About the Show

From caped crusaders and wartime heroes to graphic novels, Jewish creators have played a defining role in shaping the comic book industry and the stories that have captivated generations of readers. Through original artwork, rare publications, historical artifacts, prints, and dynamic visual storytelling, the exhibition traces a century of Jewish contributions to one of America's most influential art forms.

Visitors will discover how the experiences of immigrants, outsiders, and dreamers helped inspire many of comics’ most enduring characters and narratives. Across decades and genres, the exhibition shows how comics have long served as a space for entertainment, cultural memory, imagination, and social commentary. 

Enhanced by artifacts from the Milwaukee area, bringing a local dimension to a national story, Chosen Heroes offers a compelling look at the people and ideas that have helped shape both Jewish life and the world of comics.

Cover of Action Comics #1, featuring the first appearance of Superman. DC Comics, 1938. Created by Jerry Siegel (writer) and Joe Shuster (artist). TM & © DC Comics.