Best Brandon Bernstein Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 33 - Independent Jewry 1:08:47

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3M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

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. In this episode we cover super heroes and characters appearing in non-DC or Marvel Comics! Characters The Acidic Jew - Common Grounds Vol. 1 #3 (Apr. 2004) American Fla…

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Episode 32 - Fantastic Four: First Jewish Steps 47:03

5M ago47:03

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We breakdown all of the Jewish content both explicit and implicit. We do some deep dives into Fantastic Four lore in the comics then finally share what we want to see in a sequel. Follow us at https://twitter.com/JewishComicsPod, https://www.facebook.com/jewishcomicspod Subscribe to our youtube channel for a video version - https://www.youtube.com/…

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Episode 31 - Minyan Makers 52:37

1y ago52:37

52:37

In this episode we cover some more minor character appearances! Harry The Fiddler, Emperor Norton (both from The Sandman), Louis "Shadow" Kravitz" (Heroes for Hire) and Ms Marvel's friend, Naftali! Comics and Characters covered: Harry the Fiddler Sandman (Vol. 2) #8, August 1989 “The Sound of Her Wings” Written by Neil Gaiman Penciled by Mike Dring…

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Episode 30 - DC's The Golem (Part 2) 1:18:56

1+ y ago1:18:56

1:18:56

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. In this episode Brandon and Henry wrap of their coverage of DC's The Golem! Comics and TV covered in this episode: Swamp Thing (Vol. 2) #153, Apr 1995 “River Run, Ch…

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Episode 29 - DC's The Golem (Part 1) 1:24:09

1+ y ago1:24:09

1:24:09

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. In this episode Brandon and Henry move over to the "Distinguished Competition" of Marvel and cover DC Comics' The Golem! Comics covered in this episode: Recap of Gol…

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Episode 28 - Marvel's The Golem (Part 2)' 1:22:31

1+ y ago1:22:31

1:22:31

Brandon and Henry continue the coverage of the various Golems in Marvel Comics! Comics (and more) covered: Invaders #13, Nov 1976 “The Golem Walks Again” Written by Roy Thomas and Ed Summer Penciled by Frank Robbins Inked by Frank Springer Colored by George Roussos Lettered by John Costanza Edited by Roy Thomas Invaders (Vol. 2) #2, Apr 1993 “Havoc…

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Episode 27 - Marvel's The Golem (Part 1) 1:12:16

2y ago1:12:16

1:12:16

3 Golems for the price of one! Henry and Brandon do a deep dive into Marvel's The Golem across time! Comics covered: The Incredible Hulk #134, Sep 1970 “Among Us Walks… the Golem” Written by Roy Thomas Penciled by Herb Trimpe Inked by Sal Buscema Lettered by Artie Simek Edited by Stan Lee Strange Tales #174, Mar 1974 “There Walks the Golem!” Writte…

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Steven Bernstein 1:23:47

2y ago1:23:47

1:23:47

Steven Bernstein is a trumpeter/composer/arranger who founded the band Sex Mob in the mid 1990s. Steven joins Free Association to talk about his new record with Sex Mob and his decades-long work with Scott Harding, Hal Willner, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, and John Lurie.By WZBC

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Episode 26 - A Very Jewish New Year 1:01:34

2y ago1:01:34

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Surprise! Brandon & Henry return, unannounced, for this "emergency pod" as they discover a NEW Jewish Moon Knight story! Keep listening for appearances by Kitty Pryde and The Thing! All of our favorites in one episode! Comics covered: Vengeance of the Moon Knight #1 “Reese” Written by Jed MacKay Penciled by Alessandro Cappuccio Colored by Rachelle …

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Paul Kupperberg Interview 41:06

2+ y ago41:06

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This was a big one! This summer we had the privilege and honor of speaking with DC Comics legend, Paul Kupperberg. Paul was kind enough to speak to us about Episode 23 - Metropolis Mishpacha, where we covered Supergirl and her landlady Ida Berkowitz! Paul of course was the author of these stories. We talk about religion in comics, Jewish representa…

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Michael Gira 1:07:44

2+ y ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Michael Gira speaks with Brian on the subject of the new Swans record The Beggar, and on the cusp of a worldwide tour. Gira formed Swans in 1982 in New York City. After a long hiatus, the band reformed in 2010 with the record My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky. Since then the band has become known for their compelling live performances an…

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J.G. Thirlwell 1:22:17

2+ y ago1:22:17

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Composer J.G. Thirlwell is a man of many interests and talents, with wide-ranging projects including the decades-running Foetus, the large ensemble Steroid Maximus, chamber ensemble Manorexia, collaborations and compositions for Kronos Quartet, Alarm Will Sound, and Bang on a Can, and his scores for the TV series Venture Brothers and Archer. His ne…

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Episode 25 - Seraph - Part 2 57:21

2+ y ago57:21

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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 to finish the deep dive in our newest favorite Jewish super-hero, SERAPH! Comics covered: Super Friends #41, December 1980 "Dry Earth… Sto…

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Stephen Ulrich 49:39

2+ y ago49:39

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NYC-based guitarist Stephen Ulrich is best known for his work with the "guitar-noir" trio Big Lazy. His new record Music for This American Life chronicles his compositions for the show of the same name. Stephen joins Brian to talk about writing for radio and TV, the history of Big Lazy, and much more.…

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Brandon Seabrook 52:38

2+ y ago52:38

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Guitarist/composer Brandon Seabrook joins the show to talk about his new record brutalovechamp in a wide-ranging conversation with long-time collaborator Brian Carpenter on composing, arranging, recording, and much more.By WZBC

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Episode 24 - Seraph - Part 1 55:27

2+ y ago55:27

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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…

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Naomi Yang 1:01:46

2+ y ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Naomi Yang (Galaxie 500, Damon and Naomi) stops by the show to discuss her new documentary film Never Be a Punching Bag For Nobody and the unique soundtrack she created for it.By WZBC

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Episode 23 - Metropolis Mishpocha! 1:37:56

3y ago1:37:56

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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 Blackstarr Supergirl (Vol. 2) #13, November 1983 “Ech…

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Captain America’s Amazing Jewish Friends 2:16:37

3+ y ago2:16:37

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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…

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Episode 21 - Yep, Still Jewish: Heroes Revisited, Part 2 1:12:37

4y ago1:12:37

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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: Ragman The All-New Ba…

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Kronos Quartet: Black Angels 51:13

4y ago51:13

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This episode’s guest is David Harrington, founder of Kronos Quartet, the legendary string quartet at the vanguard of contemporary music for nearly 50 years. In this episode the subject is "Black Angels", the startling George Crumb composition which sparked the formation of Kronos in 1973, and the quartet’s recording of the piece nearly 15 years lat…

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Episode 20 - Yep, Still Jewish: Heroes Revisited, Part 1 1:14:47

4y ago1:14:47

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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…

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Alan Licht 1:45:41

4y ago1:45:41

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Alan Licht is a writer, musician, and curator based in NYC. He is known for his solo guitar work and long-time collaboration with guitarist Loren Connors and rock bands Run On and Love Child and the experimental group Text of Light. He is also the author of several books, including his new book Common Tones: Selected interviews with artists and mus…

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"Da Ordster" - Full Interview with JERRY ORDWAY! 1:11:34

4y ago1:11:34

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We are so thrilled to share with you our interview with Jerry Ordway from July 15, 2021. Jerry talked about a myriad of topics including, inclusion in comics, religious upbringing, editorial battles, Superman, Infinity Inc, Gangbuster, Bibbo, Proton (creator-owned) and so much more! https://jewishcomicspod.simplecast.com/ https://twitter.com/Jewish…

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Joan As Police Woman 1:01:47

4y ago1:01:47

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Joan Wasser is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Brooklyn. She started out studying violin and playing in bands like The Dambuilders and Antony & the Johnsons before starting her own band Joan As Police Woman. Her new record is called The Solution Is Restless, a collaboration with legendary drummer Tony Allen and guitarist/ba…

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LIVE at Hanukkon! "Is Superman Circumcised?" An Interview with Author Roy Schwartz 44:04

4y ago44:04

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Live at Congregation B'Nai Tikvah's HANNUKON, Henry had the wonderful opportunity to interview Roy Schwartz, author of Is Superman Circumcised? The Complete Jewish History of the World's Greatest Hero. Henry and Roy talked about Siegel and Shuster, the birth of DC comics, Nazism, Jack The King Kirby, Passover, Richard Donner and more! Check it out.…

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Marissa Nadler 54:58

4y ago54:58

54:58

Marissa Nadler returns to Free Association to talk about her new record The Path of the Clouds, her ninth record recorded with engineer Seth Manchester in Rhode Island. We talk about her relocation from Boston to Nashville, remote collaboration, harpist Mary Lattimore, writing lyrics, and our fascination with true crime and the TV show Unsolved Mys…

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Judith Berkson 51:14

4y ago51:14

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Judith Berkson is a composer, vocalist, and pianist based in Los Angeles. Her new record Liederkreis II explores the German lieder through beautiful and surreal processed voice. Judith joins Free Association to talk about her new record, how she arrived at the idea behind the record, her live shows, microtonal studies with Joe Maneri in Boston, her…

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Damon and Naomi 59:12

4y ago59:12

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Damon and Naomi have been releasing records as far back as the 90s since the breakup of Galaxie 500. Their new record, A Sky Record, is accompanied by a lavish book of essays and photographs from friends and neighbors. They visit the show to talk about the making of the record and the various inspirations behind the music, in particular the German-…

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Episode 19 - Atom Smasher - With Special Guest JERRY ORDWAY 1:23:18

4+ y ago1:23:18

1:23:18

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 S…

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John Vanderslice 1:19:30

4+ y ago1:19:30

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John Vanderslice is one of the most talented and prolific songwriters of his generation, now based in the Los Angeles area with over 20 years of recorded history behind him and the founder of Tiny Telephone recording studios based in the Bay area. John visits Free Association to talk about his new EP, a new compilation of rarities from Tiny Telepho…

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Episode 18 - Three Shy of a Minyan 1:19:42

4+ y ago1:19:42

1:19:42

1. Iceman #1, December 1984 Bobby Drake First appearance: X-Men #1 (Sep 1963) Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby 2. Arsenic -Gertrude Yorkes X-Men/Runaways (FCBD), May 2006 - art by Skottie Young 3. Mettle Avengers Academy #5, October 2010 4. Sasquatch The Infinity Crusade #1, June 1993 5. Wiccan Uncanny X-Men #526 (July 2010) (Allan Heinberg) Aven…

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Episode 17 - Wesley Dodds - The Golden Age Sandman 1:14:43

5y ago1:14:43

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We'll be looking at: Sandman Mystery Theatre #39, June 1996 “The Mist: Act Three of Four” Written by Matt Wagner and Steven T. Seagle Penciled and inked by Guy Davis Colored by David Homung Lettered by John Costanza Edited by Karen Berger and Keri Kowalski Sandman Mystery Theatre #40 July 1996 “The Mist: Act Four of Four” Written by Matt Wagner and…

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Episode 16 - Ramban - Part 2 53:05

5y ago53:05

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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 Spe…

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Episode 15 - Ramban - Part 1 1:06:40

5y ago1:06:40

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We're covering Ramban! That's right Ramban, no not the medieval Jewish commentator but the DC hero appearing in Suicide Squad! RAMBAN! Suicide Squad #45, Sept 1990 “The Jerusalem Serpent” Written by John Ostrander and Kim Yale Penciled and Inked by Geof Isherwood Colored by Carl Gafford Lettered by Todd Klein Edited by Dan Raspler Suicide Squad #46…

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Episode 14 - Colossal Boy - Live at the AJL Digital Conference! 50:51

5+ y ago50:51

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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 p…

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E 1:03:35

5+ y ago1:03:35

1:03:35

E is Gavin McCarthy (Karate, Beat Circus), Jason Sanford (Neptune), and Thalia Zedek (Come, Live Skull, Uzi). All three members join Free Association to talk about their new record Complications and guest DJ on a few inspired tracks. E, "Acid Mantle", Complications (2020) E, "Contagion Model", Complications (2020) E, "Dead Drop", Complications (202…

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Ennio Morricone: Magician of Sound Part 3/3 1:00:00

5+ y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

A three-hour retrospective co-hosted by Brian Carpenter and Alessandro De Rosa on the work of iconic composer Ennio Morricone, the Italian composer best known for his work on over 400 film scores, as well as over 100 classical works. His scores are considered some of the most influential and timeless in the history of film. In 2007 he received the …

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Ennio Morricone: Magician of Sound Part 2/3

5+ y ago

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A three-hour retrospective co-hosted by Brian Carpenter and Alessandro De Rosa on the work of iconic composer Ennio Morricone, the Italian composer best known for his work on over 400 film scores, as well as over 100 classical works. His scores are considered some of the most influential and timeless in the history of film. In 2007 he received the …

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Ennio Morricone: Magician of Sound Part 1/3 59:49

5+ y ago59:49

59:49

A three-hour retrospective co-hosted by Brian Carpenter and Alessandro De Rosa on the work of iconic composer Ennio Morricone, the Italian composer best known for his work on over 400 film scores, as well as over 100 classical works. His scores are considered some of the most influential and timeless in the history of film. In 2007 he received the …

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Episode 13 - Sabra - Part 2 58:09

5+ y ago58:09

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In this episode we conclude our discussion of the Israeli super-hero, SABRA! We go back to Sabra's second appearance in Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions Vol 1 #2 Published July, 1982 "Frenzy in the Frozen North!" Writer Mark Gruenwald, Bill Mantlo Steven Grant Penciler John Romita Jr. Inker Pablo Marcos Colourist Michele Wolfman Christie Sche…

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Episode 12 - Sabra - Part 1 58:54

5+ y ago58:54

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In this episode Brandon and Henry travel to Israel (via Zoom) to meet the Israeli and Jewish, SABRA! Brandon and Henry have their first episode over Zoom since shelter in place started. We discuss a character we don't know that much about but are learning a ton! Sabra appears in three HULK issues here, spanning 2 decades. Follow us at https://twitt…

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Episode 11 - Moon Knight - Part 3 39:23

6y ago39:23

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We conclude our deep dive of MOON KNIGHT! We discuss the very dark but fascinating story in Moon Knight #194 written by pop-punk singer and comic book writer, Max Bemis Follow us at https://twitter.com/JewishComicsPod, https://www.facebook.com/jewishcomicspod Subscribe to our youtube channel for a video version - https://www.youtube.com/@jewishcomi…

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Episode 10 - Moon Knight - Part 2 44:45

6y ago44:45

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Our tenth episode! A full set of Kabbalistic Sefirot! This is Part 2 of our exploration of Moon Knight. We look at Moon Knight #38, part 2 of the story of the villain Zohar! Moon Knight #38, July 1984 “Final Rest” *- Written by Alan Zelenetz Penciled by Bo Hampton Inked by Armando Gil Colored by Christie Scheele Lettered by Joe Rosen Edited by Denn…

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Episode 9 - Moon Knight - Part 1 38:30

6y ago38:30

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Moon Knight (1980) #37 Published: May 01, 1984 Writer: Alan Zelenetz Penciler: Bo Hampton Cover Artist: Michael Kaluta At long last…the secret history of Marc Spector’s father! Plus, a reveal at the end of this issue that will leave you gob smacked! Follow along with the issue with this link - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1553840064739…

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Episode 8 - Ragman - Part 2 (with TRIGGER WARNING) 1:16:50

6y ago1:16:50

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TRIGGER WARNING - Please note, in this episode we discuss the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, PA along with a few other instances of hate crimes perpetrated towards Jews. In this episode we complete our exploration of the VERY Jewish RAGMAN! Batman #551, 1998 “Suit of Evil Souls” Written by Doug Moench Drawn by Kelley Jones Inked by John Beatt…

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BONUS EPISODE - Ragman on CW's Arrow 1:14:43

6+ y ago1:14:43

1:14:43

Arrow Season 5 Arrow S5E2 “Recruits” 34:40, 7:58 left Rory mentions father saved his life with rags from the time of Devarim (bad pronunciation) Thank you to https://twitter.com/EstherK of https://www.facebook.com/TVGoneJewy/ for this one: Arrow S5E7 “Vigilante” 3:10 min in 39:15 left Ollie asks Rory if a quote is from the Torah (it’s Moby Dick) Ar…

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Episode 7 - Ragman - Part 1 51:13

6+ y ago51:13

51:13

Episode 7: 1991 mini and Arrow episodes (maybe Suit of Souls) Episode 8: Batman two-parter, Shadowpact #8 Henry - Excerpted from p. 124, From Krakow to Krypton: Jews and Comic Books by Arie Kaplan “Rory Regan, a character [Robert] Kanigher and [Joe] Kubert created in 1976. A Batman-style vigilante who operated out of Gotham City and wore a dilapida…

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Episode 6 - Kitty Pryde - Part 2 42:05

6+ y ago42:05

42:05

Previously on Funny, They Don’t Look Jewish Your hosts, Brandon and Henry, explored the Jewish roots of Chicago’s own mutant superheroine, Kitty Pryde of the X-Men. Under the pen of creator and writer Chris Claremont, Kitty Pryde confronted demons, vampires, and the shadow of the Holocaust, with her Jewish identity always prominent. Now, we look at…

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Episode 5 - Kitty Pryde - Part 1 49:56

6+ y ago49:56

49:56

BB: Origin, First Appearance, Daughter to Carmen and Theresa Pryde, from Deerfield, IL 13-year-old girl Kitty Pryde first appears #129 (middle of Dark Phoenix Saga), officially joins the team at the very end of #138 (Oct 1980), the epilogue to the same story. First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #129 (cover date Jan 1980) Page 11, in the THIRD panel she…