The latest issue of Immortal Hulk is under fire after fans noticed anti-Semitic images in the comic book. Now Marvel Comics and artist Joe Bennett have issued an apology along with a promise to correct the error.
In Immortal Hulk #43, Joe Fixit visits a pawnshop to buy some jewelry with a stolen credit card. In this particular scenario, Joe has taken over Bruce Banner's body and is using it to get away with some scams. While this situation is already problematic, it's made even worse by the imagery behind Joe as he buys the jewelry.
In the panel, the name of the store is shown written in reverse as Cronemberg's Jewelry. The word "Jewelry" is also spelled "Jewery" and the Star of David is also shown in the display.
Many fans have pointed out that the images play upon common Jewish stereotypes which are alleged to be anti-Semitic. The backlash has since reached Marvel, who shared an apology from Bennett.
In his apology, Bennett claims the image was supposed to be a tribute to filmmaker David Cronenberg. He then explains that the misspellings "were an honest but terrible mistake" since he was "writing backwards."
Bennett went on by explaining that he has "no excuse" for the Star of David.
"I failed to understand this troubling and offensive stereotype, and after listening to you all, I now understand my mistake. This was wrong, offensive, and hurtful in many ways. This is a mistake I must own, and I am sorry to everyone who I hurt by this," Bennett wrote.
Marvel also confirmed that the art in digital releases, future printings and collections that will feature Immortal Hulk #43 will be corrected.
Immortal Hulk #43 was released on February 3.
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