Inspired by a True Story (Abrams ComicArts 2023)
When Marco Calvo arrives at the Jewish Synagogue to attend his grandfather's funeral, he is caught off guard by something very unexpected. Among his close family and friends there are some people he doesn't recognize at all. Several Japanese American families have arrived and no one is quite sure why they are here. Who are these strangers that knew his grandfather so well?
What Marco discovers leads him on a journey to explore the powerful true story of his Jewish grandfather who sided with Japanese families during the incarceration camps of WW2. Set in the multicultural Seattle Central District of the 1940s, We Are Not Strangers explores the unique situation of Japanese and Jewish Americans living side by side in a country at war. These perspectives converge in a portrait of a community's struggle with race, responsibility and what it truly means to be an American.
The above was one of our first posts as the Jewish Comics Library of Seattle (JCLS). It is also one of the first reviews that we posted. When I reread that post there was also a statement of JCLS goals that I thought deserve a revisit since the orignal post only had a handful of readers and the number of our subscribers has increased dramatically since then. But our mission has stayed the same.
Among Our Goals
Nurturing Jewish American Culture through Graphic Novels: A Pathway to Cultural Enrichment
In the realm of graphic novels we believe they serve as cultural artifacts, enriching and contributing to the ongoing tapestry of Jewish American culture. Much like the Yiddishist movement in Eastern Europe, which was dedicated to the promotion of Yiddish language and arts, the Jewish Comics Library seeks to play a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding Jewish American cultural expressions through the medium of graphic novels.
Graphic novels, with their unique combination of visuals and narrative, have proven to be powerful tools for storytelling and cultural expression. In the context of Jewish American culture, these works serve as bridges between generations, providing a dynamic platform for exploring the richness of our heritage while also addressing contemporary issues.
Much like traditional libraries, the Jewish Comics Library is committed to preserving the rich legacy of Jewish American culture. Through our extensive collection of graphic novels, we aim to conserve and showcase the diverse narratives, histories, and traditions that make up our community.
Simultaneously, the library can act as a catalyst for innovation and the generation of new cultural additions. By supporting contemporary Jewish artists, writers, and creators, we contribute to the ongoing evolution of our cultural identity. Through the lens of graphic novels, we explore the ever-changing dynamics of Jewish life in America, capturing the essence of our experiences, challenges, triumphs, and reflections.
One of the key strengths of graphic novels lies in their ability to capture a multitude of perspectives and experiences. The Jewish Comics Library is proud to feature works that span various genres, themes, and artistic styles, reflecting the diversity within the Jewish American community. From historical sagas to personal narratives, each graphic novel contributes a unique brushstroke to the canvas of our cultural heritage.
Our library is not just a repository of graphic novels; it is a dynamic space for dialogue and community engagement. Through events, discussions, and collaborative projects, we aim to foster a living cultural exchange. By bringing together creators and audiences, we hope to inspire new works, discussions, and reflections that will further enrich the ongoing narrative of Jewish American culture.
How You Can Get Involved:
Explore the Collection: Dive into LibraryCat. Our extensive collection of graphic novels showcase the diversity of Jewish American experiences.
Attend Events: Join us for events, book clubs, and discussions that bring together creators and enthusiasts. Stay tuned for coming announcements.
Support Local Artists: Discover and support local Jewish artists and writers, helping to amplify their voices and perspectives.
Share Your Story: We encourage community members to share their stories, experiences, and reflections, contributing to the ongoing cultural dialogue.
The idea for the Jewish Comics Library is more than a collection of books; it's to be a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating and shaping the cultural narrative of Jewish America through the compelling and visually captivating world of graphic novels.
Wishing you happy reading and a continued exploration of our rich cultural tapestry.
Let’s not forget our ongoing pop-ups at Couth Buzzard Bookstore! The next one is this Friday.
One of these days I will get down to one of these events. BTW did you recommend/review a book called The Librarian of Auschwitz? It is a graphic novel reinterpretation of a prose novel by Antonio Iturbe, about the real life experiences of Dita Krauss. If you did recommend it, thank you, and if you didn't, it is a very compelling story, well illustrated.