Jews & comics vs. Identity

Kristina Montellano

November 23, 2010

HPSC 106

Book Review: Disguised as Clark Kent

 

Jews can be described as people who at once did not have a voice. Whether it was taken from them, stripped from them, or even abandoned-from death. It is true that they did live a harsh life early on, however, some Jews wanted to lay low and not let their true identity out. They were not able to go out and show their true identity to the public without being ridiculed or hurt. Pain and suffering were two things that they went through for now apparent reason. This is the twisted part.

            In this novel, Disguised as Clark Kent, By Danny Fingeroth, the truth can be portrayed on the Jews, how some went through out their day on the down low, and how they used books (comics) to get their real feelings across. It is such a fantastic idea that the Jews came up with. The sole creator of Superman & Batman, were a genius duo that let this “alien” come down to planet earth to rescue and save the community. Those who suffered were redeemed and cured. The people were grateful for the courageous help from “Superman.” Aside from his hard work out fighting crime, Superman had a very professional side as well. He went by Clark Kent. This disguise suited him well, in that he embodied the strong, intellectual, fierce “man” that he was both out and in. His identity was something that the town would question; yet they still believed.

The title of the book, in my opinion, suited the book. It explained everything, including the thesis of the book.

            Not only do comic book superheroes Batman and Superman disguise them to save the world, but, according to former Marvel group editor Fingeroth, they also disguise their Jewish heritage and values. Why should a group/race have to be ashamed of who they were? In Fingeroth's tenacious novel, he uncovers Jewish themes in comics history, starting with the opening of Superman in the early thirties and ending with a look at what the current crop of Jewish mainstream comics creators are doing with the freedom to explore overtly their view on religion. Looking in-depth at the creation of each new "Jewish" superhero, Fingeroth notes the changes in the comic industry, including the audience shift from young to old, and the effect of comic critics all over New York City with its heavy spectators. Looking back at the gold and silver eras of comics, Fingeroth embodies reading and artist testimony (Stan Lee, Joe Simon and Will Eisner among them) to explore parallels between Superman and Moses, Spider-Man's morality tales and the Torah, Fantastic Four arch-nemesis Hate Monger and Hitler, and others. Fingeroth's theories can seem far fetched-Bruce Wayne must be Jewish, Fingeroth claims, because Jewish creator Bob Kane does everything he can not to mention it-there's nothing here that wouldn't be at home (or much appreciated) in a spirited debate among hard core fans.

            One correlation that I believed really opened my eyes to the book was the correlation between the biblical character Moses and Superman. Moses was sent from his biological parents to a world (Egypt) where he knew no one, however, he did know that it was his duty and calling to help the children of Israel and the town from its harsh slavery.

Superman came down to planet earth to save his community from wrong doings and crime. It was his job to look over the city, as it was full of sinful attributes. Also, I found it ironic how the creator of these Marvel superheroes were Jewish and were on the same boat as most of these superheroes. They lived double lives and were forced to hide & conceal their identity for the sake of themselves and others.

            It hurt them to not reveal the truth, but it would hurt them more to not help them. I believe that the author wrote on this to get out how they really felt in their own personal lives. They used comics to get a clear voice across and as a metaphor for help. I believe that the author was trying to convince the audience of how the Jews were not voiced, but rather quiet.

One thing that I did not like about the book was that it went into too much detail on how the superheroes evolved and the creator’s personal lives, rather than the Jews as a whole. The readers would probably want to read a little more on Jewish History and some bibliographies to understand a clearer point of view. This is what I had to do, in that I only knew of the Holocaust tragedies and Anne Frank. So I did look back on those two things a little more in-depth. It actually helped my comprehending of this book.

            The book would affect anyone who is having trouble with race and identity in society. Racism is still around, whether we want to accept it or not. This book made me think about those still suffering to conceal their true race because they are afraid of the repercussions society might have on them. Why are we worried about what others think about our race/identity? We should not have to struggle with this! If only their were a Superman out there to help us. Overall, the book got its point across well in that it revealed its thesis early on. Identity is not supposed to be concealed, however, in the Jew’s case, it was done so through Superheroes, to fight back.

            Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel. Fingeroth actually got my attention and kept it as the chapters progressed. I related the book to racism in society today. As I did so, the book was easier to interpret. The novel was formal and accurate with all of its statements. The superheroes were used as a disguise. We are all superhuman at some points, it’s just that sometimes, people use their inner powers to shine (the one’s they were born with), rather than the ones they trained for.