Up, Up, and Oy Vey! How Jewish History, Culture, and Values Shaped the Comic Book Superhero

by Simcha Weinstein

From the birth of Krypton in Cleveland to the Caped Crusader, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and more, Up, Up, and Oy Vey chronicles the uncanny story behind the story about the origins of the planet's most famous superheroes. While the Jewish contribution to film, theater, music, and comedy has been well-documented, the Jewish role in the creation of the All-American superhero has not been--until now! The official publication date of this book is June 27, 2006, which is two weeks after the 3rd X-Men movie is released and three days before Superman Returns hits the theaters. Additionally, Geppi's Entertainment Museum will be opening in Baltimore on July 4th as well, and this museum is being touted as a one-of-a-kind, fun, interactive museum. . .with a focus on pop culture in all media, toys, and comic characters.

Genres: History, Comics, Nonfiction, Jewish, Graphic Novels, Comic Book, Superheroes

150 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 19, 2006

Reviews

[Liza Wiemer]

I learned so much about comic book history! I am certain others, like me, didn't know the deep connection Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, The Hulk, and so, so, so many more have to their Jewish creators. Loved it.

[Sue Bursztynski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great fun, very entertaining stuff. Unlike From Krakow To Krypton: Jews And Comic Books, which I read very recently, this focuses on individual characters in the comic books, rather than a history of the genre and the people who created it. The author does talk about the creators, but mostly about Jewish elements in comics. He was a secular Jew who is now a rabbi, so goes into rather more depth than the comic book people probably meant, but certainly knows his stuff, and makes it enjoyable.

[Marco Antonio di Forelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me leí este libro para mi TFG. Me sirvió de ayuda, pero no es suficiente para un tiquismiquis como yo. Sé que el libro está hecho para un público casual y no necesariamente para el fricazo pecho látigo como yo, pero muchas veces sentí que los datos no estaban del todo correctos, la aproximación que hacía a un determinado personaje o concepto era demasiado simplona o directamente sacó algo con pinzas. De hecho, la parte centrada en la Liga de la Justicia no es más que un cajón de sastre donde metió referencias de personajes de DC que no fueran Superman o Batman, pues ambos ya cuentan con sus capítulos propios.

No obstante, destaco lo enriquecedores que fueron los aportes de Weinstein a mis conocimientos de las raíces judías de Superman, los Cuatro Fantásticos y los X-Men, así como de sus creadores, en sus respectivos capítulos. Se nota que Simcha es más rabino que otra cosa, ya que sus conocimientos en la materia son enormes y me ayudaron a entender la importancia que los herederos del rey David han tenido en este cachito tan especial de la cultura popular.

Recomendado a aquellas personas interesadas en la influencia de la religión en la ficción secular o a aquellos que quieran conocer un poco las raíces de sus bienhechores favoritos.

[Chana Corna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book, I wish it had been longer and gone even more in depth!
I found it most fascinating to hear what comic book authors had to say about their own heritage and work influences (I have so many quotes and sections highlighted), and appreciated the way Rabbi Weinstein managed to weave Torah thoughts into each chapter.
So much can be said about how much Torah and Jewish culture has influenced literature in general - let alone comics - and this book has made me want to dive into those topics even more.
I also loved the call to action at the end of the book, which really gave me food for thought and something practical to take away from the reading experience.

[Mike Gibas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fascinating area of study, but reads more like an extended proposal for a more comprehensive book. Some of the comics details are inaccurate, while some of the ‘readings’ seem desperate to say the least. Still some interesting insights and links to Jewish culture and folklore, but it never really gets under the skin of “why” this explosion of Jewish talent in a new genre really happened. A missed opportunity I think.

[Tina Crog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weinstein takes some liberties connecting superheroes to Judaism (all the while noting this wasn’t the comic artists intent). If one keeps in mind Weinstein sees bridges that were never intended by the artistic of which her writes, it’s a lovely exploration of finding faith in the secular and learning about the history of Jewish authors.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

Definitely could have been more in depth but still a good general overview of the Jewish history of superheroes.

[Daniel Citron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the deep historical treatment that I was looking for, but cute and personal and a joy to read.

[Ed Dinnermonkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superman's creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Batman's creators Bob Kane (born Kahn) and Bill Finger. Creator of the Spirit and graphic novel pioneer Will Eisner. Creators of Captain America, Jack Kirby (born Jacob Kurtzberg) and Joe Simon. Creator of pretty much every Marvel comics character you've heard of, Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber). The Jewish pedigree of American comics is unquestionable and this book goes further to outline some of the central tenets of Judaism that are represented in many of these character's stories.

It's a brief read and many of these Jewish writers and artists were, by their own admission, not intending to make their superheroes overtly Jewish, but dig deeper and it's all there. Simcha Weinstein does a good job of enthusiastically exploring all of the links with Jewish scripture and tradition. I had always considered Stan Lee's X-Men to be born out of living through racism and civil rights movements in 60s America, but I had completely forgotten that Magneto was a survivor of Nazi concentration camps. The subjugation of mutants just as clearly represents thousands of years of anti-Semitism.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent (if quick) look at the influence of Jews, Judaism and Torah on the creation of the genre of comic books. Rabbi Weinstein is an avid collector who knows the genre, knows the history, and presents it in very digestable format based around a concept and a superhero or team of heroes that embody it. Jews make up a disproportionate percentage of the early pioneers of the comic book genre mainly because in the 30s and 40s it was one of the few jobs Jews could have in publishing, and whether consciously or not, these guys drew on their experiences as Jews (and all that entailed, from the immigrant/children of immigrants experience, to their varying levels of observance, to their place in a still anti-Semitic society) when creating the characters that would live for decades to come and become American icons. There are books that tackle the subject more in depth, but this one has the advantage of also expounding the connection to the Torah, which makes it unique in the field of Jewish publications. Any Jewish fan of comic books should get and read this book for sure.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at a library book sale and it was a very quick read. I have become more interested in comics and graphic novels over the past few years but my interest definitely stems from my reading of Chabon's Kavalier and Clay so I was grilled to see him referenced often in this book. Because I never read comics growing up my familiarity with these characters mostly stems from recent movies or television shows. Though I've read a number of articles over the years exploring Jewish themes in superhero stories this book really helped me see the different aspects of Jewish history and culture represented by the different characters. It was interesting to explore how different characters were seen by their creators to represent different things. I always just think all masked superheroes are alike so I appreciated hearing how each was designed to do something new and different. This was an interesting and quick read, perfect for someone with a casual interest in the topic.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book proved to be quite interesting, even if the argument was a bit overstated. Excellent information on how characters like Superman, Batman, the Spirit, Captain America, the Fantastic Four, and Spiderman all reflect the first or second generation European Jewish background of their respective creators. The author stretches too much with reading so many direct connections to Judaism as opposed to recognizing an overall re-envisioning of Western folklore and mythology. Nonetheless, well worth the time spent reading it.

[Pirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introductory book for any who are interested in the history of comic books and the way it relates to Judaism. I had two problems:
1. There were sometimes silly mistakes in there, most of them easily spotted before published had the author thought to ask a Hebrew speaker (there is, in fact, a word for guilt in Hebrew, WTF Simon)
2. I am not a beginner, and it didn't really delve into anything too deep. Oh well.
All in all it was an interesting way to spend an afternoon.

[Lenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I wish I had written :P A short but phenomenal work in which Rabbi Weinstein reveals the Jewish heritage and Jwish ideals that lie within such superheroes as Superman, Captain America, Batman and the X-Men (all of whom were created by Jews). I loved the clarity of Weinstein's explanations and the passion of his arguments. Really an illluminating read for fans and Jews alike.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 9 year old son is very hot on comic book heroes right now, and educating him about the Jewish origins of many of his favorite characters - with the help of this well-researched book - was fun, family time well spent. Thank you Rabbi Simcha!

[Isis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been years since I last read this book, but in light of Stan Lee's passing yesterday, I felt it was time for a refresh. The book is still good, and definitely breaks down some of the very Jewish origins of characters who are a huge part of American pop culture to this day.

[Jeffrey Adelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Short, fun read about the history of comic book superheroes and how they relate to Jewish folk legends and Jewish principles. Interesting background about the creators of these American Pop Culture icons: Stan Lee, Bob Kane, and Jack Kirby to name a few. Very enjoyable.

[Bkspidey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offers an interesting look into the Jewish origins of many popular comic book superheroes.

[Sparrow .]

The Thing (in the Fantastic Four)(the one who appears to be composed of orange rocks) is Jewish. I mean, the comic books explicitly state that he is Jewish. (Though not practicing very much.)

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very funny.

[Seth Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Funny title. Silly book.

[library for cryptids]

Definitely not what I was hoping for. I found it quite boring, repetitive and, frankly, some of the connections to Judaism seemed a bit far fetched.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. An intriguing look at the origins of superheroes, most of whom were created by Jewish artists and writers, and how that informed their work.

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book about how jewish religion and comic books can be combined!

[Samuel B. Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from the great title, this book was really interesting and helpful for my dissertation!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts that I had discussed with my husband and sons, put down on paper with historical evidence to back them up. This is a keeper.

[Orla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and interesting take on comic book analysis even if I do think some of Weistein's conclusions are a bit stretched and based on circumstantial points.

[Søren]

Very cool stuff! I met the author, talked to him, and got his autograph. Awesome guy :D

[Ed]

Oy Vey! What a pleasant read!