KOSHER MAFIA #2, by Mad Cave Studios on 9/18/24, finds Ephraim and Howard stepping in to rid their territory of the growing Nazi specter by disrupting their operations by any bloody means necessary.
Credits:
- Writer: David Hazan
- Artist: Sami Kivelä
- Colorist: Jason Wordie, Ellie Wright
- Letterer: Simon Bowland
- Cover Artist: Sami Kivelä
- Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
- Release Date: September 18, 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of KOSHER MAFIA #2:
First Impressions:
It’s fair to say we enjoyed Kosher Mafia #1, but by the end, we weren’t quite sure where this series was headed. After reading Kosher Mafia #2, the path forward is very clear and quite a thriller. At this rate, David Hazan has a post-Nottingham hit on his hands.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left mob enforcer Ephraim Gold in Kosher Mafia #1, he was sent by the Kosher Nostra to eliminate his boss’s now-fired accountant, Howard Berkowicz. Howard interrupted mob business to urge the leaders to take a stand against the rising Nazi influence in their territory. When they refused, Howard asked to retire. His request was granted, but the bosses sent Gold to make sure Howard never divulged his secrets. Later, Gold gained respect for Howard after hearing his life story and agreeing with Howard about the growing Nazi menace, so Gold faked Howard’s death, and the two embarked on a secret partnership.
In Kosher Mafia #2, Ephraim Gold and Howard Berkowicz sit in a car as they watch a Nazi party rally unfolding nearby with the Mayor in attendance. Howard and Ephraim aren’t friendly by any means, but Howard’s idealism mixes with Ephraim’s penchant for action when Ephraim exits the car and kidnaps one of the Nazis who strayed too far from the rally.
The key to David Hazan’s unlikely buddy story is the contentious nature of the relationship between Ephraim and Howard. It’s clear the two don’t like each other, but they choose to work together toward a common goal. That interpersonal conflict buoys everything that comes after.
The comic switches to a Kosher Mafia safehouse where Ephraim ties up the Nazi for interrogation. Howard urges Ephraim to remember restraint is in order since the Nazi is just a “kid,” but Ephraim reminds Howard that they won’t effect the change that’s needed by being gentle. Ephraim commences beating the Nazi to soften him up.
In the preceding scene, Hazan engages in subtle but vital character growth for Howard. Given the time, place, and atmosphere, Howard is forced to face the fact that reasonable discussion isn’t going to get results. The scene acts as a microcosm of American sentiment against joining the war before involvement became undeniable.
After Ephraim finishes the beating (for now), Howard steps in to play good cop and get the information they need. A weapons buy is planned for this evening between the Germans and Italians, so Ephraim leaves to disrupt the weapons deal while Howard stays behind to watch their prisoner.
The issue ends with a weapons buy that turns deadly, a kidnapping that goes badly, and a moral dilemma.
Overall, Kosher Mafia #2 ups the high-stakes tension and threat level for a story about a two-man crusade to save their territory. David Hazan builds on the first issue with a sharper focus and edge-of-your-seat thrills for an excellent chapter in the miniseries.
Artwork and Presentation:
Sami Kivelä’s art makes the grade with distinctive character designs (a must for a drama), cinematic panels, and effective character acting. We would like to see Sami Kivelä employ more shadows in the lighting to add punch to the dramatic atmosphere, but the general visuals are solid.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Historical Context:
Historically, there’s plenty of recorded information about the Kosher Nostra, but most of those records center on the mob’s activities in and around New York City. Very little data is available that points to a sizable Kosher Nostra presence in Dayton, Ohio, where this story takes place. If we find something substantial, we’ll report it in future reviews.
Final Thoughts:
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KOSHER MAFIA #2 builds on the first issue by turning the historical drama into a nail-biting thriller. David Hazan layers heavy doses of tension, action, and conflict to keep readers on their toes, and Sami Kivelä’s art is super-solid.
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