Funny, They Don't Look Jewish!
43 episodes - English - Latest episode: 26 days ago - ★★★★★ - 13 ratings“Where Judaism appears in the panels.”
Our purpose is to find characters, stories and issues of comics that explore explicitly Jewish content. This includes, stories that contain quotes from Jewish texts/liturgy, characters that embrace openly their heritage. Characters using Hebrew, praying in a synagogue, celebrating Jewish holidays, and living a Jewish experience.
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Episodes
Episode 28 - Marvel's The Golem (Part 2)'
April 02, 2024 13:31 - 1 hour - 75.4 MBBrandon and Henry continue the coverage of the various Golems in Marvel Comics! Comics (and more) covered: Invaders #13, Nov 1976 “The Golem Walks Again” Written by Roy Thomas and Ed Summer Penciled by Frank Robbins Inked by Frank Springer Colored by George Roussos Lettered by John Costanza Edited by Roy Thomas Invaders (Vol. 2) #2, Apr 1993 “Havoc in Hollywood!” Written by Roy Thomas Penciled by Dave Hoover Inked by Brian Garvey Colored by Paul Becton Lettered by Pa...
Episode 27 - Marvel's The Golem (Part 1)
February 26, 2024 06:00 - 1 hour - 66.2 MB3 Golems for the price of one! Henry and Brandon do a deep dive into Marvel's The Golem across time! Comics covered: The Incredible Hulk #134, Sep 1970 “Among Us Walks… the Golem” Written by Roy Thomas Penciled by Herb Trimpe Inked by Sal Buscema Lettered by Artie Simek Edited by Stan Lee Strange Tales #174, Mar 1974 “There Walks the Golem!” Written by Len Wein Penciled by John Buscema Inked by Jim Mooney Colored by Glynis Wein Lettered by Dave Hunt Edited by Roy Thomas Str...
Episode 26 - A Very Jewish New Year
January 17, 2024 20:03 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBSurprise! Brandon & Henry return, unannounced, for this "emergency pod" as they discover a NEW Jewish Moon Knight story! Keep listening for appearances by Kitty Pryde and The Thing! All of our favorites in one episode! Comics covered: Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1 “Reese” Written by Jed MacKay Penciled by Alessandro Cappuccio Colored by Rachelle Rosenberg Lettered by VC’s Cor Petit Edited by Tom Brevoort X-Men (Vol. 6) #25 “From the Shadows” Gerry Duggan Penciled by Stefano ...
Paul Kupperberg Interview
September 14, 2023 19:47 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBThis was a big one! This summer we had the privilege and honor of speaking with DC Comics legend, Paul Kupperberg. Paul was kind enough to speak to us about Episode 23 - Metropolis Mishpacha, where we covered Supergirl and her landlady Ida Berkowitz! Paul of course was the author of these stories. We talk about religion in comics, Jewish representation, the Holocaust, and Colossal Boy's colossal bris! Please check out Paul's website and shop for all things KUP! https://www.paulkupperberg.ne...
Episode 25 - Seraph - Part 2
July 25, 2023 21:22 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MBWelcome to Funny; They Don’t Look Jewish, “Where Judaism appears in the panels.” Our purpose is to find characters, stories and issues of comics that explore explicitly Jewish content. Brandon and Henry are back to finish the deep dive in our newest favorite Jewish super-hero, SERAPH! Comics covered: Super Friends #41, December 1980 "Dry Earth… Stolen Waters” Written and Penciled by Bob Oksner Colored by Jerry Serpe Lettered by John Costanza Edited by Julius Schwartz Super Frien...
Episode 24 - Seraph - Part 1
May 17, 2023 15:49 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MBWelcome to Funny; They Don’t Look Jewish, “Where Judaism appears in the panels.” Our purpose is to find characters, stories and issues of comics that explore explicitly Jewish content. This time we're covering DC's Global Guardian, the Israeli SERAPH! Brandon and Henry take a look at several issues of DC's Super Friends, including arguably the most Jewish moment in all of super hero comics! Comics covered in Episode 24 Super Friends #7, July 1977 "The Warning of the Wonder Twins!” Writt...
Episode 23 - Metropolis Mishpocha!
December 06, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBJoin us on a trip to Sweet Home Chicago and the Big Apricot, Metropolis for an adventure with Supergirl and Shabbat dinner with Superman! This is a SUPER exciting episode for us. Henry FINALLY gets to discuss his true loves, Superman and Supergirl with Brandon. Comics covered: Mrs. Berkowitz and Blackstarr Supergirl (Vol. 2) #13, November 1983 “Echoes of Times Gone By” Written by Paul Kupperberg Penciled by Carmine Infantino Inked by Bob Oksner Colored by Tim Ziuko Lettered by Ben...
Captain America’s Amazing Jewish Friends
September 21, 2022 09:00 - 2 hours - 125 MBWelcome to Funny; They Don’t Look Jewish, “Where Judaism appears in the panels.” Our purpose is to find characters, stories and issues of comics that explore explicitly Jewish content. Brandon and Henry are back (again) after a long hiatus in a SUPER-SIZED episode. We are covering CAPTAIN AMERICA's Jewish friends. So strap in, turn on your "CA: The First Avenger" soundtrack and learn about America's @$$'s buddies! Captain America’s Amazing Jewish Friends - Bernie Rosenthal (Cap 247, Jul 1...
Episode 21 - Yep, Still Jewish: Heroes Revisited, Part 2
February 17, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 66.5 MBBrandon and Henry revisit some more old friends! DC's Ragman and Marvel's Moon Knight! Special guest appearances by Batman and the Mishkan Chicago Davening Team! Brandon and Henry gush over the wonderful writing of Sholly Fisch and also have one of their signature rants over BAD Jewish representation in comics. Comics covered: Ragman The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Vol. 1) #14 “Small Miracles” Written by Sholly Fisch Penciled by Rick Burchett Inked by Dan Davis Colo...
Episode 20 - Yep, Still Jewish: Heroes Revisited, Part 1
January 14, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 68.5 MBBrandon and Henry return after a brief hiatus and some special interview episodes with coverage of some heroes we've already covered! What?! Already covered?! Since we've started the podcast there have been more instances of explicit Jewish content for characters we've covered. We'll be revisiting our favs, The Thing and Kitty Pryde! We also have a hot take on John Lennon's Imagine, call out some creators for some bad Jewish representation and point the mirror at ourselves for our podcast t...
"Da Ordster" - Full Interview with JERRY ORDWAY!
December 20, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 65.5 MBWe are so thrilled to share with you our interview with Jerry Ordway from July 15, 2021. Jerry talked about a myriad of topics including, inclusion in comics, religious upbringing, editorial battles, Superman, Infinity Inc, Gangbuster, Bibbo, Proton (creator-owned) and so much more! https://jewishcomicspod.simplecast.com/ https://twitter.com/JewishComicsPod https://www.facebook.com/jewishcomicspod/ Check out more from Mr. Ordway at https://ordstersrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/ and h...
LIVE at Hanukkon! "Is Superman Circumcised?" An Interview with Author Roy Schwartz
December 06, 2021 06:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MBLive at Congregation B'Nai Tikvah's HANNUKON, Henry had the wonderful opportunity to interview Roy Schwartz, author of Is Superman Circumcised? The Complete Jewish History of the World's Greatest Hero. Henry and Roy talked about Siegel and Shuster, the birth of DC comics, Nazism, Jack The King Kirby, Passover, Richard Donner and more! Check it out. This was a good one! You can find Roy at https://www.royschwartz.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Superman-Circumcised-Complete-History-Greates...
Episode 19 - Atom Smasher - With Special Guest JERRY ORDWAY
September 20, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 76.3 MBBrandon and Henry do a deep dive into future Black Adam star, Atom Smasher aka Nuklon aka Albert Rothstein. We welcomed our first guest, none other than the legendary creator JERRY ORDWAY! In this very special episode we talked to the co-creator (along with Roy Thomas), Jerry Ordway! Jerry is best known for his lengthy run as the writer/artist on Superman but here we got to dig a little deeper with him on Nuklon! We also cover many issues: Infinity Inc. #48, March 1988 “The Making o...
Episode 18 - Three Shy of a Minyan
April 28, 2021 08:30 - 1 hour - 73 MB1. Iceman #1, December 1984 Bobby Drake First appearance: X-Men #1 (Sep 1963) Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby 2. Arsenic -Gertrude Yorkes X-Men/Runaways (FCBD), May 2006 - art by Skottie Young 3. Mettle Avengers Academy #5, October 2010 4. Sasquatch The Infinity Crusade #1, June 1993 5. Wiccan Uncanny X-Men #526 (July 2010) (Allan Heinberg) Avengers: The Children’s Crusade (November 2010) New Avengers (Vol. 4) #3 (Nov 2015) (Al Ewing) 6. Doc Samson Incredible Hulk #143, S...
Episode 17 - Wesley Dodds - The Golden Age Sandman
January 29, 2021 14:19 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBWe'll be looking at: Sandman Mystery Theatre #39, June 1996 “The Mist: Act Three of Four” Written by Matt Wagner and Steven T. Seagle Penciled and inked by Guy Davis Colored by David Homung Lettered by John Costanza Edited by Karen Berger and Keri Kowalski Sandman Mystery Theatre #40 July 1996 “The Mist: Act Four of Four” Written by Matt Wagner and Steven T. Seagle Penciled and inked by Guy Davis Colored by David Homung Lettered by John Costanza Edited by Karen Berger and Keri...
Episode 16 - Ramban - Part 2
November 23, 2020 10:48 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBBrandon and Henry wrap up their discussion of Rabbi Ramban! Possibly FTDLJ's favorite super-hero to date! We look at issues: Suicide Squad #63, Mar 1992 “True Minds” Written by John Ostrander and Kim Yale Penciled by Geof Isherwood Inked by Robert Companella and Andrew Pepoy Colored by Tom McCraw Lettered by Todd Klein Edited by Dan Raspler The Spectre (Vol. 3) #15, Feb 1994 “Old Blood” Written by John Ostrander Penciled and Inked by Tom Mandrake Inked by Robert Companella and ...
Episode 15 - Ramban - Part 1
October 09, 2020 19:47 - 1 hour - 61.3 MBWe're covering Ramban! That's right Ramban, no not the medieval Jewish commentator but the DC hero appearing in Suicide Squad! RAMBAN! Suicide Squad #45, Sept 1990 “The Jerusalem Serpent” Written by John Ostrander and Kim Yale Penciled and Inked by Geof Isherwood Colored by Carl Gafford Lettered by Todd Klein Edited by Dan Raspler Suicide Squad #46, Oct 1990 “Choice of Evils” Written by John Ostrander and Kim Yale Penciled by Luke McDonnell Inked by Geof Isherwood Colored by Car...
Episode 14 - Colossal Boy - Live at the AJL Digital Conference!
August 20, 2020 08:00 - 50 minutes - 46.8 MBBack in July 2020, Brandon and Henry were welcomed by the Association of Jewish Libraries to present at their Digital conference. On Zoom Brandon and Henry introduced the world to Colossal Boy, Jewish hero from the 31st Century!
Episode 14 - Colossal Boy - Live at the AJL Digital Conference!
August 20, 2020 08:00 - 50 minutes - 46.8 MBBack in July 2020, Brandon and Henry were welcomed by the Association of Jewish Libraries to present at their Digital conference. Originally the conference was supposed to take place in person, in Evanston, IL. Obviously, because of the pandemic it was moved to Zoom. This was a unique opportunity to share the world of Judaism and Comic books with people who deal with books on a daily basis. Brandon and Henry first shared highlights of the podcast, spotlighting The Thing, Batwoman and Kitty ...
Episode 13 - Sabra - Part 2
July 08, 2020 08:05 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBIn this episode we conclude our discussion of the Israeli super-hero, SABRA! We go back to Sabra's second appearance in Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions Vol 1 #2 Published July, 1982 "Frenzy in the Frozen North!" Writer Mark Gruenwald, Bill Mantlo Steven Grant Penciler John Romita Jr. Inker Pablo Marcos Colourist Michele Wolfman Christie Scheele LettererJoe Rosen EditorMark Gruenwald Tom DeFalco Followed by a story from two issues: New Warriors #58, April 1995 “Shalom,...
Episode 12 - Sabra - Part 1
May 01, 2020 20:43 - 58 minutes - 54.2 MBIn this episode Brandon and Henry travel to Israel (via Zoom) to meet the Israeli and Jewish, SABRA! Brandon and Henry have their first episode over Zoom since shelter in place started. We discuss a character we don't know that much about but are learning a ton! Sabra appears in three HULK issues here, spanning 2 decades. Follow us at https://twitter.com/JewishComicsPod, https://www.facebook.com/jewishcomicspod Please give us a rating and review at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Episode 11 - Moon Knight - Part 3
March 26, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBWe conclude our deep dive of MOON KNIGHT! We discuss the very dark but fascinating story in Moon Knight #194 written by pop-punk singer and comic book writer, Max Bemis Follow us at https://twitter.com/JewishComicsPod, https://www.facebook.com/jewishcomicspod Please give us a rating and review at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/funny-they-dont-look-jewish/id1454459953
Episode 11 - MOON KNIGHT - Part 3
March 26, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBWe conclude our deep dive of MOON KNIGHT! We discuss the very dark but fascinating story in Moon Knight #194 written by pop-punk singer and comic book writer, Max Bemis
Episode 10 - Moon Knight - Part 2
February 27, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBOur tenth episode! A full set of Kabbalistic Sefirot! This is Part 2 of our exploration of Moon Knight. We look at Moon Knight #38, part 2 of the story of the villain Zohar! Moon Knight #38, July 1984 “Final Rest” *- Written by Alan Zelenetz Penciled by Bo Hampton Inked by Armando Gil Colored by Christie Scheele Lettered by Joe Rosen Edited by Denny O’Neill* Incredible cover that seems to have concentric circles of Hebrew text Looks like an amulet Page 1 Our hooded figure lays o...
Episode 10 - MOON KNIGHT - Part 2
February 27, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBOur tenth episode! A full set of Kabbalistic Sefirot! This is Part 2 of our exploration of Moon Knight. We look at Moon Knight #38, part 2 of the story of the villain Zohar!
Episode 9 - Moon Knight - Part 1
January 22, 2020 04:57 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBMoon Knight (1980) #37 Published: May 01, 1984 Writer: Alan Zelenetz Penciler: Bo Hampton Cover Artist: Michael Kaluta At long last…the secret history of Marc Spector’s father! Plus, a reveal at the end of this issue that will leave you gob smacked! Follow along with the issue with this link - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1553840064739605&type=3&xts%5B0%5D=68.ARC3Ofk02NJ2Jk0nAt5aN6gygCRYKw8IZpuu68P6DK61oa7F3yg_zZpZULyycKgRn2sPhsMALjYJnSrNUJt5B8FztUeiTvrjGQ8cVaujAXmC_b...
Episode 9 - MOON KNIGHT - Part 1
January 22, 2020 04:57 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBBrandon and Henry discuss Marvel's Moon Knight vol. 1 #37 and Moon Knight's Jewish origins.
Episode 8 - Ragman - Part 2 (with TRIGGER WARNING)
November 05, 2019 20:37 - 1 hour - 70.6 MBTRIGGER WARNING - Please note, in this episode we discuss the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, PA along with a few other instances of hate crimes perpetrated towards Jews. In this episode we complete our exploration of the VERY Jewish RAGMAN! Batman #551, 1998 “Suit of Evil Souls” Written by Doug Moench Drawn by Kelley Jones Inked by John Beatty Colored by Gregory Wright and Android Images Lettered by Todd Klein Edited by Dennis O'Neil and Jordan B. Gorfinkel Batman #552, 1998 ...
BONUS EPISODE - Ragman on CW's Arrow
September 24, 2019 15:29 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBArrow Season 5 Arrow S5E2 “Recruits” 34:40, 7:58 left Rory mentions father saved his life with rags from the time of Devarim (bad pronunciation) Thank you to https://twitter.com/EstherK of https://www.facebook.com/TVGoneJewy/ for this one: Arrow S5E7 “Vigilante” 3:10 min in 39:15 left Ollie asks Rory if a quote is from the Torah (it’s Moby Dick) Arrow S5E8 “Invasion” 36:22 in Realize Dominators language is decodable through gematria Explains Gematria Arrow S5E10 “Who Are You?” ...
Episode 7 - Ragman - Part 1
August 30, 2019 21:44 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBEpisode 7: 1991 mini and Arrow episodes (maybe Suit of Souls) Episode 8: Batman two-parter, Shadowpact #8 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 1...
Episode 7 - RAGMAN - Part 1
August 30, 2019 21:44 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBIn this episode, Henry and Brandon discuss the obscure but VERY Jewish super hero RAGMAN!
Episode 6 - Kitty Pryde - Part 2
July 29, 2019 18:08 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBPreviously on Funny, They Don’t Look Jewish Your hosts, Brandon and Henry, explored the Jewish roots of Chicago’s own mutant superheroine, Kitty Pryde of the X-Men. Under the pen of creator and writer Chris Claremont, Kitty Pryde confronted demons, vampires, and the shadow of the Holocaust, with her Jewish identity always prominent. Now, we look at where later writers guided both the evolution of Marvel’s Merry Mutants and Kitty Pryde’s own Judaism. Excelsior! Marvel Holiday Special 1996 ...
Episode 6 - KITTY PRYDE - Part 2
July 29, 2019 18:08 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBPreviously on Funny, They Don’t Look Jewish Your hosts, Brandon and Henry, explored the Jewish roots of Chicago’s own mutant superheroine, Kitty Pryde of the X-Men. Under the pen of creator and writer Chris Claremont, Kitty Pryde confronted demons, vampires, and the shadow of the Holocaust, with her Jewish identity always prominent. Now, we look at where later writers guided both the evolution of Marvel’s Merry Mutants and Kitty Pryde’s own Judaism. Excelsior! This episode we review: 1. Marve...
Episode 5 - KITTY PRYDE - Part 1
June 27, 2019 15:29 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBIn this episode we cover one of the most famous Jewish super heroes, KITTY PRYDE!
Episode 5 - Kitty Pryde - Part 1
June 27, 2019 15:29 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBBB: Origin, First Appearance, Daughter to Carmen and Theresa Pryde, from Deerfield, IL 13-year-old girl Kitty Pryde first appears #129 (middle of Dark Phoenix Saga), officially joins the team at the very end of #138 (Oct 1980), the epilogue to the same story. First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #129 (cover date Jan 1980) Page 11, in the THIRD panel she appears in, Kitty is wearing a star of David Henry: Claremont interview Brandon: According to tumblr fan site johnbyrnedraws, Byrne said:...
Episode 4 - Batwoman - Part 2
May 22, 2019 12:58 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MBDetective Comics #860, 2009 “Go, Part 3” Written by Greg Rucka Drawn by JH Williams III Colored by Dave Stewart Lettered by Todd Klein Edited by Michael Siglain BW’s origin. She beat up some thugs in black leather Page 6 - home, showering. 4th panel Walking through her apartment, there’s a little end table What’s on it? Hanukkiyah. Shabbat candlesticks. SEFIROT Her dad discovers her stolen weapons and tech. Offers to help train and prepare her, support her Page 12 - Kate returns...
Episode 4 - BATWOMAN - Part 2
May 22, 2019 12:58 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MBBATWOMAN Part 2 - In this episode Brandon and Henry look through Detective Comics #860 and #975 and a special surprise from the Multiverse!
Episode 3 - Batwoman - Part 1
April 19, 2019 15:04 - 43 minutes - 40.8 MBIn an 8/1/2014 interview with Matt Santori of Comicosity.com, Greg Rucka reveals the following: I simply wanted another character who was identifiably Jewish. For a bunch of characters that were arguably all created by a bunch of Jewish men, very few of them are actually Jewish and identify as such. And I have encountered more than one instance in my career where professionals have cited the core strength of a character in being their deep commitment to Christ. It always struck me as a lit...
Episode 3 - BATWOMAN - Part 1
April 19, 2019 15:04 - 43 minutes - 40.8 MBIn this episode, Brandon and Henry discover the Judaism within BATWOMAN!
Episode 2 - The Thing - Part 2
March 20, 2019 14:09 - 37 minutes - 35.3 MBFantastic Four Vol. 6 #5, (Legacy 650), 2018 Creators: Written by Dan Slott Drawn and inked by Aaron Kuder Colored by Marte Gracia & Erick Arciniega Lettered by VC's Joe Caramagna 4 out of 9 covers feature Ben in Jewish regalia! Esad Ribic cover - Ben in tallis and kippa holding Alicia, surrounded by heart and doves Mark Brooks variant - Ben in tallis and kippa holding Alicia in wedding dress Elizabeth Torque variant - Ben in tallis and kippa kissing Alicia under the chuppah Alex Ros...
Episode 2 - THE THING - Part 2
March 20, 2019 14:09 - 37 minutes - 35.3 MBIn this episode we reach the conclusion of our deep dive into The Thing's Judaism. We look at Fantastic Four #5 featuring The Thing's Jewish wedding! We also look at various Marvel Holiday Specials where The Thing celebrates Hanukkah on several occasions
Episode 1 - The Thing - Part 1
February 27, 2019 01:33 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBWelcome to Funny,They Don’t Look Jewish, where Judaism appears in the panels. Our purpose is to find characters, stories and issues of comics that explore explicitly Jewish content. In this episode, we cover the canonical Judaism of Benjamin Grimm, THE THING. Fantastic Four #56 (485) (2002) Credits: "Remembrance of Things Past" Writer: Karl Kesel Penciler: Stuart Immonen Inker: Scott Koblish Cover: Gabriele Dell’Otto Colourist: Liquid! Letterer Richard Starkings Albert Deschesne ...
Episode 1 - THE THING - Part 1
February 27, 2019 01:33 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBWelcome to Funny,They Don’t Look Jewish, where Judaism appears in the panels. Our purpose is to find characters, stories and issues of comics that explore explicitly Jewish content. In this episode, we cover the canonical Judaism of Benjamin Grimm, THE THING.