New Exhibit "Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience" Examines Superman and the Jewish Roots of the Superhero Genre

New Exhibit "Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience" Examines Superman and the Jewish Roots of the Superhero Genre

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Neil Cole

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Beachwood, OH will soon unveil a new exhibit entitled "Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience". Taking place May 7th, 2026 - August 23th, 2026, the exhibit was developed by the Center for Jewish History and examines the powerful fusion of Jewish culture, history, and artistic expression through the lens of graphic storytelling. While the exhibition spans a wide range of themes - including identity, the fight against antisemitism, and the evolution of comics over the past century - the iconic character of Superman remains a central figure throughout, symbolizing both the immigrant experience and the birth of the modern superhero through the work of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The exhibition features more than 100 original artifacts, including rare and never-before-seen materials that chronicle Superman's enduring impact. Highlights include Golden Age comics and newspaper strips, Siegel's original writing desk, and published and unpublished artwork by Shuster. Visitors will also encounter the long-lost H.J. Ward Superman oil painting, alongside works from celebrated creators such as Jon Bogdanove, Howard Chaykin, and Brian Michael Bendis. Additional standout pieces include the historic 1940 Look magazine feature and a special presentation of all nine original Fleischer Studios Superman cartoons, restored in high definition and screened together publicly for the first time.

Beyond Superman, "Icons in Ink" invites visitors to explore five distinct micro-exhibits that illuminate the broader Jewish influence on comics: The Jewish Origins of the Comic Book Industry, Fighting Fascism, A Brief History of Yiddish Comics, Sephardi Identity and Memory in Comics, and Mickey Mouse and Ashmedai: Hebrew Children's Publications at a Momentous Time, 1945-48. Together, these sections contextualize Superman's creation within a larger cultural and historical narrative that helped shape the entire medium.

The Maltz Museum's presentation also introduces a new, locally focused component called "Cleveland: Home of Heroes!" which celebrates the city's profound contributions to comic book history, including its status as the birthplace of Superman. Presented in collaboration with the Siegel & Shuster Society, the exhibition will host a special preview event attended by members of the Siegel and Shuster families, further reinforcing the personal and cultural ties at the heart of Superman's origin.

Adding an interactive dimension, the exhibition features a hands-on comics laboratory, where visitors of all ages can create their own superhero characters using costumes, props, and storytelling techniques inspired by icons like Superman. The space offers an engaging introduction to sequential art and visual storytelling, emphasizing the creative tools that gave rise to legendary figures across generations.

The celebration continues with a comic convention-style festival weekend on July 11th & 12th, featuring panels, workshops, screenings, an exhibitor hall, artist alley, and guided tours of Superman landmarks throughout Cleveland. Confirmed guests include Brian Michael Bendis, Jon Bogdanove, Tony Isabella, Peter Kuper, Danny Fingeroth, Christopher Couch, Terri Libenson, Gary Dumm, and Jordan Gorfinkel, with additional guests to be announced.

With its unprecedented blend of cultural history, rare artifacts, and immersive experiences, "Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience" positions Superman not only as a pop culture icon, but as a symbol of identity, resilience, and creative innovation. The exhibition offers a compelling and deeply human story behind the Man of Steel - one that continues to resonate across generations.

For more information on tickets and additional programming, please visit the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage official website at MaltzMuseum.org.