spidey & Comix

In my last post I focused mainly on the X-Men aspect of the Silver Age of comics because it seemed like the dominant theory of the chapter. Although extremely intriguing, I forgot about a few other things I found interesting.

Although I have never read a Spiderman comic, I have seen recent movies associated with Spiderman. And, although I thoroughly enjoyed these, I had not once associated Spiderman as a metaphor for teenagers going through the unfamiliar aspect of life known as puberty. I think by using Peter Parker as a way for teens to associate themselves was a really smart move on Marvel’s part. Because comics were changing and focusing on broader audiences, this was a character that young adults could feel they related to. Not only this, but I also really liked the idea that Spiderman was realistic when he first discovered his powers. Of course most superheroes fight crime and protect the city, but this was not Spiderman’s first intention after discovering his power. Spiderman used his power selfishly to win money on things like tv shows and wrestling matches. Although this is not the type of hero we normally read about, I think it can be admirable because it’s realistic. Spiderman eventually uses his power for good because of the death of his uncle, which I think can be justified. I think it would be safe to say that many people put in Peter Parker’s place would do the same thing if they realized they had powers capable of many inhuman things.

“Comix” are a form of underground comic books that also became popular during this time. Because they contained subject matter that focused on sex, drugs, and politics, they were not the kind of comics you would see mainstream. I had never heard of Comix before Kaplan’s chapter on them, but they sound quite interesting to me and I’d like to look into them a bit more.

"X-Men As J Men"

“What makes Magneto tick?” A question asked by X-Men’s author, Chris Claremont. After reading much about X-Men, specifically Magneto, this quote can be explained and elaborated upon. I think the underlying ideas of the X-Men comic were really smart and can be admired for being displayed so artistically. I liked that X-Men differed from other Jewish comics by linking Magneto with actual history of Jewish oppression. Not only can the whole idea of X-Men being mutants relate to how Holocaust victims were treated during WWII, but Magneto’s past experience with the concentration camps also shows us glimpses of the horrors of the Holocaust.

To answer the question previously stated, Magneto himself as a person is strong and powerful yet at the same time, full of hurt and pain from his Holocaust experience. According to BOS, Magneto ticks like a clock and the heavy metal and machinery located in concentration camps. Magneto’s past is what drives him to “tick and tamper with things (144).” This is his character and it developed because of his harsh past.

Not only did Claremont write about the hardships faced by Holocaust victims and survivors, but he expressed the general problem that society has at accepting those who are different, or “mutant.” Baron’s article “X-Men As J Men,” repeatedly discusses the importance of treating everyone as equals, and uses the “Holocaust as a metaphor for the vulnerability of any minority group.” Not only can we connect X-Men to different ethnic groups being treated unfairly, but the X-Men were also a way to target teens. Claremont’s use of the mutants being freaks of nature, allowed younger adults going through puberty to reflect and feel like they could relate.

The bottom line is that in some way we are all “mutant” and therefore we shouldn’t treat one group of people differently or any lesser just because it’s easier. Like X-Men (film) director Bryan Singer said in the article, “all kinds of people should live in as much peace and harmony as humanly possible on this planet, regardless of their differences.”

"The Golden Age"

When asked how we remember our first experience with comic books and comic book heroes, the following came to mind: video games, cartoons, movies, and parents. If I had to think back to my first memory of a comic book hero I would probably have to associate it with the mid 90’s cartoon portrayals of Spiderman and Batman. I’ve also always grown up watching the numerous versions of Batman films (I think the first one I ever saw was with Val Kilmer portraying Batman). It seemed like a common theme among the class was that we had watch different versions of comic books in movies or on tv. It’s just interesting to think about how times have changed, in that most of the students in the class didn’t grow up reading the comic books themselves. But, I am sure there are a few of us that did. I think it’s really neat to see the idea of superheroes still holding on, but just being displayed in a different manner such as video games or remakes of movies.

One interesting comment came up in class today, which I hadn’t even thought of. Someone made the comment that although most of the Jewish undertones in comic books are unintentional, why is it that none of these Jewish authors and artists directed their work to portray certain instances in Jewish culture in the first place? I think the inference that we made as a class to answer this question is intelligent. Because Jewish authors and artists were going through a time when ethnicity was not celebrated, the demand for this type of content was minimal. Another reason could be that these writers simply didn’t want to write about their past. Comic books were a way for them to overcome their obstacles and escape the reality of what had happened.

On a final side note, I just want to say that I think the idea of the “Golem” is very intriguing and I’d love to learn more about the theory around this character. And, although “The Thing” and a few other characters may resemble the “Golem,” I would have never associated them with the “Golem.” So, it’s interesting to see how other people, who are more engaged in comics, theorize these characters and find parallels.

"Up, Up, And Oy Vey!"

"How do you circumcise an orange brick?"

Good question. Referring to Fantastic Four’s, “The Thing” as a character with a dominant background of Judaism, had never occurred to me before reading this article. Although I have mentioned it before, I am not an avid graphic novel reader and therefore have not been entirely indulged in the movies they have made based off of comic books. However, I have seen the film version of “Fantastic Four,” which I enjoyed. Although it has been awhile since I have seen the film, I ‘m sure I would be able to pick up certain characteristics of Judaism in the story or some of the characters if I were to watch it again.

“Up, Up, And Oy Vey!” focuses on the characteristics displayed by “Fantastic Four’s” characters, especially that of “The Thing.” Because they are so close with one another, the Foursome is more of a family than anything, reflecting the importance of family in the Jewish Community. The article’s author, Simcha Weinstein, also explains the importance of earth, water, air, and fire in Jewish spiritual practices (which obviously represents the four characters).

I find it extremely surprising that most Jewish authors, according to this article and “From Krakow To Krypton,” did not purposely focus on Jewish undertones. The Jewish references in many instances just happened to arise ironically. I do believe the authors when they explained this situation as well. Because they grew up Jewish, I think they may have touched on Jewish symbolism because it was first nature to them.

I liked the fact that the Fantastic Four didn’t have to follow “clean-cut, all-American” models of heroes, much like Superman. Regardless of their religion, the Fantastic Four are a different group of comic book heroes which gave the industry a fresh new attitude towards these types of literary work.

"A Contract With God"

Discussing Eisner’s “A Contract With God,” in class has helped me grasp a few things I missed when reading it myself. I found it quite interesting that throughout each of the short pieces, sexuality is used in more than one instance. Not only the story line itself, but the explicit graphics show a deep sense of sexuality. This is not necessarily a negative aspect to Eisner’s work, just an observation I have encountered. Also, it seems that the women are generally focused on in these instances as well. In “A Contract With God,” Frimme’s mistress is displayed as wearing modern clothing which is somewhat revealing. In “The Street Singer,” Diva Marta Maria initiates the sexuality, and she is more exposed in the drawing. In “The Super,” the little girl is displayed in a towel. And finally in “Cookalein,” Mrs. Minks is drawn naked, as well as Goldie. Is this because the male anatomy is just too revealing, or does this say something else about women in general?

On a different note, I think Frimme’s story in “A Contract With God” is exceptionally intriguing. First, I find it interesting that Eisner’s devastating experience with losing a child influenced his character of Frimme. I wonder if Eisner himself went through any drastic changes in life like Frimme did. I also found the parallel of Frimme and the young boy at the end of the story to be smart on Eisner’s part. In class we talked about the possibility of the young boy winding up down the same road that Frimme did, which I predict would be the epilogue if there ever were one. Someone had mentioned in class about the lightness and the tones of the graphics, which I believe foreshadow the young boy to lead a similar life as Frimme, in that there is no true happiness.

My First Comic Book Encounter

Will Eisner's "A Contract With God," is the first comic book I have ever read. Yes, I said it. Before entering Judaism in Comic Books, the only type of graphic novel I had experience with was skimming through a few pages of “Maus,” which I am also quite eager about. But, I must say that after reading one of Eisner’s works, I am truly excited to make it up to myself. I would have never known graphic novels and comic books could be so in depth, because I virtually know nothing about them.

When I think comic books, I think Spiderman, and that's about it. So, when enrolling for this class I repeatedly asked myself how a class could be based on comic books, specifically Judaism in comic books. What I have learned so far is that “comic book” doesn’t have to mean just superheroes and villains. After reading some of Eisner’s work, I feel like comic books are just a different template for any kind of story. It doesn’t make them less important or less interesting. Eisner touches on themes that any author could in a novel, he just also happens to provide us with some interesting graphics to go along with it. Which, I completely appreciate. I’ve come to realize the graphics in comic books are not just pictures, they’re artwork. The attention to detail specifically in “A Contract With God,” should be admired.

I liked Eisner’s portrayal of the Bronx, because it really allows us to get a feel for the tenement structure of how people lived. Because this book is semi-autobiographical, this encourages me to understand that this is really how people lived during this time period. A book could express this to me, but sometimes it’s nice to have the picture painted for us to get a better emotional understanding.

I’m interested to see what else Eisner has to offer, as well as if any of his themes cross over into his other works.