Despite having no Hollywood connections to speak of, Perez began the work of first learning how to write a screenplay, then putting all of his research into a script. He consulted the Apocryphal Books of Maccabees – books that, while not part of Tanach, are nonetheless of great interest to scholars studying the Second Temple Era. His research also included the works of Josephus and those writings of Chazal and later commentaries that pertain to the Seleucid occupation of Eretz Yisrael and the Maccabean Revolt. Nonetheless, he notes, his script wasn’t intended as an absolute authoritative account of the Chanukah story.
“Given the constraints of the medium, certain personalities and events get merged, moved around, or omitted entirely,” Perez explains. “I believe what I ended up with is true to the historical and religious spirit of the narrative. There are a few instances of artistic license and deliberate anachronism, but on the whole, I’d say Maccabaeus is as accurate a portrayal of the story of Chanukah as ‘Prince of Egypt’ was of Pesach, if not more so.”
What about the graphic novel (essentially a long, high-quality comic book) makes it an ideal format for telling the story of the Maccabees?
“We thought we could do for Chanukah what the Katz Haggadah did for Pesach,” says Perez, referring to the revolutionary 2003 Feldheim haggadah by Rabbi Baruch Chait and artist Gadi Pollack that has enhanced the Passover experience of Jews the world over with its intense, dramatic visuals. “Not to mention its potential as a kiruv tool. So many high school and college-aged Jews find themselves in an increasingly hostile social environment. Jewishness is once again being treated as something to be ashamed of, and heaven forbid someone should express support for Israel! The Maccabees were ovdei Hashem and prototypical Zionists, so to speak. And I feel that sharing their heroic exploits in this manner could be a source of inspiration to many.”
As for those Jews who are already observant, Perez notes that Maccabaeus offers “something fun and different, yet at the same time comforting and familiar. And it’s not just for Chanukah. I mean, it’ll make one heck of a Chanukah gift, but this is our people’s history – a story for all seasons! You don’t only study the Exodus at Passover time, right?”
“I mean, just look at this art,” Perez says, his excitement conspicuous. “Have you ever seen anything like it?” Numerous samples of art produced for the book by illustrator Mark Strauss can be seen on Maccabaeus Kickstarter Campaign. The campaign, which began on the first day of Chanukah and runs through next week, is aimed at crowdfunding the creation and printing of a limited first edition of Maccabaeus.
Backers of the Maccabaeus campaign so far have “kicked in” as little as $5 and as much as $1,000. Incentives for that support include digital and printed copies of Maccabaeus, stylish “Maccabee Army” t-shirts, custom artwork, and even the opportunity to have one’s likeness used in the book.
“Every dollar helps,” says Perez. “I would encourage everyone to check out our page for him or herself, and if you feel the project has merit, consider reserving a copy.”
“Just as important,” he adds, “is to tell your friends. E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, or good old-fashioned word of mouth. That’s how these projects get made.”
You can find the campaign by visiting KickStarter.com and searching for “Maccabaeus.”