The Thing: Jewish American Heritage Month – ComicsVerse
Posted By admin on March 14, 2019
In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, were giving the spotlight to one of our favorite Jewish American characters: The Thing! Benjamin Grimm is one of the most well-known and beloved Jewish characters in comic book history. Despite his creation occurring 41 years earlier, Marvel revealed only recently his heritage in 2002. However, co-creator Jack Kirby, a Jewish American, intended for The Thing to be Jewish. Its no coincidence that Kirby and Ben share quite a few similarities. Since the revelation of his Jewish faith in 2002, it became a large part of The Things character. Well explore the history and impact of Bens heritage in this celebration.
MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #4 Leaps Into the Multiverse
In 1917, Jack Kirby (then Jacob Kurtzberg) was born and raised on Delancey Street, a rough, tenement-lined slice of the Lower East Side. From a young age, he resisted the temptation to join the various Jewish gangs which littered the streets. Instead, he focused on his passion: drawing. 44 years later, along with his writing partner Stan Lee, Kirby brought the Fantastic Four to life. One member, Benjamin J. Grimm, AKA The Thing, held a special place in Kirbys heart. Much like Kirby, Grimm grows up on a rough street in the Lower East Side, a thinly veiled reference to Delancey Street called Yancy Street. There, he grows up in a then-unrevealed Jewish household with his brother, a gang member who dies in a violent brawl. Unlike Kirby, he winds up joining one of the toughest gangs on the block, the Yancy Street Gang.
Already, Grimms background is part of classic Jewish Americana. Countless Jewish families emigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe in the last 19th and early 20thCenturies, many of who landed on Ellis Island. There, they moved to tenement-filled neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, Delancey Street being one of the most famous streets with a major Jewish population. The Thing embodies the rough exterior the younger immigrants had to create in order to look tough in front of violent gang members and con artists who would prey upon unsuspecting immigrants. Of course, rocks make up Bens exterior hide, but his toughness shows even before cosmic rays pelt him. This connection to American Jewry would only increase in succeeding years.
Bens religion was never really brought up for years. In in the 60s, comic characters religions were never really spoken about. Stan Lee wanted to make the characters as relatable as possible, so by leaving their religious backgrounds vague, anyone could relate to the character (although theres no reason why religion shouldnt make a character relatable to anyone). There were some incredibly vague references throughout the years, and in one issue of MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE, he teamed up with the mythical Jewish hero, The Golem. Despite this, Kirby apparently believed from the beginning that Ben was Jewish. He sent Chanukah cards out one year with Ben dressed in a yarmulke and tallit, reading the Torah.
In addition to this, and to his upbringing, The Thing has the same mannerisms and worldview as Kirby. They were both tough individuals who, nonetheless, were incredibly compassionate. They both held ultimately optimistic worldviews despite their gruff exteriors. As stated above, those traits were common with Jews who grew up in tenements in the early 20thCentury. Just ask anyone with Jewish grandparents who emigrated around those times. I know my grandfather acted somewhat similarly. For now, Ben was, in effect, culturally Jewish without outright saying what his religion was. That would soon change.
The Women of X-Men: Making Strides For Over Fifty Years
41 years after FANTASTIC FOUR #1 came FANTASTIC FOUR #56 (vol. 3) by Karl Kesel and Stuart Immonen. In this issue, Ben goes back to Yancy Street, as he has many times before in various comics, and is, as usual, taunted by the Yancy Street Gang. We learn this issue that he was excommunicated from them after Ben was adopted by his rich uncle, gaining the ire from his once-friendly but seriously impoverished gang. In order to ingratiate himself in the gang, he steal a Star of David from pawn shop owner Mr. Sheckerberg. The Thing intends to finally return it, but he encounters a villain named Powderkeg, who tries extorting Sheckerberg for cash. Ben gets into a fight with him, and the Yancy Street Gang assist, eventually driving him into a sewer. Unfortunately, in the fracas, Mr. Sheckerberg is injured.
The Thing recites the Shma, a Hebrew prayer recited at the time of death. Sheckerberg awakes and is surprised by Bens revelation. Ben explains that he was always too ashamed to reveal his Jewish upbringing to the press, since he feels like Jews would be equated to a monster like himself. He also reveals that hes become a lapsed Jew since he hasnt stepped foot in a synagogue in years. Ben tries to return the Star of David he stole, but Sheckerberg refuses it, comparing Ben to the Golem and telling him to protect the Star as a representation of his being a protector of the Jewish people, much like the Golem.
Even though this revelation isnt exactly a huge surprise to many fans, it is a beautiful story about Bens guilt and how his upbringing made him into the sensitive, caring person he currently is.
With this issue, Ben Grimm became a Jewish icon. Hes one of, in my opinion, the greatest fictional Jewish characters from the 20th Century. The Thing is such a positive role model for not only young Jewish people, but for all people in general. Hes not afraid to show his emotions even though hes this hulking goliath made of stone. Much of this comes from Kirbys impact on the character. Kirbys Jewish upbringing makes him into the same kind of man that Ben is. His story, and, by extension, Bens, shows that anyone can overcome adversity and become a force for good, despite their less-than-stellar childhood.
Ben is also a great character because he doesnt fall into any stereotypes. Hes Jewish, and he feels Jewish guilt at times, but its not his defining trait. He isnt a neurotic, whiny Woody Allen-like nebbish either, a common stereotype in media. Instead, hes a fully fleshed out character whose Jewish faith only serves to make him more of a diverse character. Thanks to writers and artists like Kirby, Kesel, John Byrne, Dan Slott, and others, Bens Jewish faith leads to a multitude of interesting stories like the tale of Grimms adult Bar Mitzvah, attended by his superhero friends and family. Stories like this have become relatable to Jews and serve as an important characterization for Ben. These stories also made him into one of the best written characters in comic book history.
Why Our Art Needs to Stay Political
As stated above, Ben has become a modern day Jewish icon. He represents some of the noblest ideals of Jewry, especially American Jewry. He overcomes adversity, he fights evil on a regular basis, and he shows compassion for his fellow human beings. Thanks to Jack Kirby and Stan Lees fantastic characterization, Ben proves to still be one of the most memorable characters in comic books today.
Read more:
The Thing: Jewish American Heritage Month - ComicsVerse
- 64 Hours In An Ice Cube [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2010]
- Jewish Rabbi admits Islam is the oldest religion - Video [Last Updated On: January 31st, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 31st, 2010]
- Israel investigation [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2010]
- EU-Egypt meet on Israel settlement [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2010]
- Dogs Do Amazing Tricks [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2010]
- Israel approves 100 Jerusalem homes [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2010]
- Israel closes West Bank for Passover [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2010]
- Legless Dog [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2010]
- Fiddler On the Roof Interviews [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2010]
- Fiddler on the Roof Interview: Part Two - Deborah Grausman [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2010]
- Obama Oil Spill press conference - Cable Network Production audio feed accidentally picked up [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2010]
- Israel rejects NPT resolution [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2010]
- Axelrod and the jews behind Obama [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2010]
- Israel condemned over ship action [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2010]
- Israel perpetró agresiones contra Flotillas de ayuda humanitaria propalestina [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2010]
- Hace un año que NN.UU. exige desbloqueo y retiro de tropas de Gaza. Israel hace [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2010]
- Liga Árabe denuncia actitud desafiante de Israel [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2010]
- Activistas propalestina proponen boicot contra Israel [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2010]
- Primer Ministro turco califica a Israel como Estado terrorista [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2010]
- Consejo de Seguridad ONU repudió agresión a Flotilla pero no condenó a Israel [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2010]
- Analista peruano opina que el tema de Israel gravitará en la reunión entre [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2010]
- Ian Bremmer "Vastly More Concerned About North Korea" vs. Israel-Gaza [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2010]
- Israel reitera que no permitirá que ningún barco llegue a Gaza [Last Updated On: June 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 5th, 2010]
- Raw Video: Israel seizes new Gaza-bound aid ship [Last Updated On: June 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 5th, 2010]
- Rachel Corrie flotilla: Israel releases new images [Last Updated On: June 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 5th, 2010]
- Legendary White House reporter's Israel gaffe [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2010]
- Helen Thomas, a Hero for Telling the Truth [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2010]
- Israel Soldiers are random shooting to civils on aid ship mavi marmara [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2010]
- Find Israel t-shirts, funny Jewish t-shirts and Krav Maga T-shirts [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2010]
- Israel t-shirts, funny Jewish t-shirts and Krav Maga T-shirts [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2010]
- A Day in the Life of Israel Miller – Turning Dreams to Reality [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2010]
- Ofensiva de EE.UU. e Israel contra Irán detonará pronto guerra nuclear: Fidel [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2010]
- Dancing soldiers video goes viral in Israel [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2010]
- Should Israel Apologize for Flotilla Raid? [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- We Love You Israel! [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2010]
- San Remo's Mandate: Israel's 'Magna Carta' - CBN.com [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2010]
- Israel anuncia que devolverá, con condiciones, barcos de la flotilla humanitaria [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2010]
- Ahmadinejad says US, Israel to attack [Last Updated On: July 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2010]
- Meshaal rechaza cualquier diálogo directo o indirecto con Israel [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2010]
- Israel mata a tres soldados libaneses y a periodista durante ataque en frontera [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- Continúa tensión tras enfrentamientos de tropas en frontera entre Israel y [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2010]
- Trouble Brewing for Israel? [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2010]
- Marquis Laughlin Travels to Israel, The Holy Land [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2010]
- Nasrallah presents Israel 'evidence' [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2010]
- Travel To Israel [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2010]
- Israel's Top Cities [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2010]
- Israel's Top Attractions [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2010]
- Will Israel Launch Strike Against Iran Nuclear Plant? [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 18th, 2010]
- Negociaciones de paz entre Palestina e Israel generan reacciones en distintos [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2010]
- Inicia segunda ronda de negociaciones de paz entre Israel y Palestina [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2010]
- Barry Segal: Vision for Israel - CBN.com [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2010]
- World's Biggest Rocking Horse [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2010]
- Israel reanuda construcción de asentamientos en territorio palestino [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2010]
- Sirios víctimas de minas antipersonas que Israel dejó en el Golán [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2010]
- The Samson Option explodes one of the world’s most closely guarded secrets—the secret of Israel’s atomic arsenal. [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2010]
- Brush Fires Rage on in Israel [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2010]
- Robot Surgeon Comes to Israel [Last Updated On: December 25th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2010]
- Jewish Professor: Israel is a client state to the US in the region [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2011]
- Jewish American Heritage Month » B'nai B'rith International ... [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2011]
- Rep. Wasserman Schultz Recognizes Jewish American Heritage Month 2009 [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Why I Left Judaism [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- DEFAMATION - Theatrical Trailer [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2011]
- Cast of "House" visits Israel [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2011]
- Surviving the Holocaust: Zanne Farbstein's Story [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2011]
- Anti-Defamation League ADL Part 2 [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2011]
- JAKE TAPPER on Washington's "Middle East Week." [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2011]
- Elie Wiesel honored with first US Holocaust award [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2011]
- Anti-Defamation League ADL Part 1 [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2011]
- Marking Jewish American Heritage Month [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Arab Spring not good for Israel [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Eye for Eye? Gazans 'blackmailed' to spy for Israel [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Ann Coulter Insults Judaism [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- The Holocaust that changed the world [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Christian Anti-Defamation League: "Bashing" [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2011]
- Cool Facts about Israel [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Gaza: The Killing Zone - Israel/Palestine [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Hatikva-The National Anthem of Israel [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Harel Skaat - Milim (Israel) [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Canadian PM: I Will Defend Israel 'whatever the cost' [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
Comments