Visitors to Atlanta, Georgia with an interest in comic book superheroes, especially the 
golden age" of comic books, should make a point to visit the Bremen Jewish Heritage 
Museum on 1440 Spring Street. 

From now until August, the exhibit "ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age 
of Comic Books, 1938-1950 will be presented there. It is one of the most impressive
exhibits focusing on the comic book phenomenon I've ever seen. The exhibit is hosted by 
Jerry Robinson, who worked on some of the earliest Batman comics in the 1940s. Many of
his original sketches, as well as many other classic pieces of comic book art are on display.

Museum guests are greeted by the visage of a life-size Superman bursting through a wall 
of bricks. (see pictures below) Nearby, a phone rings, calling for Superman's help. 
A newsstand is sellingcomic books and one can get a look at copies of the first
appearances of Superman, Wonder Woman and Robin, among others.

After one enters the exhibit proper, you get a great history lesson on the early days 
of the comic book industry, where young, mostly Jewish men created an exciting world 
of fantasy that endures to this day. It is presented in context with the Depression and 
World War II.

Many images of Superman, Captain Marvel, Batman, Captain America and the like helping 
the war effort are displayed. A series of interviews with some of the pioneers of the comic
book industry are shown on video (including the late Bob Kane and Will Eisner). You can
see clips (sadly, not entire chapters) of a few superhero movie serials and there's plenty
for the kids, too, like a ride in the "Batmobile" and a chance to create their own comic
book pages. And of course there are many treasures to find in the gift shop.
A visit to the Bremen museum in Atlanta is definitely a must for hard-core comic 
book/superhero fans... you won't soon forget it.

Email Henry Hanks

Click HERE for more info and the schedule of events for ZAP POW BAM!