Funny, They Don't Look Jewish!

Henry Bernstein, Brandon Bernstein

“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. read less
ArtsArts

Episodes

Episode 24 - Seraph - Part 1
May 17 2023
Episode 24 - Seraph - Part 1
Welcome 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 24Super Friends #7, July 1977"The Warning of the Wonder Twins!”Written by E. Nelson Bridwell Penciled by Ramona FradonInked by Bob SmithEdited by Dennis O’NeilSuper Friends #25, July 1979"Puppets of the Overlord”Written by E. Nelson BridwellPenciled by Ramona FradonInked by Bob SmithColored by Gene D’AngeloEdited by Julius SchwartzSuper Friends #38, August 1980"The Seraph’s Day of Atonement”Written by E. Nelson BridwellPenciled by Bob OksnerInked by Kim DemulderColored by Jerry SerpeLettered by Milt SnapinnEdited by Julius SchwartzSpecial shout out and thank you to Rob Kelly, The Fire and Water Network's For All Mankind podcast for alerting Henry to Seraph's Judaism. You can check out Henry on For All Mankind here: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/fam38/Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @jewishcomicspod 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 23 - Metropolis Mishpocha!
Dec 6 2022
Episode 23 - Metropolis Mishpocha!
Join 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 BlackstarrSupergirl (Vol. 2) #13, November 1983“Echoes of Times Gone By”Written by Paul KupperbergPenciled by Carmine InfantinoInked by Bob OksnerColored by Tim ZiukoLettered by Ben OdaEdited by Julius SchwartzSupergirl (Vol. 2) #14, December 1983“Star Light, Star Bright… Blackstarr Rises Tonight”Same creative teamWritten by Paul KupperbergPenciled by Carmine InfantinoInked by Bob OksnerColored by Tim ZiukoLettered by Ben OdaEdited by Julius SchwartzSupergirl (Vol. 2) #15, January 1984“Starfall”Written by Paul KupperbergPenciled by Carmine InfantinoInked by Bob OksnerColored by Tim ZiukoLettered by Andy KubertEdited by Julius SchwartzJosef SchumanFirst Appearance - Action Comics #831, page 9, page 13 Action Comics (Vol. 1) #833, November 2005“Depths”Written by Gail SimonePenciled by John ByrneInked by Nelson, Norm Rapmund, Lary Stucker Colored by Guy MajorLettered by Rob LeighEdited by Eddie BerganzaAction Comics (Vol. 1) #835, January 2006“A Contagion of Madness”Written by Gail SimonePenciled by John ByrneInked by Nelson (DeCastro) Colored by Guy MajorLettered by Phil BalsmanEdited by Eddie BerganzaPerry White refers to Shabbat Dinner:SUPERMAN: LEVIATHAN RISING SPECIAL #1“Superman: Leviathan Rising”Written byBrian Michael BendisGreg RuckaMatt FractionMarc AndreykoPenciled and Inked byYanick PaquetteSuperman in the Warsaw Ghetto:Superman (Vol. 2) #54, April 1991“Time and Time Again (Part 3 of 7): The Warsaw Ghetto”Written by Jerry OrdwayPenciled by Jerry OrdwayInked by Dennis Janke Colored by Glenn WhitmoreLettered by John CostanzaEdited by Mike Carlin and Dan Thorsland 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
Captain America’s Amazing Jewish Friends
Sep 21 2022
Captain America’s Amazing Jewish Friends
Welcome 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 1980), Anna KappelbaumCaptain America #237, June 1979"From the Ashes…"Plotted by Chris ClaremontScripted by Roger McKenziePenciled by Sal BuscemaInked by Don PerlinColored by George RoussosLettered by Elaine HeinlEdited by Roger SternCaptain America #245, February 1980"The Calypso Connection"Written by Roger McKenziePenciled by Carmine Infantino & Joe RubinsteinLettered by Jim NovakColored by Carl Gafford (“Gaff”)Edited by Jim SalicrupCover by Frank MillerCaptain America #275, November 1982“Yesterday’s Shadows” Written by J.M. DeMatteisPenciled by Mike ZeckInked by John BeattyColored by Don WarfieldLettered by John MorelliEdited by Mark GruenwaldCaptain America #276, December 1982“Turning Point!” Written by J.M. DeMatteisPenciled by Mike ZeckInked by John BeattyColored by Bob SharenLettered by John MorelliEdited by Mark GruenwaldCaptain America #284, August 1983“Diverging...” Written by J.M. DeMatteisPenciled by Sal Buscema with finishes by Kim DeMulderColored by Bob SharenLettered by Diana AlbersEdited by Mark GruenwaldCaptain America #289, January 1984“Bernie America, Sentinel of Liberty” Written by J.M. DeMatteisPenciled by Mike ZeckColored by Bob SharenLettered by Diana AlbersEdited by Mark GruenwaldCaptain America #317, February 1986“Death Throws” Written by Mark GruenwaldPenciled by Paul NearyInked by Dennis JankeColored by Ken FeduniewiczLettered by Diana AlbersEdited by Michael Carlin Give us a like on Facebook and a follow Twitter! Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and we'll read it on the next pod!  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 21 - Yep, Still Jewish: Heroes Revisited, Part 2
Feb 17 2022
Episode 21 - Yep, Still Jewish: Heroes Revisited, Part 2
Brandon 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: RagmanThe All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Vol. 1) #14“Small Miracles”Written by Sholly FischPenciled by Rick BurchettInked by Dan DavisColored by Guy MajorLettered by Dezi SientyEdited by Jim Chadwick  Ragman (Vol. 3) #1-4 (2017-2018)Written by: Ray FawkesPenciled and Inked by: Inaki MirandaColored by: Eva de la CruzLettered by: Josh ReedEdited by: Marie Javins and Diego Lopez Moon KnightMoon Knight #5 (Vol. 9, November 17, 2021)“Horoscope”Written by: Jed MackayPenciled by: Alessandro CappuccioColored by: Rachelle RosenbergLettered by: VC’s Cory PetitEdited by: Tom BrevoortThank you to Mishkan Chicago's Davening team for the Chanukah blessings. Check out their soundcloud for more great Jewish music!Give a follow and start some conversation with us on Facebook and Twitter. Please give us a rating and review and subscribe! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/funny-they-dont-look-jewish/id1454459953 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 20 - Yep, Still Jewish: Heroes Revisited, Part 1
Jan 14 2022
Episode 20 - Yep, Still Jewish: Heroes Revisited, Part 1
Brandon 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 title!Thank you to Mishkan Chicago's Soundcloud for their recording of Debbie Friedman's "Mi Sheberach." Check them out at https://soundcloud.com/mishkan-chicago/mi-sheberachThank you Rabbi Aryeh Bernstein for a spicy take! Comics covered:Fantastic Four #538 (June 2006)“Street Fighting”Written by J. Michael StraczynskiPencilled by Mike McKoneInked by Andy Lanning, Kris Justice, and Cam SmithColored by Paul MountsLettered by VC’s Russ WootonEdited by Tom BrevoortBlack Cat #4 (Sep 2019)“Yancy St. Shuffle”Written by Jed MacKayPencilled by Travel ForemanColored by Brian ReberLettered by Ferran DelgadoEdited by Nick LoweImmortal Hulk #41 (December 2020)“The Man Downstairs”Written by Al EwingPencilled by Joe BennettInked by Ruy Jose and Belardino BraboColored by Paul MountsLettered by VC’s Cory PetitEdited by Will MossAge of X-Man: Apocalypse & the X-Tracts #1, 2, 4, 5 (Mar-July 2019)Written by Tim SeeleyPencilled by Salva EspinColored by Israel SilvaLettered by VC’s Travis LankamEdited by Jordan D. WhiteMarauders #11 (Aug 2020)“Pour One Out”Written by Gerry DugganPencilled by Stefano CaseliColored by Edgar DelgadoLettered by VC’s Cory PetitDesigned by Tom MullerEdited by Jordan D. WhiteMarauders #12 (Sep 2020)“The New Phase”Written by Gerry DugganPencilled by Matteo LolliColored by Edgar DelgadoLettered by VC’s Cory PetitDesigned by Tom MullerEdited by Jordan D. White  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 19 - Atom Smasher - With Special Guest JERRY ORDWAY
Sep 20 2021
Episode 19 - Atom Smasher - With Special Guest JERRY ORDWAY
Brandon 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 of a Man”Written by Roy Thomas and Dann ThomasPenciled by Vince ArgondezziInked by Tony DeZunigaColored by Liz BerubeLettered by Jean SimekEdited by Roy ThomasCONTENT WARNING: The next several issues were written by Gerard Jones. Jones is currently serving a 6 year prison sentence for, "Possession of images of child sexual abuse." Other than officially denouncing him, and making a brief mention we do not talk about him personally but we do cover his issues. Justice League America #95, January 1995 “Where the Wild Things Are”Justice League America #109, March 1996  “All That Yazz”Justice League America #110, April 1996  “New Devils for Old”Justice League America #112, July 1996  “The Purge, Chapter 2: To Say Goodbye”Justice League America #113, August 1996  “The Purge, Chapter 3: To All Our Company”Written by Gerard JonesPenciled by Chuck Wojtkiewicz (voit-KEV-itch)Inked by Bob DvorakColored by Gene D’AngeloLettered by Clem RobinsEdited by Brian Augustyn and Ruben DiazJustice League Unlimited #16, December 2005 “Smashing Through the Snow!”Written by Adam BeechenPenciled by Carlo BarberiInked by Jim RoyalColored by Heroic AgeLettered by Travis LanhamEdited by Tom Palmer, Jr. 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 18 - Three Shy of a Minyan
Apr 28 2021
Episode 18 - Three Shy of a Minyan
1. Iceman #1, December 1984Bobby DrakeFirst appearance: X-Men #1 (Sep 1963)Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby2. Arsenic -Gertrude YorkesX-Men/Runaways (FCBD), May 2006 - art by Skottie Young3. Mettle Avengers Academy #5, October 20104. Sasquatch The Infinity Crusade #1, June 19935. WiccanUncanny 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 SamsonIncredible Hulk #143, September 1971“Sanctuary!”Written by Roy ThomasPenciled by Dick Ayers Inked by John SeverinLettered by Sam RosenEdited by Stan LeeIncredible Hulk #373, September 1990“Mending Fences”Written by Peter DavidPenciled by Dale Keown Inked by Sam de la RosaColored by Glynis OliverLettered by Joe RosenEdited by Bobbie ChaseMarvel Holiday Special 1992, January 1993“Revisionist History”Written by Peter DavidPenciled by John HebertInked by Mike DecarloColored by Glynis OliverLettered by Brady JoyceEdited by Renee Witterstaetter7. White Tiger - Casper KoleBlack Panther Vol. 3 #56, May 2003 “Black and White Part 6: Ol’ Boy Enters the Life”Written by Christopher PriestPenciled by Jim CalafioreInked by Mark McKennaColored by Jennifer SchellingerLettered by Paul TutroneEdited by Mike Marts  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 16 - Ramban - Part 2
Nov 23 2020
Episode 16 - Ramban - Part 2
Brandon 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 Andrew Pepoy Colored by Carla Feeny and Digital Chameleon Lettered by Todd Klein Edited by Dan Raspler and Peter Tomasi The Spectre (Vol. 3) #16, Mar 1994 “Call for Blood” Written by John Ostrander Penciled by Jim Aparo Inked by Kelley Jones Inked by Robert Companella and Andrew Pepoy Colored by Carla Feeny and Digital Chameleon Lettered by Todd Klein Edited by Dan Raspler and Peter Tomasi The Spectre (Vol. 3) #17, Apr 1994 “Into the Dark Side” Written by John Ostrander Penciled and Inked by Tom Mandrake Inked by Robert Companella and Andrew Pepoy Colored by Carla Feeny and Digital Chameleon Lettered by Todd Klein Edited by Dan Raspler and Peter Tomasi You can follow along with the comics here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=jewishcomicspod&set=a.2365063246950612 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 14 - Colossal Boy - Live at the AJL Digital Conference!
Aug 20 2020
Episode 14 - Colossal Boy - Live at the AJL Digital Conference!
Back 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 Pryde, followed by all of the Jewish references to Colossal Boy including a live reading of TEEN TITANS GO! #49. Rundown of the episode below: The Thing vol 2 #8 (2006) - The Thing's Bar-MitzvahDetective Comics #860 (2009) - Batwoman and her Jewish tableX-Men Unlimited #38 (2002) Kitty Pryde Lighting a Yahrtzeit candleLegion of Super-Heroes and Paul Levitz bioColossal Boy - DC Special Series #21 (1979), Secrets of the Legion of Super-Heroes (Vol. 1) #1 (1980), Legion of Super-Heroes (Vol. 2) #308 (1984), Legion of Super-Heroes (Vol. 6) #6 (2010)Live reading of Teen Titans Go! #49, November 2017 “Oil’s Well”
 Written by Sholly Fisch
 Penciled and Inked by Lea Hernandez
 Colored by Bob Sharen
 Lettered by Wes Abbott
 Edited by Kristy Quinn
 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