Superman's historic roots in Judaism and the Great Depression

2. c. 2600 b.c.e
Story of a
demigod
First
superhero?
The Epic of

3. (Verbal waiver)

4. Types of heroes demigo
d
PERFECTED Religious
HUMAN Mythology hierarchy
Major currency
in comics, films Greek Roman norse Hindu
Clearly
Messia
identifiabl superma h
e n the chosen
Physical alternative one
augmentatio
n
augmentatio
n Predictable Arrives
fully
Rocky
balboa
Anakin formed
Iron man skywalke
Wolverine r
batman Harry
christ
potter

5. Jerry Siegel Joe shuster
writer illustrator

6. Superman is not a Christ
figure.
Superman is a moses figure.

7. SONS OF
JEWISH
IMMIGRANTS
Jerry Siegel Joe shuster
writer illustrator

8. JUDAIca Great
In early superman
depression
What’s in a name? In early superman
Landing in the heartland
Kal-el and jor-el 1930’s values
Origin story Savior from beyond
the river of space
Response to “soulless
dual identity industrialization”
Moses, Prince of egypt
Champion of the urban po
Moses, Protector of jews
Hiding in plain sight
Mask of normality
Goebbels: “Superman is a jew!”
The Ultimate immigrant

10. JUDAIca Great
In early superman
depression
What’s in a name? In early superman
Landing in the heartland
Kal-el and jor-el 1930’s values
Origin story Savior from beyond
the river of space
Response to “soulless
dual identity industrialization”
Moses, Prince of egypt
Champion of the urban po
Moses, Protector of jews
Hiding in plain sight General need for escapism
Mask of normality Science fiction
Rise of comic books
Goebbels: “Superman is a jew!”
Youth culture
The Ultimate immigrant without an outlet

15. 1939 Macy’s
Thanksgiving
Day Parade