Tag Archives: jewce

JewCE 2023: Canons are Made to Blow Up! Retconning, Rebooting, Jossing, and other Paradigm Shifts

To go along with the Jewish Comics Experience exhibition, JewCE held a convention with numerous panels highlighting the history of comics and it connection to Jewish culture and history. Taking place in November, the convention has now released all of the panels for streaming and to watch on demand.

This panel will bring together comic creators to discuss continuity changes withing long-running comics. From multiversal reboots to undo something, to revealing new character information that may reshape older events, to taking characters in a direction opposite to those of popular fan theories the dynamically open canon format of comics means that all sorts of changes can and do take place.

Moderated by Jenny Caplan, the panel features Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Azzarello, Joshua Sky, and Barbara Slate.

JewCE 2023: Kids Comics for Mini Mensches

To go along with the Jewish Comics Experience exhibition, JewCE held a convention with numerous panels highlighting the history of comics and it connection to Jewish culture and history. Taking place in November, the convention has now released all of the panels for streaming and to watch on demand.

What does it mean to make a Jewish comic for kids (or a comic for Jewish kids, which isn’t necessarily the same thing)? Join us – kids very much encouraged! – to ask these questions and others of some of the best kids’ comics creators working today; and we might just have some drawing challenges…

Moderated by Jeremy Dauber, the panel features Yehudi Mercado, Terri Libenson, Chari Pere, and Barry Deutsch.

JewCE 2023: Breaking the Mainstream: Getting Past Ashkenormativity and Secularism in Comics

To go along with the Jewish Comics Experience exhibition, JewCE held a convention with numerous panels highlighting the history of comics and it connection to Jewish culture and history. Taking place in November, the convention has now released all of the panels for streaming and to watch on demand.

There’s a lot of different Jews and Judaism out there, why does so little of it make it into the comic book page? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about Ashkenormativity and secularism in comics with four boundary-pushing and mold-breaking authors. We’ll explore why they choose to tell the stories they tell, and how they grapple with the inevitable challenges that come with introducing an “unfamiliar” Judaism to their readers.

Moderated by Arnon Shorr, the panel features Daniel Lobell, Emily Bowen Cohen, Joshua Sky, and Carol Isaacs.

JewCe 2023: Queering Jewish Comics

To go along with the Jewish Comics Experience exhibition, JewCE held a convention with numerous panels highlighting the history of comics and it connection to Jewish culture and history. Taking place in November, the convention has now released all of the panels for streaming and to watch on demand.

What might it mean to queer Jewish comics? In this panel, we will explore the works of comics creators who have challenged normative notions of Jewish identity and belonging, particularly in relation to gender and sexuality, by experimenting with elements like form, style, characterization, and storytelling convention. Our panelists will discuss their experiences of shaping Jewish characters and stories to expand ideas of what Jewish comics storytelling can look like, and what it can say.

Queering Jewish Comics is moderated by Tahneer Oksman and features Ben Kahn, Shira Spector, Barry Deutsch, and Miriam Libicki. Watch it now!

JewCe 2023: Jewish Superheroes Through the Ages!

To go along with the Jewish Comics Experience exhibition, JewCE held a convention with numerous panels highlighting the history of comics and it connection to Jewish culture and history. Taking place in November, the convention has now released all of the panels for streaming and to watch on demand.

From Superman’s Jewish metaphor to the Thing’s “conversion” to Judaism to Kitty Pryde’s proud Jewishness to Harley Quinn’s, um, whatever’s going on there—Jewish context, themes, and identity have been part of superheroes from the very start. Join moderator Roy Schwartz and industry superstars Frank Miller, Brian Michael Bendis (via Zoom), Dean Haspiel, and E. Lockhart for a lively discussion on the history and meaning of super mensches and maidels!

Watch Jewish Superheroes Through the Ages now!

JewCE 2023: Jewish Folklore in Comics

To go along with the Jewish Comics Experience exhibition, JewCE held a convention with numerous panels highlighting the history of comics and it connection to Jewish culture and history. Taking place in November, the convention has now released all of the panels for streaming and to watch on demand.

As a uniquely visual mode of Jewish storytelling, graphic novels that deal with Jewish historical topics often delve into the realm of folklore to broaden the cultural reach of their work. This panel will look at the ways in which Jewish graphic novelists engage with folklore and history in their work.

Moderated by Eddy Portnoy, the panel features Dani Colman, Trina Robbins, Chanan Beizer, and Yehudi Mercado.

Watch Jewish Folklore in Comics now!

JewCE 2023: Jewish Roots of the Comic Industry

To go along with the Jewish Comics Experience exhibition, JewCE held a convention with numerous panels highlighting the history of comics and it connection to Jewish culture and history. Taking place in November, the convention has now released all of the panels for streaming and to watch on demand.

Superman and Batman were created by the children of eastern European Jewish immigrants! So were the Avengers and the X-Men! And the genre of non-superhero graphic novels like Maus was also largely jumpstarted by creators of similar backgrounds. Today, Hebraic historians discuss the Jewish roots of comics, maybe, along the way, dispelling some of the creation myths that have been passed down through time. Join Arie Kaplan (From Krakow to Krypton), Roy Schwartz (Is Superman Circumcised?), Simcha Weinstein (Up, Up and Oy Vey!) and moderator Danny Fingeroth (Disguised as Clark Kent) as they dig deep into comics’ Genesis.

Watch Jewish Roots of the Comic Industry now!

Around the Tubes

Holy Roller #1

It’s one of two new comic book days! What are you all getting? What are you excited for? Sound off in the comments. While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to start the day.

Kotaku – Warner Bros.’ Wonder Woman Will Defy An Obnoxious Gaming Trend – This is a good thing.

The Beat – JewCE 2023 Celebrates the Influence of Jewish Culture in Comics – Anyone go? What did you think?

The Beat – Angoulême Official Selection 2024 – Congrats to all!

Reviews

Comic Attack – Dark Spaces: Dungeon #1
CBR – Holy Roller #1

PJ Library and the Center for Jewish History’s JewCE convention team for Wham! Bam! Pow! Creating Comic Book Characters for Kids

Wham! Bam! Pow! Creating Comic Book Characters for Kids

PJ Library in New York has announced an interactive event for young comic book enthusiasts. On Sunday, November 19th, budding artists and storytellers aged 9-12 are invited to “Wham! Bam! Pow! Creating Comic Book Characters,” a unique workshop exploring the art of character development and illustration led by PJ Our Way author Dov Smiley. Participants will learn the secrets of bringing characters to life, diving into the art of character design and drawing in a fun and engaging environment.

Two identical 45-minute sessions will be held at 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Following the workshop, families are invited to explore the Center for Jewish History’s Jewish Comics Experience (JewCE), a special exhibition offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich world of Jewish storytelling through comics.

This event is in conjunction with the Center for Jewish History’s JewCE convention.
Tickets: $20 per family; register here

The Center for Jewish History Reveals Lineup of Events for the Jewish Comics Experience

JewCE!

Brace yourselves! The Center for Jewish History (CJH) has announced a series of events celebrating the rich tapestry of Jewish culture in comics. From heart-pounding musicals to mind-bending panels, this supercharged program guarantees an epic experience for every comic enthusiast and cultural afficionado.

Meet renowned cartoonists, writers, and illustrators like Frank Miller, Paul Levitz, Trina Robbins, Jules Feiffer, Stephanie Phillips, Brian Michael Bendis, Neil Kleid, and E. Lockhart.

Wednesday, November 8, 07:00 PM – LABZIK: TALES OF A CLEVER PUP – IN-PERSON EVENT

Adapted from Yiddish author Chaver Paver’s children’s stories, Labzik: Tales of a Clever Pup brings to life the adventures of Labzik, a clever mutt, and a working-class Jewish family in the Bronx. This trilingual Yiddish-English-Yinglish short film, presented in cinematic “miniature theater” style, features lavishly illustrated paper puppets and explores themes that remain relevant today. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Jake Krakovsky and translator Miriam Udel.

Thursday, November 9, 06:30 PM – HEREVILLE: A NEW JEWISH MUSICAL – IN-PERSON EVENT & LIVESTREAMED ON YOUTUBE

Experience Hereville, a female-driven, family-friendly musical based on Barry Deutsch’s award-winning graphic novels. The story follows Mirka, an 11-year-old girl in an Orthodox Jewish town, as she grapples with family dynamics and a looming threat. Directed by Laura Brandel, this musical promises a love story and is rated PG for its exploration of grief and loss. Attend in person or join the livestream on YouTube.

Saturday, November 11, 07:30 PM – JewCie Awards Ceremony

Be part of history at the first-ever JewCie Awards! Join industry titans, nominees, and judges for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence in Jewish comics. Limited tickets are available for this exclusive event.

Sunday, November 12 – PANELS, WORKSHOPS, AND EVENTS

A series of dynamic panels and workshops will delve into various aspects of Jewish culture in comics:

  • Jewish Roots of the Comic Industry: Explore the influence of Jewish creators on iconic characters like Superman and Batman. Moderator: Danny Fingeroth; Roy Schwartz; Simcha Weinstein, and Ari Kaplan
  • Will Eisner: the First Poet Laureate of the Jewish Graphic Novel: Join a discussion on the groundbreaking work of Will Eisner and his enduring impact on the graphic novel genre. Paul Levitz & Jules Feiffer
  • Queering Jewish Comics: Delve into comics that challenge normative notions of Jewish identity and explore themes of gender and sexuality. Moderator: Tahneer Oksman; Ben Kahn, Shira Spector, Barry Deutsch, and Miriam Libicki.
  • From Strength to Strength: Jewish Superheroes Through the Ages: Discover the Jewish context, themes, and identity in the world of superheroes. Moderator: Roy Schwartz; Brian Michael Bendis; E. Lockhart; Dean Haspiel, and Frank Miller.
  • Breaking the Mainstream: Getting Past Ashkenormativity and Secularism in Comics: Discuss the representation of diverse Jewish experiences in comics. Moderator: Arnon Shorr; Daniel Lobell; Emily Bowen Cohen; Dan Goldman, and Carol Isaacs.
  • Canons Are Made to Blow Up! Retconning, Rebooting, Jossing, and Other Paradigm Shifts: Explore the dynamic nature of continuity changes in long-running comics. Moderator: Jenny Caplan; Brian Michael Bendis; Brian Assarello; Joshua Sky, and Barbara Slate.
  • Telling Other People’s Stories: Hear from creators who approach the craft of storytelling from different perspectives. Moderator: Julian Voloj; Tracy White; Stephanie Phillips; Koren Shadmi, and Neil Kleid.
  • Kids Comics for Mini Mensches: Explore the creation of Jewish comics for young readers. Moderator: Jeremy Dauber; Yehudi Mercado; Terri Libenson; Chari Pere, and Barry Deutsch.
  • The New Maimonides: How Comics & Graphic Novels Illuminate & Elucidate Jewish Texts: Learn how comics bring new life to traditional Jewish texts. Moderator: Jordan B. Gorfinkel; JT Waldman; Yael Nathanmat Tonti, and Willy Mendes.
  • Jewish Female Narratives in the Graphic Arts: Engage with female creators discussing gender and Jewish identity in personal narratives. Moderator: Karen Green; Leela Corman; Amy Kurzweil; Alisa Kwitney, and Miriam Libicki.
  • Jewish Folklore in Comics: Examine how graphic novels use folklore to enrich Jewish storytelling. Moderator: Eddy Portnoy; Dani Colman; Trina Robbins; Chanan Beizer, and Yehudi Mercado.
  • Jewish Comics and Remembrance Culture: Discuss the role of comics in engaging with Jewish history, Holocaust narratives, and memory. Moderator: Gavriel Rosenfeld; Rafael Medoff; Ken Krimstein; Stan Mack, and Trina Robbins.
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