The Bagelverse

Max Bemis:

Known as the lead singer of the pop-punk band Say Anything, notable for his openly Jewish identity and exploration of Jewish themes in music.

Songs like "Alive with the Glory of Love" (about his grandparents’ Holocaust survival) and tracks from In Defense of the Genre highlight Jewish experiences.

Bemis describes himself as having a "New Age metaphysical" view of religion, identifying as both Jewish and Christian.

Previously wrote a critically acclaimed X-Men series (Worst X-Man Ever).

 

Key Themes in Issue #194

 

Jewish Identity:

Deeply integrated into Mark Spector’s backstory and psyche.

Jewish humor, theology, and historical trauma (especially the Holocaust) play central roles.

Includes visual and narrative elements emphasizing Judaism, such as the panel of Moon Knight in a tallit-adorned superhero costume.

 

Childhood Trauma and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID):

The issue provides an origin story for Mark Spector’s DID, rooted in a harrowing childhood event involving Rabbi Yitz Perlman.

Trauma is portrayed as a shattering of childhood innocence and the foundation for Mark's disconnection from Judaism.

 

Holocaust Education and Reflection:

A graphic recounting of Holocaust atrocities through the perspective of the antagonist, Ernst (disguised as Rabbi Perlman).

Bemis uses this segment to educate readers on the Holocaust's horrors, juxtaposing fictional terror with historical reality.

 

 

 

 

Collection ID#: 189

Marvel Comics

Moon Knight (Vol. 8) (2021 - 2023)

Moon Knight #5

Published: November 2021

Keywords: Rabbi

Excellent writing! The whole issue is pretty much one long speech by Moon Knight, explaining to a therapist how he regrets abandoning his Judaism because he saw his father as weak for loving peace, but now realizes that his father’s willingness to die for his faith and values was a strength that he didn’t come to appreciate until losing everything he was to an Egyptian God just to save his own life. This whole speech is worth copying.

 

 

Collection ID#: 192

Marvel Comics

The New Mutants (Vol. 1) (1983 - 1991)

The New Mutants #49

Published: November 1986

Keywords: Auschwitz, Concentration Camp, Holocaust,  Magneto

Pg. 17-18 - Magneto backstory: magneto is dreaming about his family being murdered together by Nazis in front of their own graves. Magneto has the power to stop it, but allows it to happen and allows himself to die with his family. When he doesn’t die, the Nazis send him to Auschwitz.

 

 

Collection ID#: 193

Marvel Comics

The New Warriors (Vol. 1) (1990 - 1996)

The New Warriors #58

Published: April 1995

Keywords: Arab, Bigotry, Conflict, Hebrew, Israel, KEY ISSUE, Lecture 4, Magen David, Mossad, Sabra, Yitzchak Rabin

Sabra attends a conference with Yitzchak Rabin in NYC.  On the way, her the convoy comdes under attack....

 

 

Collection ID#: 194

Marvel Comics

The New Warriors (Vol. 1) (1990 - 1996)

The New Warriors #59

Published: May 1995

Keywords: Arab, Conflict, Hebrew, Israel, KEY ISSUE, Lecture 4, Magen David, Sabra

Justice breaks the mind-control over sabra by reciting kaddish!

 

 

Collection ID#: 197

Marvel Comics

New X-Men (Vol. 1) (2001 - 2004)

New X-Men #131

Published: September 2002

Keywords: Magen David, Sabra

2 cameo appearances of Sabra at Darkstar’s funeral following splash page. She wears are Magen David necklace in both.

 

 

Collection ID#: 199

DC Comics

Ragman (Vol. 2) (1991 - 1992)

Ragman #1

Published: August 1991

Keywords: Emeth, Golem, Warsaw

Henry - Excerpted from p. 124, From Krakow to Krypton: Jews and Comic Books by Arie Kaplan “Rory Regan, a character [Robert] Kanigher and [Joe] Kubert created in 1976. A Batman-style vigilante who operated out of Gotham City and wore a dilapidated costume made of the rags from the junk shop he shared with his dad, Ragman first appeared in five issues of his own short-lived series in 1976-1977. Appropriately enough for a character dressed in rags, Ragman fought crime in the ghetto, and his targets were often average gangsters and hoods rather than supervillains. This gave Ragman the air of a social crusader, not unlike Siegel’s and Shuster’s early Superman stories.” Originally Irish - Rory Regan 1991 series, he was reimagined as a Jewish character Brandon 16th Century Edict limiting Jews to work ragpicking That same section in From Krakow to Krypton weirdly claims The decision to make the character Jewish was a mutual one. “We created him with a Jewish heritage, although we didn’t make a big to-do about it,” said Kubert. Interview with Pat Broderick Joe Kubert discusses Ragman as Jewish from the start (not Irish) in From Krakow to Krypton Ragman 1991 mini series three or...

 

 

Collection ID#: 200

DC Comics

Ragman (Vol. 2) (1991 - 1992)

Ragman #2

Published: September 1991

Keywords: Emeth, Golem, Poverty, Rabbi, Ragman

2nd half of story draws parallels between Ragman and the classic golem story, complete with several references to Emet (spelled without the H). The word even appears in Ragman’s eyes. In the end a full page graphic of a rabbi introduces himself as the one who will train Ragman as his apprentice. Issue 2, page 16 has a sentence "true repentance requires acknowledgment of the sin," pages 23-24 have golem and the rabbi showing up

 

 

Collection ID#: 201

DC Comics

Ragman (Vol. 2) (1991 - 1992)

Ragman #3

Published: October 1991

Keywords: Antisemitism, Concentration Camp, Emeth, Ghetto, Golem, Holocaust, Kabbalah, Magen David, Nazi, Poverty, Rabbi, Ragman, Warsaw, Yiddish

The entire issue is amazing, in particular a depiction of a concentration camp with Jews huddled together behind barbed wire in striped prison clothing on page 14. Later, text suggests that the image was of treblinka rabbi explains that the Ragman was made by rabbis to improve on the golem as a template, with safety features.

 

 

Collection ID#: 202

DC Comics

Ragman (Vol. 2) (1991 - 1992)

Ragman #4

Published: November 1991

Keywords: Rabbi, Kabbalism, Golem, Ragman, Neo Nazi

Rory Regan finds himself caught in a brutal gang war raging through the slums of Gotham City . Mafia boss Howard Spratt has incited two rival street gangs – the skinhead-like “Nats” and the bizarre mime-makeup gang known as the “Mimes” – to battle each other as part of his turf-grab scheme . As Ragman, Rory interposes himself between these gangs to protect his neighborhood, but the conflict truly tests him. By this point in the series, Rory is aware that his patchwork costume (the mystical Suit of Souls) absorbs the evil souls of violent men and hungers for more  . Throughout the issue’s battles, the sentient rags urge Rory to kill his opponents and steal their souls , challenging his moral resolve. He is guided by the kindly Rabbi Liebowitz who has been training him in the suit’s Jewish mystical origins.

 

 

Collection ID#: 203

DC Comics

Ragman (Vol. 2) (1991 - 1992)

Ragman #5

Published: December 1991

Keywords: Rabbi, Kabbalism, Golem, Ragman, Emeth

This issue intensifies both the supernatural and personal stakes for Rory Regan. With gang violence still looming in the background, Rory’s greatest battle turns inward and mystical. The influence of the suit grows stronger – every soul it consumes adds to its patchwork and its dark voice in Rory’s mind . As the title “Feet of Clay” implies, even a savior has weaknesses: Ragman risks losing control to the rags’ hunger. Rory’s mentor, Rabbi Liebowitz, reveals a critical secret from the suit’s lore – there exists another guardian in play, a living Golem of clay empowered by the same Kabbalistic magic. In a twist of fate, there is only enough mystical energy to animate one protector fully at a time  . Now that Rory has activated the Suit of Souls, the ancient power sustaining the Golem is waning, driving the creature to seek out its “rival.” This hulking, mute stranger – the Golem of Gotham City – arrives and begins tracking Ragman . Despite being a force for good in its own right, the Golem perceives Ragman as a threat to its very existence. Rory faces a twofold peril: either the suit will consume him, or the Golem will destroy him first.

 

 

Collection ID#: 204

DC Comics

Ragman (Vol. 2) (1991 - 1992)

Ragman #6

Published: January 1992

Keywords: Rabbi, Kabbalism, Golem, Ragman, Emeth

The Golem, increasingly human in appearance yet desperate to preserve its waning life force, engages Ragman in an epic battle through Gotham’s backstreets. The fight is protracted and punishing – neither mystical champion can coexist while the other lives, so it rages on until one is destroyed . Ragman throws everything he has at the creature, his rags ripping into clay, while the Golem’s massive blows threaten to tear Rory’s enchanted suit to tatters. All the while, the suit’s evil whispers push Rory to unleash lethal force.

 

 

Collection ID#: 205

DC Comics

Ragman (Vol. 2) (1991 - 1992)

Ragman #7

Published: March 1992

Keywords: Ragman, Israel, Rabbi, Golem, Kabbalism

Rory Regan accompanies Rabbi Luria and a small group of Jewish elders to a summit of global religious leaders in the Israeli desert. The meeting, intended as a step toward interfaith peace, becomes a crucible for spiritual tension and prophetic reckoning. Rory is drawn deeper into the mystical legacy of the Suit of Souls, as Rabbi Luria reveals ancient Jewish teachings about justice, memory, and divine purpose. The desert setting evokes echoes of the Israelites’ own spiritual trials, while Rory’s struggle reflects a modern diaspora Jew searching for identity and meaning amid ancient truths.

When a violent supernatural force disrupts the summit, targeting those who seek peace, Ragman must act—not only as a protector, but as a living embodiment of Jewish resilience. Through combat and contemplation, he begins to understand the suit not merely as a burden but as a sacred trust rooted in the Jewish tradition of righteous judgment. The issue blends mysticism, geopolitics, and theology, portraying Ragman as a bridge between ancient faith and contemporary justice. In doing so, it deepens his ties to Israel—not only as a place, but as a spiritual crucible shaping his evolving sense of Jewish moral responsibility.

 

 

Collection ID#: 206

DC Comics

Ragman (Vol. 2) (1991 - 1992)

Ragman #8

Published: April 1992

Keywords: Ragman, Israel, Golem, Rabbi, Kabbalism

Rory Regan travels to Israel seeking answers about the mystical origins of the Suit of Souls. His journey brings him to Jerusalem, where he meets Rabbi Luria, a kabbalist who recognizes the suit’s ancient significance. As Rory grapples with his role as Ragman, he learns that the suit may be linked to Jewish mysticism, rooted in the Kabbalistic tradition of tikkun olam—the repair of the world. Meanwhile, in the backdrop, tensions rise in the region, and an Israeli agent named Judith joins Rory, revealing that the suit’s appearance may coincide with moments of great spiritual or historical crisis. When a destructive force emerges, threatening both ancient sites and modern lives, Rory must embrace both his Jewish heritage and the burden of the souls he carries to stand against it.

 

 

Collection ID#: 207

DC Comics

Ragman: Suit of Souls (2010)

Ragman: Suit of Souls #1

Published: October 2010

Keywords: Antisemitism, Ghetto, Golem, Nazi, Poverty, Rabbi, Ragman, Warsaw, Holocaust

Haunted by the weight of the souls within the mystical suit he now wears, Rory Regan turns to a rabbi for answers. As Ragman, he reveals his secret and shares the hidden history of the suit—its origins not as mere myth, but as a sacred creation of a rabbinic council, forged after the Golem of Prague proved too dangerous. From Prague to Poland, through centuries of Jewish suffering and resilience, the Ragman suit has passed from one protector to the next, appearing wherever Jewish communities needed justice—battling sorcerers, Nazis, and evil alike.

 

 

Collection ID#: 209

DC Comics

The Saga of the Swamp Thing (1982 - 1996)

The Saga of the Swamp Thing #11

Published: November 1982

Keywords: Holocaust, Nazi, Golem, Hebrew, Kabbalism, Israel

In the shadow of Dachau’s ruins, the Swamp Thing confronts more than just monsters—he confronts history itself. As Alec Holland and his companions navigate the scarred landscape of post-war Germany, they uncover a chilling conspiracy: ex-Nazis wielding ancient Jewish mysticism to summon a living Golem, twisting sacred tradition into a weapon of destruction. At the center is Karen Clancy, a child of immense psychic power, manipulated as a “Herald of the Beast” in a plan to bring about a new Reich. Haunted by the Holocaust, survivor’s guilt, and the seductive lure of vengeance, the characters must wrestle with impossible moral choices. Is redemption possible for those who collaborated with evil? Can sacred symbols be reclaimed from the hands of villains? In this powerful issue, memory becomes a battleground, and the line between protector and monster begins to blur. With bold references to the Sefer Yetzirah, the nature of Jewish suffering and resistance, and the ethical weight of history, The Saga of the Swamp Thing #11 stands as one of the most daring and Jewishly literate stories in DC Comics history. This isn’t just horror—it’s reckoning.

 

 

Collection ID#: 212

DC Comics

The Sandman (Vol. 1) (1988 - 1996)

The Sandman #31

Published: September 1991

Keywords: Philosophy

Mentions the story of the 36 tzaddikim who are always on earth and then Norton was one of them. Issue is based on the real story of Joshua Abraham Norton, who lived in San Francisco in the mid-19th century. Born in England in 1818, he moved to the U.S. And initially prospered as a businessman before going bankrupt. In 1859, he declared himself “Norton I, Emperor of the United States” in a public proclamation. San Franciscans embraced his eccentricity, treating him with a mix of amusement and admiration. Local newspapers even printed his proclamations, such as his orders to dissolve Congress or build a bridge between Oakland and San Francisco (which, interestingly, eventually happened). He issued his own currency, which some businesses honored, and patrolled the city in a military uniform. Despite having no real political authority, he was beloved by the people of San Francisco. When he died in 1880, around 10,000 people attended his funeral.

 

 

Collection ID#: 220

DC Comics

Secrets of the Legion of Super-Heroes (1981)

Secrets of the Legion of Super-Heroes #1

Published: October 1980

Keywords: Colossal Boy, Israel, Kibbutz

Page 22 - origin story of Colossal Boy depicting his origins in Israel on a kibbutz. “kibbutz” is specifically mentioned and defined.

 

 

Collection ID#: 223

DC Comics

Shadowpact (2006 - 2008)

Shadowpact #8

Published: December 2006

Keywords: Ragman, Kabbalism, Golem, Israel

While a frustrated Doctor Gotham commands Strega to keep Shadowpact distracted, a new threat blinds Blue Devil, Nightshade, and Ragman in the streets of Metropolis. Labeled villains by a fanatical cult called the Congregation, the heroes are incapacitated—body and soul.

In a haunting dreamscape, Ragman confronts not just his blindness, but the ghosts of his legacy. From his grandfather’s immigrant struggle to escape persecution, to the ancient origins of the mystical Rag Suit, Ragman learns the painful truth: his burden is not a curse, but a chance at redemption. Guided by Marcus Liberius, a soul taken during the Siege of Masada, Rory Reagan begins to understand that the suit’s power spans millennia—and he’s part of a lineage stretching back to Abraham himself.

 

 

Collection ID#: 226

DC Comics

The Spectre (Vol. 3) (1992 - 1998)

The Spectre #17

Published: February 1994

Keywords: Kabbalism, Hebrew

As the Spectre spirals into cosmic wrath, declaring humanity unworthy of mercy, a mystical storm brews across Earth—and only a rare alliance of sorcerers dares to intervene. But amid the clash of occult titans and corrupted gods, it is a quiet Jewish mystic who offers the deepest insight into salvation.

Enter Ramban—Kabbalist, sage, and spiritual anchor in an unraveling world. While the Spectre, now possessed by Eclipso, threatens to extinguish creation, Ramban meets with Father Craemer at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Their interfaith dialogue becomes more than theological—it becomes the soul of resistance. Ramban draws from ancient Jewish wisdom, grounding the metaphysical chaos in the eternal truths of teshuvah, human struggle, and divine balance.

 

 

Collection ID#: 227

Marvel Comics

Strange Tales (Vol. 1) (1951 - 1976)

Strange Tales #174

Published: March 1974

Keywords: Israel, conflict, Golem, Kabbalism

Beneath the scorching sands of the Middle East, an ancient legend stirs. Professor Abraham Adamson, a Jewish archaeologist driven by ancestral memory and spiritual conviction, unearths a forgotten relic of hope—the Golem, the fabled protector sculpted by the Maharal of Prague. Once the champion of a persecuted people, the Golem vanished into myth. Now, it rises again.

But history refuses to stay buried. When armed deserters posing as guests turn violent, Abraham is murdered, and his family taken hostage. Yet in the professor’s dying breath—his love, sorrow, and unshakable faith—the Golem awakens. Towering and silent, it is no mindless monster, but a vessel of righteous fury.

Fueled by the pain of injustice and the purity of a family’s bond, the Golem becomes a relentless avenger. Against bullets and bloodshed, it moves with unwavering purpose—a living testament to Jewish resilience in the face of brutality.

 

 

Collection ID#: 230

DC Comics

Suicide Squad (Vol. 1) (1987 - 1992)

Suicide Squad #45

Published: August 1990

Keywords: Israel, Golem, Kabbalism, conflict

In the heart of the Middle East, tensions ignite as Amanda Waller leads Task Force X—the infamous Suicide Squad—on a covert mission into Jerusalem. Their objective: capture or eliminate the elusive terrorist mastermind, Kobra, whose machinations threaten global stability.

However, Israel’s own super-powered commando unit, the Hayoth, has already apprehended Kobra. This elite team—comprising the techno-intelligence of Dybbuk, the formidable strength of Golem, the deadly precision of Judith, and the mystical prowess of Ramban—stands between the Suicide Squad and their target. Misunderstandings and conflicting agendas propel the two teams toward a collision course, each believing they hold the key to neutralizing the threat.

As the squads clash amidst ancient streets and sacred sites, deeper schemes unfold. Kobra’s capture may be part of a grander design, one that could destabilize the region and beyond. Loyalties are tested, alliances are questioned, and the line between hero and villain blurs in the shadow of looming chaos.

 

 

Collection ID#: 231

DC Comics

Suicide Squad (Vol. 1) (1987 - 1992)

Suicide Squad #46

Published: September 1990

Keywords:

Amanda Waller leads the Suicide Squad into the heart of Jerusalem to confront the international terrorist cult leader Kobra, forcing an uneasy alliance with Israel’s super-team, the Hayoth . Even working toward a common goal, tension runs high as Waller demands strict terms for cooperation, making it clear she’s in charge . When Kobra is captured far too easily during the mission, Waller grows suspicious that this “victory” is a trap in disguise . Her instincts are right – from his jail cell, Kobra engages the Hayoth’s AI agent, Dybbuk, in a chilling philosophical dialogue to subtly twist the program to his will . Sensing foul play, Waller dispatches the Atom to spy on Kobra at microscopic size; the tiny hero barely survives a surprise attack by Kobra’s pet scorpions and discovers hints of the villain’s true endgame . By the end, the Squad realizes Kobra wanted to be caught – and a far greater evil is set in motion, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown to come.

 

 

Collection ID#: 232

DC Comics

Suicide Squad (Vol. 1) (1987 - 1992)

Suicide Squad #47

Published: October 1990

Keywords:

Kobra’s endgame is revealed, and it’s apocalyptic: he has hijacked the Hayoth’s super-computer Dybbuk and a fleet of Israeli fighter jets to target Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock, hoping to ignite a war that will usher in an age of chaos . The Suicide Squad and Hayoth must race against time to stop the rogue AI and avert unspeakable catastrophe as warplanes scream toward one of the world’s most sacred sites . Amid this chaos, the fanatical assassin Ravan seizes his chance to face his sworn enemy in a fight to the finish . Ravan has waited his whole life to kill Kobra, but the cobra-cult leader is more formidable than even this deadly warrior anticipated – Kobra strikes with a poison-tipped staff potent enough to fell a rhino , and he’s not afraid to use it. The duel between them is brutal and fateful, unfolding while the rest of the team scrambles to thwart Kobra’s doomsday plan. The climax delivers both intense action and a gut-wrenching twist: the showdown carries a deadly cost for the Squad, and in its aftermath a desperate plea forces the team to confront the thin line between vengeance and justice . No member of Task Force X will walk away unchanged from this mission..

 

 

Collection ID#: 233

DC Comics

Suicide Squad (Vol. 1) (1987 - 1992)

Suicide Squad #63

Published: February 1992

Keywords:

Titled “True Minds,” the narrative delves into the complex dynamics between Task Force X and Israel’s elite superhuman team, the Hayoth. This issue prominently features Hayoth members Ramban, a Kabbalistic magician; Dybbuk, a sentient artificial intelligence; and their leader, Colonel Hacohen.

The storyline centers on Dybbuk’s involvement in deprogramming Ifrit, an entity with origins tied to the consciousness of former Suicide Squad member Mindboggler. Dybbuk’s unique capabilities are pivotal in this intricate process, highlighting the ethical and philosophical challenges faced by artificial intelligences. Ramban’s role is equally significant, as his mystical insights and deep understanding of morality provide guidance during this endeavor. Colonel Hacohen oversees the operation, ensuring that the Hayoth’s objectives align with broader geopolitical considerations. 

 

 

Collection ID#: 236

DC Comics

The Super Friends (Vol. 1) (1976 - 1981)

The Super Friends #38

Published: November 1980

Keywords: Hebrew, Israel, Kibbutz, Magen David, Seraph, Terrorism

2nd story, “The Seraph’s Day of Atonement”.  Seraph goes too far by killing a terrorist who was already defeated and defenseless.  God punishes Seraph by removing his powers, Seraph speaks to God, prays for forgiveness on Yom Kippur, and his powers are restored.

 

Collection ID#: 237

DC Comics

The Super Friends (Vol. 1) (1976 - 1981)

The Super Friends #41

Published: February 1981

Keywords: Hebrew, Israel, Kibbutz, Magen David, Seraph, Terrorism

2nd story is a Seraph episode in Israel at a desalination plant by the Dead Sea, where Chaim Lavon is teaching visiting American kids. Terrorists (not Arab) attempt to steal the desalination tech to sell to highest bidder, willing to kill children to get it. Seraph stops the flow of time and covers kids in mantel of Elijah which shields them from bullets.

 

 

Collection ID#: 239

DC Comics

Supergirl (Vol. 2) (1982 - 1984)

Supergirl #13

Published: September 1983

Keywords: Antisemitism, Hitler, Magen David, Neo Nazi, Prejudice

See interview with Jewish writer, Paul Kupperberg start at 19:00-26:20 YouTube Link
A swastika drawn on Supergirl’s neighbour’s front door. The owner, Mrs. Berkowitz (“Mrs. B”), is a Holocaust survivor and shows her number tattoo on pg 6. Supergirl dismisses it as a “stupid kid’s idea of a joke”. Mrs. B points out that it is happening to Jews across Chicago as she reflects on the “millions” that used to want Jews dead, that murdered her family, Rachael and Hymie. A far-right Nazi rally has been approved to take place in Grant Park (referencing the race riots of the 1968 DNC. At the rally, a Jew reveals himself in the crowd, confronting the speakers, and a riot ensues. It turns out later that the Jew was not really a Jew, paid $1k to intentionally start a riot, all in order to make the political candidate appear more heroic/sympathetic. In a particularly powerful moment on pg 20, the paid instigator casually throws off his Magen David and steps on it.

 

 

Collection ID#: 240

DC Comics

Supergirl (Vol. 2) (1982 - 1984)

Supergirl #14

Published: October 1983

Keywords: Antisemitism, Neo Nazi, Rabbi

Particularly beautiful panels of the rabbi and synagogue. He tells supergirl she did a mitzvah saving him as he rescued a Torah scroll from the burning synagogue.

 

 

Collection ID#: 241

DC Comics

Supergirl (Vol. 2) (1982 - 1984)

Supergirl #15

Published: November 1983

Keywords:

Titled “Starrfall,” the gripping conclusion to the Blackstarr saga unfolds. Supergirl confronts the formidable Blackstarr, whose mastery over cosmic energies poses a dire threat. Amid their intense battle, a shocking revelation emerges: Blackstarr is Rachel Berkowitz, the daughter of Mrs. Berkowitz, a Holocaust survivor. This discovery adds profound emotional depth, intertwining personal histories with the broader themes of prejudice and redemption. The narrative delves into the complexities of identity and the enduring scars of past atrocities, offering readers a poignant exploration of forgiveness and understanding. The issue’s artwork vividly captures the cosmic scale of their confrontation, juxtaposed with intimate moments that highlight the characters’ emotional turmoil. “Starrfall” stands out not only for its superhero action but also for its sensitive portrayal of historical trauma, resonating deeply with themes pertinent to Jewish heritage and the universal struggle against intolerance. 

 

 

Collection ID#: 242

DC Comics

Superman (Vol. 1) (1939 - 1986)

Superman #248

Published: December 1971

Keywords: Golem

Lex Luther creates the Galactic Golem in a manner reminiscent of Frankenstein, but references the “legend” and that the golem is made of clay. No specific reference to Judaism.

 

 

Collection ID#: 244

DC Comics

Superman (Vol. 2) (1986 - 2006)

Superman #54

Published: February 1991

Keywords: Ghetto, Hitler, Holocaust, Nazi, Warsaw

Superman goes back in time and finds himself in the Warsaw ghetto, 1943. It is a full story in which Superman defends Jews from the Nazis on every page.

 

Collection ID#: 249

DC Comics

The Thing (Vol. 2) (2005 - 2006)

The Thing #8

Published: July 2006

Keywords: Golem, Hebrew, Hebrew School, Menorah, Rabbi, Shabbat

The Thing's Bar Mitzvah!  (It doesn't disappoint)

 

Collection ID#: 254

Marvel Comics

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) (1980 - 2011)

Uncanny X-Men #150

Published: July 1981

Keywords: Auschwitz, Holocaust, Magneto

3rd last page - magneto briefly recounts childhood, “the gas chambers as auschwitz”. He explains this is the reason why human lives mean nothing to him. Magneto mentions, in a fight with Cyclops, "I know something of grief. Search throughout my homeland, you will find NONE who bear my name. Mine was a large family, and it was slaughtered ... Without mercy, without remorse." So that eliminates German homosexual and French partisan, because the entire familes of such prisoners were not slaughtered throughout an entire "homeland." After Magneto thinks he has killed Kitty, he says: "I remember my own childhood ... The gas chambers at Auschwitz, the guards joking as they herded my family to their death. As our lives were nothing to them, so human lives became nothing to me." Storm is about to blast him for "killing" Kitty, and she says, "If you have a diety, butcher, pray to it!" Magneto answers, "As a boy, I believed. As a boy, I turned my back on god forever." So now we know that Magnus is not a political prisoner (German political prisoners were sent to camps on German soil, like Dachau, or Bergen-Belsen), he is not Polish, since whole...

 

 

Collection ID#: 260

Marvel Comics

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) (1980 - 2011)

Uncanny X-Men #320

Published: November 1994

Keywords: David Haller, Gabrielle Haller

1. The Jewish Identity of David Haller (Legion) • This issue marks the beginning of Legion Quest, a pivotal storyline centered on David Haller, aka Legion, who is the son of Charles Xavier and Gabrielle Haller, an Israeli Holocaust survivor. • Gabrielle Haller, first introduced in Uncanny X-Men #161, was rescued by Xavier from a catatonic state, and she later became an Israeli ambassador. • David’s Jewish identity is an integral part of his character’s history, tying into themes of trauma, survival, and inherited responsibility. 2. Biblical and Mystical Parallels • The name Legion itself has theological significance, though more commonly associated with Christian texts. However, in a Jewish context, David’s multiple personalities can evoke the Yetzer HaRa and Yetzer HaTov—the evil and good inclinations that battle within a person, a core concept in Jewish thought. • His desire to change the past to create a “better” future reflects the classic Jewish tension between fate and free will, echoing midrashic debates about whether history is predestined or shaped by human action. 3. Themes of Messianism and Catastrophe • Legion Quest leads directly into Age of Apocalypse, an alternate dystopian future where history is rewritten by Legion’s actions. • David’s attempt...

 

 

Collection ID#: 273

Marvel Comics

Vengeance of the Moon Knight (Vol. 2) (2024)

Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1

Published: January 2024

Keywords: Common Jewish Ritual

Several pages devoted to the shivah setting, and honouring Moon Knight’s death by holding a shivah. The Thing is there wearing a kippah, strongly visible in many panels. This becomes more significant considering the strong contrast with the marginalized Jewish representation in the TV Moon Knight series, recalling the brief shivah scene in Ep. 5.

 

 

Collection ID#: 276

Marvel Comics

Web of Spider-Man (Vol. 1) (1985 - 1995)

Web of Spider-Man #57

Published: August 1989

Keywords: Antisemitism, Bigotry, Neo Nazi, Rabbi

Badguy’s name is “Skin-head”. It turns out he is a self-hating Jew who became a neo-Nazi. His father is a rabbi who he confronts and nearly kills. The rabbi says is a proud Jew and Zionist, his son felt alienated and tried to change who he was by some experiment that turned him into a blob. His new identity became about hating Jews and he became a neo Nazi. Spider-man discusses acceptance of people. Writer, Gerry Conway, married a Jew and has Jewish children. He was born in New York and can speak casual Yiddish. In this issue, he teaches about how Jewish kids feel alienated because of antisemitism and Spider-Man says, “So what’s wrong with different? We’re all different, Mr. Cross, tall, short, black, white, gentile or Jew—all different.

 

 

Collection ID#: 289

Marvel Comics

X-Men (Vol. 2) (1991 - 2001)

X-Men #40

Published: November 1994

Keywords: Auschwitz, David Haller, Gabrielle Haller, Haifa, Holocaust, Israel, Magneto, Negev

The story takes place in Haifa hospital, Israel is mentioned several times. A newspaper in Hebrew is depicted in one panel, and recognizably Orthodox Jews are depicted in several panels on another page. No discernible landmarks can be seen. Until recently, when, in Road to Onslaught, Marvel once again published that outrageous Gabrielle Haller speech about Magneto like they were proud of it (??) the next references in the Age of Apocalypse comics portrayed Magneto once again as Jewish. In X-Men Vol. 2, No. 40, where David Haller, Legion, pulls Magneto's memories out, you see young Magnus with the men, standing behind and below a high, barred window. This is an accurate portrayal of the quarters of the Sonderkommando at Auschwitz I. At Auschwitz I, only the Sonderkommando (other than prisoners awaiting execution) were kept in isolated basement cells, the windows of which were high, barred, and as seen from the outside, half-below ground level. And why is Magneto in Israel anyway? How could he have come there? Well, why would a Gypsy go to Israel when at least 30,000 Gypsies lived in Germany in the late 1960s and early 1970s? And many more Rom formed a thriving community in...

 

 

Collection ID#: 291

Marvel Comics

X-Men (Vol. 2) (1991 - 2001)

X-Men #67

Published: July 1997

Keywords: Sabra

Titled “The End of Days,” the narrative unfolds amidst the intense “Operation: Zero Tolerance” storyline, which sees mutants worldwide targeted by the ruthless Prime Sentinels. In Israel, Sabra—Ruth Bat-Seraph, a mutant and dedicated Mossad agent—uncovers critical information about this anti-mutant initiative. As she attempts to relay these findings to the X-Men, Sabra is ambushed by her own Mossad colleagues, who have been transformed into Prime Sentinels. This confrontation underscores the pervasive reach of Operation: Zero Tolerance and the profound betrayal Sabra faces within her trusted circle. Demonstrating resilience and combat prowess, Sabra manages to escape, setting her on a determined path to warn her fellow mutants in the United States.

 

 

Collection ID#: 292

Marvel Comics

X-Men (Vol. 2) (1991 - 2001)

X-Men #68

Published: August 1997

Keywords:

There’s a one page cameo appearance of Sabra.  Excellent image!

 

 

Collection ID#: 313

Marvel Comics

X-Men Unlimited (Vol. 1) (1993 - 2003)

X-Men Unlimited #38

Published: September 2002

Keywords: Hebrew, Kitty Pryde

“Yartzeit” Written by Greg Rucka Drawn by Darick Robertson Inked by Darick Robertson Colored by J.D. Smith Lettered by Randy Gentile Edited by C.B. Cebulski The issue is told through the narrative device of a yartzeit. Opens with Kitty lighting the candle, goes through the entire day, repeatedly checking back in to see how far the candle has burned Background: Colossus died in UXM #390 (March 2001) to cure the Legacy Virus, that took the life of his younger sister, Illyana. Kitty was best friends with Illyana, former lovers with Peter Page 2 Full page spread of Kitty, in an XAVIER t-shirt, lighting a yartzeit candle, noting it’s one year to the day since Colossus died Blue candle with a star of David on the glass Yartzeit is Yiddish for, depending on how you translate, “time of year” or “a year’s time” Page 3 After lighting, Kitty recites: “Sustained by words of faith, comforted by precious memories, we kindle the yartzeit light in remembrance. The human spirit is the light of the Lord. As this light burns pure and clear, so may the memory of the goodness...and...and the nobility of our dear Peter...our dear Peter Nikolievitch Rasputin...illumine our souls...Zichrono livracha....

 

 

Collection ID#: 319

Marvel Comics

X-Men: Magneto Testament (2008 - 2009)

X-Men: Magneto Testament #1

Published: September 2008

Keywords: Antisemitism, Armband, Auschwitz, Concentration Camp, Ghetto, Hitler, Holocaust, Nazi

Set in 1935 Nuremberg, Germany, young Max Eisenhardt excels in academics and athletics, embodying the promise of youth. However, as the Nuremberg Laws are enacted, Max faces escalating anti-Semitism, transforming his once-promising future into a struggle for basic dignity. This issue introduces readers to Max’s family dynamics and the societal shifts that foreshadow the impending horrors. A particularly moving illustration depicts Max’s father, Jakob, confronting Nazi officers with quiet dignity, highlighting the family’s initial attempts to maintain normalcy amidst growing persecution.

 

 

Collection ID#: 320

Marvel Comics

X-Men: Magneto Testament (2008 - 2009)

X-Men: Magneto Testament #2

Published: October 2008

Keywords: Antisemitism, Armband, Auschwitz, Concentration Camp, Ghetto, Hitler, Holocaust, Nazi

As the Nazi grip tightens, Max and his family are forced from their home and endure the brutality of Kristallnacht. The depiction of shattered synagogues and burning books serves as a stark visual representation of cultural and personal loss. Max’s resilience is tested as he witnesses the disintegration of his community. The artwork poignantly captures the chaos and despair of the pogroms, with panels illustrating the destruction of cherished family heirlooms and the anguish etched on the faces of the persecuted.

 

 

Collection ID#: 321

Marvel Comics

X-Men: Magneto Testament (2008 - 2009)

X-Men: Magneto Testament #3

Published: November 2008

Keywords: Antisemitism, Armband, Auschwitz, Concentration Camp, Hitler, Holocaust,  Nazi

Deported to the Warsaw Ghetto, Max confronts the grim realities of starvation, disease, and oppression. Despite the dire circumstances, he forms a bond with Magda, a fellow prisoner, igniting a flicker of hope amid the darkness. The ghetto’s claustrophobic alleys and overcrowded tenements are rendered with haunting detail, emphasizing the suffocating environment. One of the most moving illustrations portrays Max sharing a piece of bread with a younger child, symbolizing compassion’s endurance even in humanity’s bleakest moments.

 

 

Collection ID#: 322

Marvel Comics

X-Men: Magneto Testament (2008 - 2009)

X-Men: Magneto Testament #4

Published: January 2009

Keywords: Antisemitism, Armband, Auschwitz, Concentration Camp, Ghetto, Hitler, Holocaust, Nazi

Max and Magda are transported to Auschwitz, where they endure unimaginable horrors. Forced into the Sonderkommando, Max is compelled to confront the depths of human cruelty. The art does not shy away from depicting the grim realities of the concentration camp, yet it balances this with moments of profound humanity. A particularly striking sequence shows Max and Magda finding solace in each other’s presence, their clasped hands serving as a beacon of hope amidst the surrounding desolation.

 

 

Collection ID#: 323

Marvel Comics

X-Men: Magneto Testament (2008 - 2009)

X-Men: Magneto Testament #5

Published: February 2009

Keywords: Antisemitism, Armband, Auschwitz, Concentration Camp, Hitler, Nazi

As the war draws to a close, Max and Magda seize a perilous opportunity to escape during a death march. The narrative culminates in their liberation, but the emotional and physical scars remain. The final pages juxtapose the joy of freedom with the weight of remembrance. A moving illustration depicts Max burying a letter in the ruins of Auschwitz, a plea to future generations to remember and learn from the atrocities. This act underscores the series’ overarching message: the imperative to bear witness and ensure that such horrors are never repeated.

 

 

Collection ID#: 326

Marvel Comics

X-Men: The Movie Prequel - Magneto (2000)

X-Men: The Movie Prequel - Magneto #1

Published: June 2000

Keywords: Auschwitz, Concentration camp, Holocaust, Magneto, Nazi

Explores the Auschwitz intro scene to the first X-men movie in greater depth.

 

 

Collection ID#: 328

Marvel Comics

X-Men: True Friends (1999)

X-Men: True Friends #2

Published: October 1999

Keywords: Hitler

Proud Jew - speech by Kitty Pryde as she plans to assassinate Hitler. Used both terms - Holocaust and Shoah