Art Exhibit Review: Jew:CE – The Jewish Comics Experience

The Capital Jewish Museum’s latest exhibit, Jew:CE The Jewish Comics Experience, is a vibrant celebration of over a century of Jewish influence in the comic book industry. Running through March 23, 2025, the exhibit highlights how comics have served as a powerful medium for storytelling, political commentary, and cultural identity.

The journey begins with late 19th-century Yiddish political cartoons, such as Nyu-yorker yidishe folkstasaytung, New York. These early works set the stage for what would become a revolutionary art form. One standout is a cartoon portraying Tsar Aleksander III with a rooster’s body, a poignant critique likening him to the Yom Kippur chicken sacrifice.

From there, the exhibit delves into the golden age of comics, featuring iconic figures like Superman, created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Superman embodied the Jewish concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world), offering hope in times of global upheaval. The exhibit also highlights the patriotic debut of Captain America, whose first cover in 1940 showed him punching Adolf Hitler—a bold response to the horrors of World War II.

The narrative extends to the evolution of comics in the 1970s and beyond. Graphic novels expanded the medium’s boundaries, tackling complex themes through works like MetaMaus and The Rabbi’s Cat. Women’s contributions are also celebrated, notably Carol Isaacs’ The Wolf of Baghdad, which blends memoir with art to explore Jewish heritage.

What sets Jew:CE apart is its focus on how comics have offered not just escapism but also inspiration, particularly during times of societal unrest. By combining compelling stories with striking visuals, comics have communicated profound ideas in an accessible format, resonating across generations.

This exhibit is a testament to the enduring power of comics as a unique art form that intertwines entertainment, hope, and cultural expression. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the medium, Jew:CE is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, history, and social commentary.