Mike's Place
This post continues my miniseries on books I picked up at JewCE in November, where I had the privilege of meeting talented creators. Following my discussion of Koren Shadmi’s Twilight Man in the last newsletter, I now turn to Mike’s Place, a collaboration between Shadmi and writer Jack Baxter. The book recounts the tragic bombing of a Tel Aviv blues bar in 2003—a rare haven that brought together Jews, Muslims, and Christians in harmony.
Mike’s Place offers readers a profound glimpse into the day-to-day realities of life in Israel, something rarely captured in mainstream media. Through inner dialogues and diverse settings, the story reveals the personal lives, thoughts, and struggles of its characters. These details allow for meaningful character development and challenge reductive narratives often presented in broader coverage of the region.
Koren Shadmi’s artwork plays a vital role in this storytelling. His panel layouts are straightforward, emphasizing clarity and emotional resonance. Each character is distinct and easily recognizable, which is crucial for navigating the large and varied cast. This artistic precision grounds the story in a sense of realism that complements the deeply human narrative.
The book's visual style also reflects a strong videographer influence, likely a result of Jack Baxter’s background as a filmmaker. The convergence of narrative and illustration mirrors cinematic storytelling, with scenes that flow naturally and emphasize the rhythm of daily life. This approach brings the bar, its patrons, and the tragedy into sharp focus, immersing readers in the world of Mike’s Place.
Beyond its technical strengths, Mike’s Place resonates on a thematic level. The bar itself—a space that defied political and religious divisions—becomes a microcosm of hope in an otherwise polarized world. By highlighting the humanity of its characters, the book dismantles antisemitic stereotypes and reveals the richness of Jewish life, aligning with the Jewish Comics Library of Seattle’s mission to educate and inspire through graphic storytelling.
Meeting Koren Shadmi at JewCE enriched my appreciation for the book. His reflections on blending the weight of this real-life tragedy with the need for visual and emotional clarity were striking. It’s this balance that makes Mike’s Place such an impactful read—a story about resilience, connection, and the enduring power of shared spaces.
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