Marvel Voices: Pride: Jewish and Queer Identity Can in Fact Co-Exist

Ok, so I had my doubts. I had little hope. Here’s what I got. I got a story where every single character with a speaking role was Jewish in one way or another. There is even Jewish diversity. They did a great job of not just making all the Jews look unique and not stereotypical, but they remembered that not all Jews know everything there is to know about Judaism, nor do we all look alike or have the same experience.

Being Jewish is sometimes complicated, whether it relates to one’s level of observance or sometimes even acceptance. We are a diverse group of people who made homes in various parts of the diaspora. So seeing Asher as a nod to that diverse Jewish experience was nice. Here’s hoping we get to know more about him. Is he Mizrahi? We don’t know. But that’s ok because it makes us want more.

Katherine Locke did a great job telling a story with different Jewish perspectives, with Cooper as the Jew who has, in my ways, and for various reasons, did not have much in the form of Jewish history and knowledge. And then there’s Asher, who serves not just as a potential future love interest, that’s a given (and please, please, Marvel, give them both more page space), but also as a way to bridge the gaps of Cooper’s past. Asher, and maybe this is too much to hope for, is a great way to help connect Cooper back with Judaism and his Jewish identity; even if the relationship doesn’t last, and I hope it does,  there is a lot of potential for future stories. However, the woes of dating while being a superhero will still persist.

This is a story I wish had been its own one-shot, with so much to unpack about the different characters Cooper interacts with. Also, props to the fantastic team of Locke, Joanna Estep, and Manuel Puppo for giving Marvel its second-ever Rabbi.

I find it silly that a comic in New York can’t seem to have more than one Rabbi. But that’s a discussion for another article.

This comic is not so much about Purim; in fact, until the last page, I wasn’t even sure how it fits in. But that’s ok. The story is a lesson in new opportunities, taking responsibility, and never being ashamed of who you are, queer and Jewish, not or. Two identities can and do exist together, where one doesn’t need to be abandoned to fit in anywhere. I also think this is the first appearance of Purim in a superhero comic. Though I hope I’m wrong.

It is a beautiful pride month story with a nice dose of Jewish representation, showing that Jewish expression can exist as more than just a moment, but as part of the story. Here is hoping this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Asher or his synagogue. It is a start to what will hopefully mean more comics that celebrate diverse characters and diverse identities.

And…this might be a selfish plug, but this proves we can have a Jewish Voices Anthology comic.