I’m feeling a bit out of the loop, because apparently there’s been an online push to raise the profile of Israeli superhero Sabra in the Marvel Universe. So says New York’s Jewish Press, which claims the character “has been getting much publicity.”

I found this online petition asking that Sabra be given her own series, but that’s about it:

As you probably know, Israel and the Palestinian authority are in a bloody conflict for the last year and a half.

We believe, that by portraying an Israeli comic character in a series of her own — a character which fight for justice and against intolerance — Marvel Comic Company can contribute for better understanding between the two people, and hopefully to help bringing peace for this troubled region some day.

Furthermore, we believe that Sabra is one of the most important female character in the comics scene today.

At least 228 people seem to agree.

But the Jewish Press is more interested in the character’s comic-book history and her role as a Jewish heroine.

Undoubtedly, many will argue that Sabra is not a fitting role model for Jewish girls, citing the biblical prohibition of women taking up arms. In addition, the argument continues, it is immodest and inappropriate to portray a Jewish woman acting aggressively and fighting. This is not a new concept created by modern 21st century feminism, since we have already been exposed to and inspired by real powerful superwomen through our readings of Tanach.

The newspaper speaks with Marvel editor Tom Brevoort about Sabra’s creation, and the likelihood of seeing her in her own series.

Word is she’s due to return in the upcoming Union Jack miniseries.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006 at 11:29 am and is filed under Fandom, Internet, Marvel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.