MIGDAL: Neil Kleid's Nice Jewish Words & Comics logo

MIGDAL: Neil Kleid's Nice Jewish Words & Comics

Subscribe
Archives
November 4, 2024

NJW&C 19: America Votes & 2024 JewCE Awards

njbsubstack_emailheader.png

Hey, Kids! It’s Nice Jewish Words & Comics!, the latest installment from Neil Kleid's bi-monthly newsletter with updates and info about his latest projects!


Happy November, mishpacha—we’re nearing the end of 2024, and as we race toward winter, there’s a lot going on. So this one is going to be mostly about the Business…though maybe not all about the Business of Comics.

THE BUSINESS OF DEMOCRACY

To wit, of course tomorrow is a big day in the States—unless you have been living under a rock, or simply holding hands over your ears, closing your eyes, and screaming “la la la la”, you know that Tuesday, November 5th, is Election Day in AmericaTM. (Holy crap, it’s also Guy Fawkes Day. Um. Make of that what you will.) 

sam the eagle from the muppets wearing a white sash with red stripes and blue and white stars standing against an american flag
Sam The Eagle Wants You To Get Out The Vote!

Yes, tomorrow Americans go to the polls—I mean, unless they’ve already completed early voting or mailed in ballots—to decide the people and policies that will govern our nation at Federal, State and local levels.

Now, look. If you are able to (of eligible age, a citizen, etc) I know that like me, you’re possibly inundated with everyone telling you to vote, how to vote, for whom to vote, and so forth. Many of us are not so much inundated but anxious about it, because of how this election may affects our lives, and also because we’ve been organizing at all the above levels, writing letters, phone-banking, attending rallies and town halls, getting out the word and yes…also just endlessly doom scrolling and chatting about it on social media. So when Neil comes along with his Jewish comic book newsletter, and again says how important it is to get out and vote, well…either you’re responding with “yeah, dummy, we know” or “seriously just get to the comics.”  If you don’t want to read this part, feel free to skip down and read about the fact that Nice Jewish Boys—and me, as its writer—has been nominated for FOUR 2024 JewCE Awards, which is pretty, pretty cool. If you do want to read this part, let’s scroll down past a clueless Superman and a very determined Lois Lane.

Lois Lane holding out a recorder to Superman. He asks "Miss Lane?" and she says "The world is waiting to hear who you support in the election."  He responds with "are you serious?" The Flash is watching in the backgroud

So, yes. Here I am, reminding you to get out and vote and urging you to remind others to vote, as well. Early voting is still open in many places today and if like me, you’re planning on voting tomorrow, that’s totally cool, too. Instead, maybe use today to do your research on where your polling place is located and what you’ll need to bring, double-check that you are registered, and make a voting plan by researching your Federal, State and local candidates and determine who to vote for! More info here can be found here.

And here’s the tricky bit. Look; I rarely talk about my politics online, on social media, and shy away from speaking about it in public. I have my opinions and the issues that are important to me, and so do you. Many of my friends, family and colleagues don’t necessarily agree on my stances or opinions, and I may not agree with theirs. I think there are nuances and beliefs in my heart I cannot properly convey to those who disagree with me, and am probably unable to (or smart enough to) attempt to convince them to agree with me, nor may I be convinced about what they believe in theirs. I’ll also say that if you reply to this in an attempt to debate or attack my opinions below, or tackle me on any digital channel about this, I probably will evade or mute, depending on how aggressive you are. These are my opinions. You are definitely welcome to yours. Perhaps I’ll read about them in your own newsletter? Thanks for understanding. It’s nothing personal.

So, again, I usually don’t write this kind of thing, but I do think this year’s election is pretty important. And what I can I can tell you is this: traditionally, I have voted blue across the ballot, and have long considered myself a liberal Democrat. I can also tell you that this is probably the first year I have slid somewhat moderate. If you’ve been following even a little bit of my personal and professional career, or are regular readers of my books, newsletter, or social media, then you know that I am an American modern Orthodox Jew with ties to the American Jewish community and to Israel. I have never hidden that, and am not about to discuss or defend that here (or in any public forum, really) but suffice it to say that as a now more moderate Democrat, I find the last year has made it difficult for me to be in conversations and adjacent to often eye-opening, radicalized statements and positions from people I know and admire belonging to both parties in my personal and professional life—some of those statements simmering with varying levels of racism, antisemitism, violence and in some cases xenophobia and intolerance. This past year, of course, has seen a massive rise in antisemitism and hate against Jews in the States and abroad, with unspoken permission being given from and to radicalized aspects of both parties to not only spit vitriol, hate, and violence against Jews, but in certain cases also at those who would stand by our side.

But here’s the thing, friends. I have never been a single-issue voter. Yes, all of the above is very important to me, and absolutely informs how I might vote. But as an American, as a father and husband, as a consumer and friend, as a law-abiding, tolerant human being who is concerned about our planet and what we leave behind, and concerned about issues important to folks more unfortunate than me—to whom certain policies will greatly affect though would not affect me—there are many other issues out there which also inform my vote. 

Author Brad Meltzer posted a wonderful message to Instagram this week, and in it he said:

“If you’re looking for perfection in politics, good luck….We need to vote for the candidate who brings out the best in us, not the worst in us…the answer will not come from the candidate who threatens to punish anyone who disagrees with him, attacking his enemies like a Bond villain, complaining that he won an election we all know he lost, crying that he’s being treated unfairly and demanding that if you don’t fall in line, you’re not a good American, a good Jew, a good fill-in-the-blank. Want to know who speaks like that? A bully…as Americans, we will never agree on all issues. But I hope we can agree that as a country, we need to stop embracing cruelty and venom. Cruelty and venom aren’t signs of strength. They’re signs of weakness and pity insecurity, What takes strength is empathy and decency….if you disagree with me, that’s your right. I still love you for the open ear…it’s time to bring out the best in us. America needs it more than ever.”

Again, I will plainly say that I have concerns about both candidates. I firmly believe that politicians will say whatever they think you want to hear to get their vote—and, in fact, I’ve seen it as recently as this week. While in the past I have usually gone straight blue and while in the past, I would probably have been 100% sold on a Harris/Walz White House…because of the current cultural and political climate, I definitely harbor several doubts about it based on some of the issues (on Federal, state and local levels, as well as on a global level) that keep me up at night.

I may not agree with all of Kamala Harris’ opinions or positions, and have a few concerns about what she may actually do if elected versus what she says she will do.  But ultimately, I believe that of the two candidates she is best positioned to bring out the best in us, and not the worst, as Brad Meltzer wrote. I do believe she has empathy and decency. I genuinely believe she wants the best from and for the American people, no matter their race, religion, gender, or political affiliation (except Nazis. I do not believe she has Nazis’ best interests at heart.)

On a comparison level, I know that Kamala Harris will not punish her political enemies or threaten to attack the media. She isn’t going to blame or complain about folks who didn’t fall into line, threatening to over-turn the election, grouse about it and then even incite violence because of it, nor will she be a direct threat to healthcare, climate change, or many other issues that keep me up at night…even if she still does about others. Will our economy be stronger under a Kamala Harris presidency? I honestly couldn’t say. I believe she and her team do have an economic plan, at least, whether I not I believe it is sound. The plan I’ve seen from the other guy’s team (what little there is) doesn’t fill me with confidence, nor do many other plans from that team. Some of them, in fact, fill me with dread. Will things get worse for me, my family, and my Jewish community under a Kamala presidency? Maybe. Maybe not. Only time will tell. Again, I definitely have concerns, but I also believe that of the two candidates, at least Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have empathy, decency, and humanity and a devotion to both democracy and the rule of law.

I cannot say the same about the other ticket, folks.

You may disagree, but I honestly believe a second Trump presidency is a danger to our country. He has proven as much to me by the way he mishandled and bungled a global pandemic, and by the vitriol and cruelty he espouses on a regular basis. And yeah, I’ll say it—I kinda think he won’t last his full term in office, whether that’s because he’s going to be in prison or because of cognitive decline, and that could leave us (perhaps) in the hands of JD Vance or worse, whose political opinions frighten me even more.

Could things get better or worse for Jews under a second Trump presidency? Again, I don’t know. I know a great number of my Orthodox Jewish brothers and sisters believe it will, ignoring all of the other issues (including the disaster that was the pandemic, by the way) and pointing to any number of surface level things he’s done or said, promises he has made that a) I don’t know he can keep or b) that he didn’t really mean, and that c) he won’t just make things worse. I know that he and others in the GOP claim to align themselves strongly with Jews in order to win our vote…but if you asked Marjorie Taylor Greene to choose between putting herself on the line for Jews and tossing us into camps with everyone that doesn’t align with her own personal religious beliefs, I believe she’d turn her space laser on us in seconds. Often enough, Jews are just political footballs to ticket or party, a means to an end to them (and I will go on record and say that the same can be said for my party, too), but I believe that if sacrificing Jews meant getting what they want from a more powerful ally, or an ally that will give them what they want, Trump and Vance would sacrifice us in a heartbeat. I don’t know that I can say the same for Harris/Walz.

Trump is hardly subtle or nuanced, and decisions he makes might even increase levels of antisemitism and hostility to Jews, not dial them down. He is a divider, not a unifier. He is a proven liar, a crook, a misogynist, and a racist—and a cruel one at that. He’s a bully. He’s always been that way. Ask his friends or family, and ask those who have worked with him during his previous term. I do believe a Trump/Vance White House is one that allies itself with white supremacy and those who embrace the Great Replacement Theory, and the insidious themes laid out long ago in the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, falsely claiming that the Jewish nation is a serpent that controls the world. A Trump/Vance White House is one that looks with admiration to Adolf Hitler. So, yeah. Not great for the Jews.

A Trump/Vance White House is xenophobic and racist, homophobic, transphobic, wants to control women’s bodily autonomy, destroy LGBTQ+ rights, does not believe in tackling climate change, is anti-immigrant, calls a large and important part of our country “garbage”, and looks after the greedy well-being of billionaires and those in higher tax brackets (someone I know within those brackets—and I know quite a few—complained that Kamala Harris’ policies are designed to hurt “us”, without realizing that I personally believe policies should be designed to make it easier for not only “us” but more importantly, those less fortunate than “us.”)

Will our economy be better under a Trump/Vance White House? I can’t tell, because it hasn’t clearly outlined a plan. What I can say is that it won’t make it better for those of us making and buying comics and graphic novels. Besides the fact that most comic book creators probably don’t exist within higher tax brackets, and will struggle to pay for healthcare, medicine, food, rent and the like…Fantagraphics’ Eric Reynolds posted this little publishing insight on Twitter:

  1. Like graphic novels? Know that Trump’s proposed tariffs will substantially raise prices on them for consumers. Costs for offset printing in North America are already SO much higher (often TWICE as high, and the quality is lower, and the options fewer) than in Asia and Europe.

  2. Even with tariffs, we’ll still be printing overseas —the only result will be higher costs for publishers that will invariably result in higher retail prices for consumers. If you think books are already expensive, just wait.

A Trump/Vance White House feels like a black hole for reason, truth, laws and hope. It projects disdain for planning or tolerance, and instead carries a collective of perceived grievances, attacks, insults, fear and grift on its sizable shoulder, putting hate and “othering” face front. Like Meltzer says, Trump is a bully. He has outright stated that he will punish his political enemies and attack the media. He is blaming and complaining about folks who don’t or won’t fall into line. He may claim to be a friend to Jews and Israel (those who offer fealty to him; the rest need to seek therapy, apparently), but he and his chosen cabinet (RFK Jr, folks!) will absolutely be a danger in terms of healthcare, education, gun control, climate change, or many other local issues that keep me up at night.

And so for those and many of the above reasons, I am voting for Harris/Walz. 

Again, I’m still not one hundred percent sold. A Harris/Walz White House still may keep me up at night, worrying about those issues which bring me concerns. I worry about the economy, and I do worry about the border. I worry about the rise in antisemitism—particularly on college campuses and in our streets and subways. I worry that the promises she makes may not always match up with ones that she keeps. As I said above, she isn’t perfect; no politician is.

But she is definitely not a clear and present danger to democracy and the world, and I have hope and faith that ultimately she and Tim Walz, and those who support them at the Federal and state levels, will allay my concerns and fears. I don’t know that I believe that at a local level, because I’ve educated myself about the candidates’ platforms and positions, and know how their election to office can affect my town, its board of education and by extension my family and community. I can tell you for a fact that I will not be voting straight blue.

But I can also tell you for a fact that at a national level—because I’ve been there, we’ve all been there, and can see and know who he is—that I am, because I honestly believe a second Trump presidency will be a disaster. You may believe differently, and that’s cool. Again, as Americans we will never agree on all issues. But this is what I believe, and all I have to go on is my heart, morals, family, faith, and gut to guide me toward true north.

If all or any of the above offends you, and you can’t see past my position/s on anything I’ve written here to understanding that as Americans the fact that we have the freedom to disagree is one of our greatest freedoms, and that we can still treat one another with respect, tolerance, and a lack of cruelty despite those difference…than I wish you well, from the bottom of my heart. Again, these are one man’s opinions. You are welcome to yours.

No matter what you believe, please vote. More information, again, can be found here. Back in 2016, I made the below comic with Oni Press. It was ridiculous at the time, but now please please please get informed. And if you haven’t cast your vote yet, make sure to head to the polls tomorrow and stay on line until your vote is counted.

A black and white comic strip that Neil made in 2016 for Oni Press called "Bruce Springsteen Told Me To Rock the Vote"
Made this comic in 2016; Not sure it's aged well, but whether you're listening to Springsteen, a different celebrity, a politician, a journalist, friend, enemy, teacher, parent, kid or whomever, get out there and vote, okay? www.vote.org

Okay, thanks. If you’re still here, thanks for sticking around. That was a lot. So here are a few fun things.

THE BUSINESS OF COMICS AND STUFF

First, if you're in the NYC area next week (Sunday, November 10th) as I’ve mentioned before, JewCE is taking place at the Center for Jewish History, a one-day comic book convention to celebrate the lasting contributions of Jewish creators and narratives to the world of comic books—the 2nd annual Jewish Comics Experience! 

a red promotional banner with a white Center for Jewish History logo above a yellow and blue JewCE! logo under in white which is written "the Jewish comics experience" and then in yellow "JewCE convention - Sunday November 10, 10am-5pm"

If you're local, please join to attend amazing panels (including one moderated by me, about and Jewish Mythology and Fantasy in Adventure Comics)  check out comic books and graphic novels with Judaic themes from a wonderfully diverse range of comics creators, and attend this year’s JewCE Awards, celebrating the diverse voices and stories that have shaped Jewish storytelling in the comic medium.

 A promotional ad for 'Nice Jewish Boys', a suburban crime comic by Neil Kleid, John Broglia, Ellie Wright and Sarah Litt, offered by Comixology Originals and Migdal Comics. The ad is in black, with text in white and creator names in red. On the top is a red bar with the JewCE logo and “new york” in white, and white text that reads “Nominated for FOUR 2024 JewCE Awards, including Writer of the Year!” And a white URL that says “https://jewce.org/index.php/the-jewce-awards

I’m happy to reveal that this year Nice Jewish Boys is a finalist for FOUR JewCE Awards, including a repeat nomination for Writer Honoree of the Year (which, you know, I won last year.) I am honored not only because this book which means so much to me, and speaks to my community and identity, is being recognized by and among my many talented colleagues and peers, but also that I get to share this honor with my co-author and close friend, John Broglia, our colorist Ellie Wright, our editor Sarah Litt and the fine folks at Comixology without whom this book would have never seen the light of day (including Chip Mosher, Bryce Gold and Jeff DiBartolomeo)! My thanks, as well, to the folks at JewCE—especially Roy Schwartz, Fabrice Sapolsky, Miriam Mora, Gabriel Sanders and all the nominating judges. I look forward to celebrating with everyone next week...and hope to see you at JewCE! The convention takes place on Sunday from 10am-5pm at the Center for Jewish History, at 15 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011. The awards are presented from 630-8pm. Hope to see you there!

Here’s my brand-new banner stand for the show:

an image of a convention banner stand in a well lit sitting room, showing artwork of a jewish man wrapped in a prayer shawl, pulling up his waistband to reveal a gun, and the words "Neil Kleid" at the top in red and white

Here’s another reminder that next month (December!) Kings and Canvas, the collected edition of my fantasy boxing epic with Jake Allen and Frank Reynoso, arrives at comic book stores from the good people at Outland Entertainment and CEX Publishing. It’s "Game of Thrones meets Rocky” and would make a wonderful holiday gift for your book-loving pals, so pick up copies for all the winter holidays that you celebrate with your loved ones.

a book cover for Kings and Canvas: Mammoth, the Collected Edition, by Neil Kleid, Jake Allen and Frank Reynoso

A quick reminder that we are in the final 72 hours of the Pots and Panels Kickstarter campaign. If you can, please pledge to bring our comic book book to life, and get a huge book with over 50 stories and recipes by some of the industry’s finest creators. Get to the page now and submit your pledge today!

a photo of Neil Kleid in a black and white shirt and a blue and white Detroit Lions ball cap standing in the lobby of the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, attending New York Comic-Con

Finally, I was thrilled to attend last month’s New York Comic-Con at the Javits Center in New York. I was only there for one day but accomplished quite a lot. Good meetings and several potential writing leads, spoke to lots of my Jewish comics landsmen about a lot of things related to Jews and comics…but where did all the comics publishers go? There were very few publishers on the floor, which made me sad. I also left my name / note in the John Cassaday tribute book, and yeah…am happy to post here that Comixology Originals has announced I have another series coming from them in 2025. I can’t yet say what it is or who it’s with, but this will be a fun one for you Kleid readers—it’s quite visceral, over the top adventure with a bit of a romance angle to it. Thrilled to be continuing my partnership with the great folks at Comixology Originals, and can’t wait to start talking about it next year.

a black and white promotional card with the Comixology Originals logo in the center in white, and many comic book creators names surrounding it in white, including Neil Kleid's name

Oh! Also, look at this way cool Exceptional X-Men cover for December by Marguerite Sauvage featuring one of Marvel Comics’ few outwardly Jewish characters, Kate Pryde, getting ready for Chanukah. I love this thing. I want to see more mainstream, unapologetically Jewish comic books and comic book covers. Bravo, Marguerite and Marvel!

a variant cover for exceptional x-men #4 from marvel comics, the artwork by marguerite sauvage, featuring Kate Pryde lighting a menorah and eating chanukah food

That’s it for me this month; a real quick one. 

If you live in America, are of age and eligible, get out there and vote!

See you in December.

—Neil


MIGDAL: Neil Kleid's Nice Jewish Words & Comics is free! Tell your friends, enemies and interested dragons. If you enjoyed this email, you can show Neil that his writing is valuable to you by checking out his books here and supporting independent comix: https://bookshop.org/shop/neilkleid

Don't miss what's next. Subscribe to MIGDAL: Neil Kleid's Nice Jewish Words & Comics:
Bluesky X LinkedIn Instagram
Powered by Buttondown, the easiest way to start and grow your newsletter.