Smålandské temno

Smålandské temno (Småland Darkness) is an extensive graphic novel and epic story from the depths of the Småland forests in southern Sweden. Here we encounter a homosexual fascist whose main interest, apart from fascism, is creating autobiographical comics. We also find loving friendships, betrayal, the harsh reality of prison, and existential crises. Part of the novel and fertile ground for heated ideological discussion are the fanzines created and published by the main character, Erik. The novel follows Erik from his early childhood in a dysfunctional family, through the difficult path of adolescence, to the increasingly complicated contradictions of adulthood. In his fascination with Italian fascism, Erik is torn between selfless empathy for the people around him and a tendency toward violence. Smålandské temno does not claim to present absolute truths, but rather seeks to understand individuals in their context and to see the reasons behind human thought and behavior.

In his epic work, Henrik Bromander pushes the boundaries of what comics can be and paints a portrait of a young person that anyone could become. Smålandské temno is both a celebration of the healing power of creativity and a disturbing diagnosis of a society in which the political winds are blowing ever colder.

Småland Darkness was named Book of the Year 2012 by the Swedish newspaper Göteborgs-Posten and won the Urhunden Award from the Swedish Comics Association in 2013. The Polish edition won the Polityka weekly's award for best comic book of 2021.