Introducing DC’s Community of Comics, Cartoons, and Graphic Novels

BEHIND THE SCENES
We’re very grateful to the local collectors who helped make this presentation so much richer than we had originally anticipated. To highlight just two of our friends, I wanted to share their commitment to preserving and promoting the scholarship of Jewish comics creators.

Marc Tyler Nobleman, a self-described pop culture archaeologist, is represented in the exhibition for his campaign to get Bill Finger recognition for his work as Batman’s co-creator. On view are drafts of the cover art for his book, Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, as well as a treasured brass paperweight in the shape of a scarab. Some of these works have never been shared publicly or for such an extended time. On his blog, Nobleman writes about his work, from the importance of the scarab to the challenges of sharing his collection for a museum exhibition. (Marc, if you’re reading this, I promise it is still safe and sound in the case!)

Warren Bernard, another local collector, was a significant contributor. Bernard provided several loans, including the copy of a first-run of Maus, in serial format, in the section about graphic novels; Milt Gross and Max Hershfield comics in the Yiddish Humor section; Superman Sunday inserts in the fighting Fascism case, and much more. And because Bernard is such a talented storyteller with extensive knowledge on this subject, he has graciously accepted our request to share more content in video format.

[Stay tuned for recorded conversations with Bernard and myself. Members: Visit the Member Portal for exclusive access to the first conversation, a tribute to the great cartoonist and author, Jules Feiffer (1929–2025).]

ACADEMIC RESOURCES (AKA MUSEUMS & LIBRARIES)
There are many academic sites I rely on to view or learn more about comics but ultimately everyone should start with a library!

• Your Local Public Library
  Libby/Overdrive, ComicsPlus, and Hoopla are my three favorite apps for reading comics through my local library’s portal. ComicsPlus, developed for enthusiasts, allows unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, manga, and picture books from dozens of library-friendly publishers.

• Library of Congress (LoC)
  For those fortunate to live in the Washington, DC area, LoC is free and easily accessible to view in person or online.
  • LoC’s Comics Collection: Here’s an example for LoC’s digital presentation for Will Eisner’s  US Army “Don’t Be a Dope” poster, ca 1942-44. 
  • Electronic Resources Online Catalog offers access to dozens of collections
  •  In Person: I strongly recommend chatting with a librarian before your visit. Visit the LoC’s “Ask A Librarian” webpage for their phone number or an online chat. The librarians are your best resource for looking at comics on the website and in person. To view works in person, you will need to submit a request. [LoC’s Comic Book Request Form]

• National Archives (NARA)
  NARA’s website is another valuable resource. Their blog, Unwritten Record, has a post from 2022 that examines Will Eisner’s seminal Don’t be a Dope posters.

• Capital Jewish Museum
  Visit the exhibition—on view through Sunday, March 23—and spend time in the galleries’ all-ages Reading Library. Enjoy classic comic books and graphic novels, creator biographies, drawing guides, and works represented in the galleries.

DIGITAL RESOURCES FROM LOCAL ENTHUSIASTS
For comics news, I like to read Mike Rhode’s blog, Comics DC, an extensive resource for current events in the DC area. Rhode is a local comics enthusiast, collector, and avid blogger with an extensive knowledge of the history of comics. I was fortunate to speak with him in the early stages of this exhibition. His insights helped connect us to other local collectors and resources.
https://comicsdc.blogspot.com/

Joel Pollack, another local comics enthusiast and contributor to JewCE, frequently posts on Big Planet Comic’s Facebook page with archival photographs of the store.

WHERE TO SHOP AND SUPPORT OUR COMICS COMMUNITY IN 2025

• Visit CJM’s Gewirz Museum Shop for exhibition related books, buttons, clothing, and more. And visit the exhibition—JewCE is on view through Sunday, March 23.

• Support our local purveyors! Most small business comic book shops host events, game nights, and author signings. Check out these shop’s websites or social channels for details.
  • Big Planet Comics (as seen in the exhibition)
  • Fantom Comics
  • Barbarian Comics
  • Third Eye Comics

• Conferences and Conventions! The Washington, DC area is chock full of fun and informative comics conventions throughout the year.
  • Awesome Con—coming to Downtown DC on April 4-6—is the main event for general comics enthusiasts and fans.
  • Katsucon—happening February 14-16—is one of the biggest cosplay conventions in the area and normally occurs in the early springtime.
  • Otakon is an annual convention celebrating Asian pop culture (anime, manga, video games and more) and will take place August 8-10.
  • SPX (Small Press Expo) happens every year in September. This is one of the biggest small and independent press conventions in the United States, with artists from around the world coming to share their art and expertise.

And in conclusion, we want to thank our community of superheroes whose support helped make this exhibition possible:

• Interns: Noah Jones, Ken Rose, and Methi Satyanarayana
• Sponsors: Occasions Catering and the Eli and Judith Lippman Family Foundation

Thank you for reading to the end. Please check back for additional posts related to the exhibition.

And if you have not yet seen the exhibition—or you have but want to revisit the works, purchase a Wayne Manor key ring from the Shop, and hang out in the exhibition’s reading room—book your tickets today.

JewCE: The Jewish Comics Experience explores 100 years of Jewish cartoons, comics, and graphic novels. The final day of the exhibition is Sunday, March 23, 2025.