We transport into the gritty world of 1936 Cleveland with Kosher Mafia, a unique story that combines crime noir with a powerful message from writer David Hazan and artist Sami Kivelä.

In Cleveland, Ohio, in 1936, Howard Berkowicz, the bookkeeper for the Jewish Mob finds himself on the wrong end of an enforcer’s gun when he tries to spur the Kosher Mafia into action against the rising tide of domestic Nazism in the German American Bund.

From the get-go you can tell that David Hazan and the rest of the creative team behind Kosher Mafia have poured their heart and soul into a comic book that is truly unique and may not standout to the average reader. However, this book is a wonderful testament to both the writer Hazan and the publisher Mad Cave Studios really are…risk takers.

Kosher Mafia is a thrilling fictional crime noir that has been created to entertain but also shed light on the enduring presence of antisemitism in the world we live. The simple fact that antisemitism did not die with the Holocaust and continues to impact peoples daily life to this day. Hazan has woven these themes into a beautiful comic with the help of some truly creative individuals.

While the story is gripping, the well designed layouts and Simon Bowland’s extremely stunning lettering makes for an immersive and beautiful experience. This is in addition to the creative artwork from illustrator Sami Kivelä and colorist Ellie Wright. Kosher Mafia is a complete package.

David Hazan (Nottingham, Monomyth) once again transports us to a world that we can sink our teeth into with Kosher Mafia. A unique plot, characters we can connect with and wonderful artwork is all we can ask for in a new comic book series. Hazan along with a great creative team and a wonderful publisher have created a comic that should not be ignored.

Kosher Mafia #1 hits local comic shops on August 7, 2024 (FOC: July 8) from Mad Cave Studios.