“All kids watch cartoons; I just never stopped,” Roy Schwartz explained of his affection for Superman and other comic book characters. Superheroes, inspirational heroes from Roy’s childhood, now inspire his professional and academic pursuits. Roy is currently celebrating the recent sale of his first book, which tackles the subject of Superman from an analytical perspective. Tentatively titled Is Superman Circumcised? Jewish Culture, Folklore and History in the Man of Steel’s Comics, the book examines the character within the frame of a larger Jewish-American cultural history. “His archetype can be traced back through millennia of Jewish folklore to the Hebrew Bible, to heroes like Moses and Samson.” The character was originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and Roy connects the heritage of the creators to the heritage of the creation. The book is a direct evolution of Roy’s research in the John W. Draper Interdisciplinary Program in Humanities and Social Thought, and is based on his thesis, which took second place at the 2012 GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge. “I loved being able to tell people about this cool subject and the fascinating things I’ve discovered in my research,” Roy said of the experience. “When I won second place I was more surprised than anyone. I think simply enjoying myself made it more engaging to listen to.”
In addition to his work as an author, Roy works as an adjunct professor at CUNY and a brand strategist and copywriter for media marketing agency the Equinox Group. The experience has offered him the opportunity to engage with high profile properties such as the Warner Bros. film Man of Steel and the Disney film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, planning and writing marketing and promotional campaigns. “I’m lucky enough to have found a niche that involves creative work and some of my favorite properties like Superman. Working on Man of Steel was a dream come true.” In the coming year, Roy will follow up his first book with three new projects, including a graphic novel memoir of his years as a counter-terrorism military intelligence officer. “The next stage for me is to find an agent—so if anyone reading this can help, do reach out!” Is Superman Circumcised? is slated for release soon from publisher McFarland Books. “Keep your eyes peeled for it and related GSAS events!”
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