bio
Roy Schwartz is a pop culture historian and journalist. He writes for CNN, The Forward and IGN. His work has also appeared in New York Daily News, Jerusalem Post, Philosophy Now and Literary Hub, among others.
Roy is the author of “Is Superman Circumcised? The Complete Jewish History of the World’s Greatest Hero,” which received press attention worldwide and is the 2021 winner of the illustrious Diagram Prize for Oddest Book Title in the World.
Roy received his BA in English from the New School University and interdisciplinary MA in English and social thought from NYU. He has taught English and writing at the City University of New York and is a former writer-in-residence fellow at the New York Public Library. He regularly lectures at universities, conferences and conventions.
Website: royschwartz.com
Contact: roy@royschwartz.com
Workshop Topics
Subject
Is Superman Circumcised? The Complete Jewish History of the World’s Greatest Hero!
Superman is the most famous character in the world. He’s the first superhero, an American icon—and he’s Jewish! Introduced in June 1938, the Man of Steel was created by two Jewish teens, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the sons of emigrants from Eastern Europe. They based their hero’s origin story on Moses, his strength on Samson, his mission on the golem and his nebbish secret identity on themselves. They made him a refugee fleeing catastrophe on the eve of World War II and sent him to tear Nazi tanks apart nearly two years before the US joined the war. Join author Roy Schwartz for a fascinating and entertaining journey through comic book lore, American history and Jewish tradition, sure to give you a newfound appreciation for the Mensch of Steel!
Audience
Recommended for ages 13 & up (safe for all ages)
Subject
Secret Identities: The Jewish Origins of the Marvel Universe!
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the biggest thing in showbiz, with 32 films earning almost $30 billion worldwide. But before all the glitz and glamor, comics were a disreputable, Jewish industry. Almost all of Marvel’s superheroes were created or co-created by Jews, including Captain America, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Thor, Ant-Man, Iron Man, Avengers, X-Men, Silver Surfer, Black Panther, Eternals and many more. And they were more than just playful fantasies—they were wish-fulfillment avatars of their creators, drawing on Jewish culture and folklore to fight Nazis, bigotry and intolerance. Join author, journalist and pop culture historian Roy Schwartz for a fascinating journey through comic book lore and Jewish-American history that’ll make you see your favorite superheroes in a whole new light!
Audience
Recommended for ages 8 & up (safe for all ages)
Subject
Secret Identities: The Jewish Origins of Superheroes!
Comic books are a Jewish invention. Superheroes are a Jewish invention. Deep breath: Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Captain America, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Avengers, X-Men, Black Panther and many others were created or co-created by Jews, some still teenagers! Join author, journalist and pop culture historian Roy Schwartz to learn about the amazing, crazy and funny Jewish history of comics!
Audience
Recommended for ages 6–12
