Author: Joshua

Creating artwork is a process like any that includes concept, editing and revision. I thought it would be fun to give an inside look at my process for creating the recent Shanah Tovah holiday greeting illustration.

I knew in the concept that I wanted Magen blowing the Shofar. The shofar is a universal symbol in Judaism for the New Year. It also refers to the longevity of our ancient religion and beliefs. The shofar is a simple rams horn, a light weight devise used by common person thousands of years ago. Despite its humble size, the shofar has been featured in some of the most profound events from our history including the revelation at Mount Sinai and the Battle of Jericho. It is one of the longest surviving customs of Judaism that has remained unchanged throughout the millennia.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem was also chosen for both its connection as the holiest place in Judaism, but also for its political context. This past year the United States finally recognized Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Israel and the Jewish people. Jerusalem has always been considered the capital by Israel. It is where the Knesset Assembly takes place as well as the Supreme Court. Many previous US administrations had always promised to move the US embassy to the capital, and finally this promise was realized. Many countries have followed suite since the US’s declaration, which has helped to bolster the legitimacy and image of Israel in the face of increasing Anti-Zionism in Europe.

I had originally planned to incorporate the image of the Western Wall within the bubble lettering of “Shanah Tovah” similar to travel postcards of the 1940’s. Instead, I realized I could incorporate more detail if I used the Western Wall as the backdrop setting. In the final illustration, “Shanah Tovah” is simply outlined to juxtapose the detail of the Jerusalem scene below.

In the final illustration, the scene of Magen blowing the Shofar is shown in full detail, even obscuring the holiday greeting. This was done to emphasize the act of blowing the Shofar, as the ultimate expression of our history and faith.

The Original Artwork is one-of-a-kind piece of comic artwork is available now for purchase. The piece measures 11″x17″ on Comic Art Board. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity COA. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Magen vs Shaloman was a concept I toyed with even before the debut of Israeli Defense Comics. I originally pitched the concept to Shaloman creator, Al Wiesner, circa 2010 as a continuation of the Shaloman series. I developed a cover that pitted the two reluctant heroes against each other due to mind control by Shaloman’s nemesis, Dr. Traif.

While Wiesner passed on the offer to do the Shaloman story, we kept the lines of communication open. After the debut of Magen in Israeli Defense Comics # 1, Wiesner and myself began to appear together at the Philadelphia Wizard World Comic Conventions. I also organized a comic exhibition entitled, Super-Jews, that featured our original comic art. While I was choosing artwork for the exhibition, I came across a 10 page unpublished Shaloman story. Through both of our desires to see this short story finally published, I developed a story using the original Shaloman pages as a flashback sequence. I teased the premise at the end of Israeli Defense Comics # 2.

Although plans for Israeli Defense Comics # 3 were already underway, I received an email from a fan asking about the potential of a Magen vs Shaloman episode. In fact, the fan specifically suggested the cover be an homage to Ross Andru’s iconic Superman vs The Amazing Spider-Man from 1976. While I already knew the plot of IDC # 3 would have the heroes meet as friends, I liked the idea of an homage to such an important comic cover.

After my work on Israeli Defense Comics # 3 was completed and the comic was well on its way to the printer, I revisited the idea of the homage cover. Shaloman would naturally take the place of Superman due to his ability to fly, and Magen would  substitute for Spider-Man. I considered changing the background to the old city of Jerusalem, but I had already featured the two super-heroes against the temple wall in IDC#3. So I thought I would keep it simple and retain the original background. Instead of the heroes fighting around the Empire State Building, I changed the spire to the Israeli flag. After that the piece came together with some clouds in the sky to fill the area originally held by typography.

It was a treat to work on this illustration. The original artwork measures 11″x17″ in pen and ink.

If you would like to commission original artwork featuring Magen or any other DC/Marvel Superhero, feel free to contact me for availability at info@israelidefensecomics.com