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Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, April 30, 2026 — The Maltz Museum is thrilled to announce the launch of Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience, a groundbreaking exhibition that offers a deep dive into the rich and varied roots that have influenced the world of comic art. Scheduled to open to the public on May 7, 2026, and running through August 23, this exhibition represents one of the most significant explorations of comic history since the notable Smithsonian retrospective in 1987.

The Icons in Ink exhibit goes beyond merely showcasing artwork; it sets the stage for an immersive experience that reveals how comics have transformed over the last century. Visitors will encounter themes of identity navigation, antisemitism resistance, and the evolution of comic aesthetics. The exhibition's impact is magnified by its expanded scale in Cleveland, which nearly doubles the size of the original concept, hence introducing a new section titled 'Cleveland Home of Heroes.' This special segment pays homage to the city's vital contributions to comic book history, celebrating the local narrative intertwined with global comic lore.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition features an impressive collection of rare vintage comic books, original artwork, and archival materials sourced from private collections and major publishers, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. Noteworthy highlights include:

• - Previously Unseen Works: Original pieces by acclaimed comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis, showcasing material from Ultimate Spider-Man and Torso, presented for public viewing for the first time.
• - The Warsaw Ghetto Narrative: Original pages from Jon Bogdanove’s powerful Holocaust-inspired storyline, exhibited publicly for only a second time.
• - Cinematic Legacy: The world premiere of remastered 1940s animated shorts from Fleischer Studios, a defining influence in the early visual representation of superheroes.

Festivals and Programming

In addition to the exhibit, the Maltz Museum will host the Icons Fest on July 11-12, a lively weekend festival aimed at drawing in new audiences, especially younger fans and families. Key highlights of the festival include:

• - A guided 'Superman's Cleveland' bus tour that traces pivotal sites linked to the superhero’s origins, culminating at the Cleveland Public Library.
• - An evening program featuring appearances from local icon Brian Michael Bendis, along with special screenings.
• - A unique discussion panel featuring family members of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the original creators of Superman, offering insights into the history of one of the most profound partnerships in storytelling.
• - A global perspective with the 'Glenville Goes Global' panel, featuring contributors from countries such as Saudi Arabia and Brazil, who will discuss the cultural reach of iconic heroes created in Cleveland.

The Maltz Museum, established in 2005 with backing from The Maltz Family Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, aims to foster understanding and respect for diverse narratives through the lens of Jewish heritage. This exhibition not only adds to the cultural landscape of Cleveland but will invite discourse on contributions from various communities shaping the comic industry.

For more insights or to arrange interviews, media members can connect with Allison Solomon at 216-593-0584 or via email at [email protected].

Join the Maltz Museum for an unprecedented look into the evolution of comics and the profound stories they tell, promising to be a historical milestone in the appreciation of comic art.