To mark its 80th anniversary, the beloved Dutch comic series Suske & Wiske has unveiled a captivating new addition to its collection: Het Ware Witje, or The Real White in English.
The new comic album, which delves into the fascinating history behind the Snow White fairy tale, was officially launched on Wednesday at the Brussels Bourse.
The album, written by scriptwriter Peter Van Gucht with the help of historian Kurt Deswert, sheds light on the real-life story of Margaretha von Waldeck, a 16th-century German noblewoman widely believed to have inspired the Snow White legend.
The tale, which has been a staple of popular culture since its first fictionalization by the Grimm brothers in 1812, takes on new depth through Suske & Wiske’s exploration of the truth behind the fairy tale.
In the comic, the familiar story of Snow White is re-imagined, drawing on the historical facts surrounding the life of Margaretha von Waldeck, who was born in 1533 in the German region of Hessen.
The von Waldeck family owned copper mines, where child laborers were employed, echoing the famous image of the seven dwarves from the fairy tale.
The tragic events of her youth, including the early death of her mother and her father’s remarriages, are reflected in the narrative as the archetypal “evil stepmother” figure.
Margaretha’s life took a dramatic turn when she was sent to Brussels to live at the court of her aunt, Mary of Hungary, at the Coudenberg Palace.
In Brussels, Margaretha’s beauty caught the attention of several young noblemen, including the Catholic crown prince Philip II of Spain.
However, their relationship was never meant to be, as her Protestant background stood in stark contrast to Philip’s devout Catholicism. This conflict is believed to have played a role in Margaretha’s untimely death at the age of 21.
The cause of her death was likely arsenic poisoning, and historians speculate that her religious background might have been a factor in her tragic fate.
Margaretha von Waldeck’s final resting place is beneath the Brussels Bourse, a site that now houses the archaeological museum Bruxella 1238. Her story is a poignant reminder of the real-life tragedy that inspired one of the most enduring fairy tales in history.
Van Gucht and Deswert’s collaboration on The Real White brings Margaretha’s story to life in a way that appeals to both comic book fans and history enthusiasts alike. The album offers a new perspective on a familiar tale, combining fact and fiction to preserve the legacy of a forgotten princess.
The Suske & Wiske series, which first debuted in 1945, has long been a staple of Belgian and Dutch comic culture. Originally created by Willy Vandersteen, the series has been continuously popular across generations.
Now, under the leadership of Vandersteen’s eldest daughter, Helena, the series continues to evolve with projects such as the upcoming Suske & Wiske manga series set to launch in November 2025, aimed at attracting a young adult audience and bringing the comic into the modern era.
With over 20 languages and counting, Suske & Wiske maintains a loyal fanbase while continually reaching new generations. The release of The Real White is a fitting tribute to both the series’ 80-year history and the enduring relevance of fairy tales that continue to inspire and captivate.
