Comic about Denmark's historical love triangle receives main prize

Artist and author Karoline Stjernfelt has once again been honored with the award for "Best Danish Comic" at the Pingprisen for her compelling narratives centered on a historically significant love triangle. This marks her second time receiving this prestigious award for her work.

Stjernfelt's acclaimed comic series, "I morgen bliver bedre" (Tomorrow Will Be Better), in its third and final volume, delves into the dramatic story of Queen Caroline Mathilde's infatuation with Johann Friedrich Struensee, the personal physician to her husband, King Christian VII. Although this historical romance has been explored in various other art forms, including novels, ballets, operas, and films, the jury specifically praised Stjernfelt's comic adaptation as "unforgettable."

The jury, which included comic researcher Johanne L. Fabricius, lauded Stjernfelt's unique artistic style and sensitivity. "With her very own line and sensitivity, Stjernfelt gives body and new voices to one of Denmark's most told stories," the jury stated in their motivation for the award. Stjernfelt first published a comic about the Struensee saga in 2015, with the final installment, "I morgen bliver bedre 3: Lægen" (The Doctor), released ten years later. The series garnered significant critical acclaim and was also a recipient of the Politikens Litteraturpris 2025.

Stjernfelt previously secured the main Pingprisen in 2022 for the second book in the series. The awards ceremony took place on Saturday at Kulturhuset on Islands Brygge in Copenhagen, hosted by journalist Anders Lund Madsen. The Pingprisen, originally awarded from 1986 to 1996, was revived in 2011 and continues to celebrate excellence in Danish comics. In addition to the main prize, six other awards were presented during the evening.

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With her very own line and sensitivity, Stjernfelt gives body and new voices to one of Denmark's most told stories.