All About 4 Corners "It's A Mitzvah Thing!"

What is 4 Corners All About?

This Is A G Rated Site

You have probably noticed the rating on the 4 Corners site (graphic courtesy of Amber M. Panyko). We chose to place this rating promenently throughout the site to let our fans and new readers know that this is a kid friendly place. There are many dangerous places around the web and we want our readers to be safe while they are visiting our site.

Kids, never think that you have to do anything you don't want to when you are on the internet! If you are not sure of something you find, or someone tells you something that makes you uncomfortable, tell your parents right away!

What is Four Corners about?

Four Corners is an educational comic strip that promotes understanding of Judaism from the mainstream ideologies: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. Tidbits of Reconstructionist and Sephardic Judaism, along with cultural practices taken from the Galicianers and the Litvaks are also included.

Who are the major characters?

There are four major characters in Four Corners: David Kelev, representing Orthodoxy; Chiya Chatool, representing the Conservative Movement; Miriam Achbar, representing Reform Judaism, and Sam Senaee, who is undecided as to which movement he wants to belong to.

Who are the supporting characters?

There are many supporting characters who appear in the strip. The major supporting character is Zeyde, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who is the town’s grandfather, in a manner of speaking. Next are the Rabbis: Tzafeer (Orthodox), Dov (Conservative), and when you can catch him, Shafan (Reform). Shafan is a very busy rabbi. Naturally, the families of the main characters also make appearances, especially in the books, i.e. "Zeyde and the Hidden Mine", which you should have read by now, and if you haven’t, shame on you! What are you waiting for?

How long has Four Corners been in print?

Four Corners began in 1998 at the Messler studio. One Friday night after services, Mark said to Randy: “I would love to draw a Jewish Comic Strip.” Randy replied, “If you draw me as a wolf, I’ll help you write it.”

But isn’t Randy drawn as a cat?

Shhh! Please! Don’t tell him that, or he’ll throw a tantrum.

What newspapers carry Four Corners?

For a while, the Flint Jewish Reporter carried the strip. After the strip went online, the newspaper became jealous and dropped us. Of course, after we were dropped, Mark’s book was accepted for consideration for a Pulitzer Prize, so let that be a warning.

Why are you using animals in your strip?

“Humans are stupid!”—Messler, 1998. After that quote, I had to agree. Besides, think about it: animals were created first; animals don’t fight wars; animals aren’t bigots. Well, okay, I admit that every now and then a smart-aleck woodchuck who thinks he’s better than everyone may come along, but he’s in the minority.

Do I have to be Jewish to appreciate Four Corners?

Not at all. Four Corners’ purpose is to educate everyone, regardless of background, about Judaism. We also hope to entertain you along the way.

Do you have any other comic strips?

Mark currently draws the hilarious Hidden Lake. You can also find it on the web. Randy will make a few appearances, along with occasional insights and suggestions, which most likely will be ignored.

Do you guys make personal appearances?

For a Diet Coke, a cup of coffee, and expenses, we will consider it. We have appeared at Motor City Comic Cons, book signings in Mid-Michigan, and also Purim carnivals.

What qualifies you guys to write these strips?

Mark is studying to be a fully-ordained rabbi; Randy is a disciple of Rabbi Eliezer Ben Abbuye, but several rabbis are working on him returning to the fold.

Will there be more Four Corners books?

Several scripts are completed. The main part, the artwork is what remains, along with choosing which publisher. By the way, if Don Bluth is reading this FAQ, hi, Don!

Who are your influences?

Mark is influenced by Bill Watterson, more than anyone. Randy is influenced by the great writers of comics, namely Stan Lee, Carmine Infantino, Dick Girodano, James Thurber, Harry Hershfield.