A comic book depicting a soldier with a rifle and bayonet on the cover, with a stylized steel helmet in the background and the phrase “Eine Nation erwacht” (A Nation Awakens) below, is at the center of a controversy. The comic recounts the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, between Napoleon’s army and Prussian and allied troops, through the story of a soldier and his “defensive struggle against foreign yoke,” as stated in the comic.
The comic is described as brimming with nationalism, focusing on “honor, heroism, and struggle.” It includes statements such as “To provide up is betrayal of myself and the fatherland” and “Not all people are equal.” The booklet is dedicated “to the fallen heroes of the Wars of Liberation.”
The comic is published by Tannwald Media from Leipzig, a media agency run by a former activist of the far-right Identitarian movement. The agency promotes the comic as an excellent way to bring “German romanticism” to readers of all ages. The title, “Eine Nation erwacht,” subtly echoes the banned Nazi slogan “Deutschland erwache” (Germany Awaken).
Christoph Grimm, a member of the Bundestag for the AfD party from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, distributed the comic to elementary schools in his district of Nordwestmecklenburg. He stated on social media that he was “appalled” by the values conveyed in today’s children’s books and therefore gifted books with “proper and important values” to kindergartens and elementary schools in his constituency.
Grimm also reportedly distributed books from the publisher “klein und ehrlich” – also run by a woman with ties to the Identitarian movement – featuring titles like “Der kleine Fisch schwimmt gegen den Strom” (The Little Fish Swims Against the Current). The AfD and the Identitarian movement are, according to reports, on a list of incompatible organizations.
“Preparing Children for Right-Wing Extremist Propaganda”
Stefan Kollasch, head of the Regional Center for Democratic Culture West Mecklenburg, confirmed that the comic was distributed to schools along with a letter from Christoph Grimm. Grimm did not respond to a request for comment from the taz.
Kollasch strongly criticized the action, stating that the comic was intended to “prepare children for patriotism and right-wing extremist propaganda.” He added that it glorifies violence and conveys a “coded völkisch-revolutionary narrative.” He also stated that distributing such a comic to elementary schools affects “particularly vulnerable individuals” and that “children’s books should encourage empathy, imagination, and diversity of perspective, but Here’s right-wing extremist hate propaganda in comic form.”
Michael Noetzel, a Left Party politician in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, also expressed alarm. He stated that the AfD is systematically attempting to undermine democratic engagement and human rights in schools, and targeting teachers who allegedly violate political neutrality.
“With this distribution, the party exposes itself and makes clear what the actual goal behind these intimidation campaigns is: it wants to create space for its historical revisionist and ultra-nationalist propaganda,” Noetzel said. He added that the AfD’s goal of reshaping society includes indoctrinating children and young people. “This comic is probably just a foretaste of what will happen in schools if the AfD comes to power.”
AfD Aims for Sole Government After Election
Daniel Trepsdorf, a fellow Left Party politician and former democracy advisor, described the comic’s depiction as “ideologically influenced” and linked to a “nationalist view of history.” He stated that targeting elementary school children with this material is “particularly problematic” and difficult to reconcile with democratic educational principles.
The AfD currently holds 37 percent support in polls for the state election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on September 20th, significantly ahead of the SPD led by Minister President Manuela Schwesig. The AfD has stated its goal is to form a sole government after the election. The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Office for the Protection of the Constitution considers the AfD a suspected right-wing extremist organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of the comic book?
The comic book focuses on the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 and presents it as a story of a soldier’s “defensive struggle against foreign yoke.”
Who distributed the comic book to schools?
Christoph Grimm, a member of the Bundestag for the AfD party from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, distributed the comic book to elementary schools in his district.
What is the concern regarding the publisher of the comic book?
The comic book is published by Tannwald Media, a company run by a former activist of the far-right Identitarian movement.
Given these developments, what role should parents and educators play in critically evaluating the materials presented to children and fostering a commitment to democratic values?
