Still from the movie adaptation, directed by Stanley Kolk (2017)


Art & scenario: Aimee de Jongh

The doors are about to swing shut on the Antonisse Bookshop and Simon, its third-generation owner, is facing some tough decisions. But when he witnesses a suicide, old memories intrude, guilt bubbles up and his grip on reality loosens. A chance encounter with a young student, Regina, prompts Simon to open up about the past that haunts him. A compelling graphic novel about grief, love, our actions and their consequences. The book was adapted to film by director Stanley Kolk in 2017 (view trailer).

Prix St Michel 2014 for Best Dutch comic book

Follow this link to view an excerpt from the book (English).

Original title: De Terugkeer van de Wespendief /
English title: The Return of the Honey Buzzard
Details: 160 Pages / Hardcover / Black and white / 12+
Languages: Dutch, French, English, Spanish, Serbian, Bahasa Indonesia
Rights and Licensing: Scratch Books


"De Jongh's black and white artwork is cinematic and full of character. Reading it, you both rattle through the story and linger on the imagery. A genuine pleasure."
- The Herald

"The Return of the Honey Buzzard is an extraordinary feat for a first timer."
- The Comics Beat

"An extremely mature debut. Makes you wish that far more graphic novels of this standard would appear in the Netherlands."
- NRC Handelsblad

The Return of the Honey Buzzard is for sale at every comic book shop or regular bookshop. Get the book online on Amazon.com