Bornem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The new Suske en Wiske comic “The Anonymous Alchemist” (46 pages) is set at Bornem Castle, features Bruegel’s print, and is drawn by Luc Morjaeu, honouring Belgian heritage.
As VRT News reported, the new Suske en Wiske comic book, “The Anonymous Alchemist”, starts at Bornem Castle, a municipality in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The story came out today, August 5, 2025. Suske and Wiske look for a lost engraving made by the Flemish artist Pieter Bruegel.
Officials mentioned that the castle is not just a random place. It has one of the biggest private collections of Bruegel prints. The characters meet people and follow clues. The story brings together art, culture, and adventure.
“It was a way to give back to the region.”
Artist Luc Morjaeu
How does “The Anonymous Alchemist” honour Bruegel, Bornem Castle, and Suske en Wiske’s legacy?
Bornem Castle is also important to Luc Morjaeu, the artist of the new Suske en Wiske comic. He was once honoured there and is a member of Tourism Klein-Brabant. That is why he wanted to use the castle in the story. There is also a link to Willy Vandersteen, the man who created Suske en Wiske. People called him the Bruegel of comics because his drawings were full of detail, just like Bruegel’s work.
The new Suske en Wiske comic “The Anonymous Alchemist” is also a proud moment for Count John de Marnix de Sainte Aldegonde, who lives in Bornem Castle. He said it feels good that more people now know the castle because of the comic.
The story is linked to his private collection of prints. One of the prints he owns is “The Alchemist” by Bruegel, and that same print is part of the comic. He hears people talk more about that print now.
Luc Morjaeu said making the new Suske en Wiske comic was special but also hard. He drew the series for 18 years before stopping a few years ago. Being asked to draw this new story meant a lot to him. He said he was happy to do it, but also wished for more pages. He wanted to add more characters from his childhood. He said 46 pages were not enough. The work brought back many memories.
Suske en Wiske is one of the most famous comic series in Belgium, first created by Willy Vandersteen in 1945. The stories follow 2 children, Suske and Wiske, as they go on adventures that often include fantasy, history, and humour. Over the years, the comic became a cultural icon in Flanders and beyond, with more than 300 albums published.
Vandersteen was known for his detailed drawings and was often called the “Bruegel of comics.” After his death, other artists continued the series, including Luc Morjaeu, who was the lead illustrator for 18 years.
