Mendy and the Golem (Golem Network)

    (Golem Network, 2003-2004)
™ and © Golem Network

Forget everything you know about Mendy and the Golem. Once a religious instruction comic book, then (and still) a gag comic strip sans Golem, Mendy has found new life in his latest venture, an adventure comic.

Professor Klein has been abducted while lecturing in Prague, so his family leaves sleepy New Haven to look for him. The kidnappers have framed Professor Klein for a variety of crimes and are extorting him as part of a much grander scheme.

The action starts almost immediately on the first page and doesn’t let up. It’s a fast-paced adventure, full of twists and turns, gains and setbacks, that really keeps the reader gripped.

The art is top-notch, but inconsistent between the two issues. The appearance of the adults doesn’t vary so much as the kids. Goldberg’s kids are drawn as if they came from an Archie comic book (big surprise there!), while Colón’s resemble waifs out of Richie Rich. Neither take is what one might consider ultra-realistic, but Colón’s might be a little too cartoony for the seriousness of the subject matter. Particular praise to Barry Grossman for the vibrant coloring.

Unlike Mendy’s last series, which was designed to instill in children an appreciation for Jewish values, this series does not rely upon the religious angle whatsoever. The story is in the intrigue; the protagonists just happen to be Jewish.

The biggest quibble is that two issues into the series and still no Golem! Based on the words of the Prague rabbi at the end of #2, that automaton’s arrival is imminent.

As of this writing, the series has just hit the stands and it can also be found in Judaica stores.

— Jack Abramowitz
Jump to issue:
  NotesWriterArtist
#2

March, 2003
Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $4.98 		Matt BrandsteinErnie Colón
#3

June, 2003
Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $19.98 		Matt Brandstein 
#5

July, 2004
Cover Price: $2.95
2 copies available from $2.34 		Matt BrandsteinErnie Colón