Four years ago, Jordan B. Gorfinkel, a former editor of the “Batman” comics and the creator of “Birds of Prey,” released a Passover Haggadah graphic novel. The illustrations were vivid and beautiful, incorporating traditional and modern-day teachings and themes into its pages. Now, the comic book veteran has come out with “The Koren Tanakh Graphic Novel – Esther” just in time for Purim.
“With superheroes, when you have a success, you immediately think, sequel!” Gorfinkel said. ”Following the release and, thank God, success of the ‘Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel,’ the number one question I got was, “You’re doing Purim next, right?”
The Megillah, which includes Hebrew text to make it kosher – a requirement for any Megillah reading – has English in the speech bubbles within the panels. The book has blessings that people say before and after reading the Megillah as well.
Gorfinkel said, “The tradition is to read the Megillah in the language you understand, so if you prefer, you can also read the captions and word balloons.”
In the graphic novel, the story of Esther comes to life with stunning drawings by Israeli illustrator Yael Nathan and dynamic storytelling that’s easy for all ages to read.
For the author, who worked at DC Comics for nearly a decade and makes weekly Jewish comic strips on his website JewishCartoon.com, writing female-driven stories is in his wheelhouse. “Birds of Prey” is about a group of women vigilantes who go on global missions to bring about justice; in 2020, it became a movie starring Margot Robbie as the lead, Harley Quinn. Gorfinkel loves the story of Esther because she’s a super hero like the ones in the comics he worked on.
“Esther/Hadassah is the O.G. Wonder Woman.”
“Esther/Hadassah is the O.G. Wonder Woman,” he said. “She is ripped away from her family, her land and her people to serve in a foreign court, keeping a secret identity until the moment comes to step up and be a savior. Who wouldn’t enjoy a graphic novel with this story?”
When Gorfinkel, or Gorf for short, isn’t making graphic novels and comics, he’s touring the world as a scholar-in-residence at Jewish organizations. He gives multimedia presentations and Jewish cartoon workshops with the theme, “Make Judaism Your Superpower!” to people of all ages.
“My entire life, I could quote the superhero multiverse chapter and verse,” he said. “Now, I want to generate Avengers-level engagement and excitement with the most exciting, successful and proven multiverse in history, chapter and verse: Torah.”
The story of Esther is filled with heart-pounding moments that ultimately evoke a sense of pride in Jews, who admire the heroine of Purim for her strength during some of our people’s darkest days. 
Though Gorfinkel’s newest release is a graphic novel, something that is often produced for children, it’s really something that Jews of any age and background can enjoy.
“Given the playful nature of Purim, my team and I designed the content to be child-friendly, but most assuredly not childish,” he said. “More advanced readers will appreciate the layers of depth and powerful expression of the story’s timeless themes. The only person who will frown on our effort will be Haman. Spoiler alert: it does not end well for him.”
