Growing up in a close-knit Jewish community in Columbus, Ohio, Michael Kobre found himself drawn to the Marvel comics that were beginning to appear on newsstands and drugstore racks. Even as he struggled to understand what it meant to be Jewish, he recognized something familiar in comic book characters who somehow “felt” Jewish.

Blending personal memories with comics scholarship, Professor Kobre will explore how readers bring their own identities and experiences to the stories on the page. He will also examine the deeply Jewish roots of the comic book industry, which was shaped by generations of Jewish artists, writers, editors, and publishers.

About Michael Kobre: Michael Kobre is the Dana Professor of English at Queens University of Charlotte, where he teaches modern and American literature, critical theory, and popular culture. He is a co-editor of the forthcoming book Origin Stories, which brings together scholars, writers, and comics fans to explore how superhero comics intersect with questions of identity, belonging, and difference.

Lunch: Corned beef and pastrami deli sandwiches, vinegar-based coleslaw, and cheesecake. A vegetarian option will be available.

Register by Sunday, October 4.