Too realistic?

The Smurfs are tiny blue elfs, created by Belgian comic writer Peyo. The Smurfs have often been accused of various political deviations (usually tongue-in-cheek). In reality, “Smurf vs. Smurf” seems to be the only Smurf story with an obvious political message.

The small European nation of Belgium is divided between Flemish-speaking Flanders in the north and French-speaking Wallonia in the south. Traditionally, the Flemish and the Walloons have been adversaries. Still today, most political parties in Belgium are divided in a northern-Flemish branch and a southern-Walloon ditto. Constant bickering over language rights and regional autonomy are a perennial feature of the Belgian political landscape, ironically since Belgium's capital Brussels is simultaneously the headquarters of the European Union!

“Smurf vs. Smurf” is Peyo's parody take on the Belgian “language wars”, with the Smurfs dividing into a northern (“Flemish”) and southern (“Walloon”) faction over differences in grammar. The conflict soon gets out of hand with soccer-stadium violence and provocative protest marches á la Northern Ireland as some of the ingredients. Eventually, Smurf Village is partitioned by an artificial border, and civil war follows.

Interestingly, the comic suggests that the only way to heal a breach of this kind is to have a strong leader (Papa Smurf – perhaps symbolizing the King of Belgium?) and a common outside enemy (the wizard Gargamel – perhaps symbolizing Nazi Germany, which occupied Belgium during both world wars?). Yet, “Smurf vs. Smurf” ends on a somewhat pessimistic note, as Papa Smurf's attempt at a language reforms fails…

Is this the Leo Strauss version of Smurfery?

Perhaps too close to the real world to be suitable for small kids? I found it confusing when I read it in my younger days, much preferring “The Smurfs and the Egg” or “Smurf Soup”. But sure, perhaps a precocious 11-year old might like this?