Graphic novel to chart rise of Hitler

A new graphic novel titled The Listener is to chart Adolf Hitler's rise to power.

Written and illustrated by David Lester, the book combines the fictional tales of a Cambodian refugee and a disillusioned artist with the true story behind Germany's last democratic election before the rise of the Nazis.

Speaking to DS, Lester explained that the dictator's spin doctoring during the Lippe election plays a central role in the story.

"When I realised the Lippe election was a story that had never been fully explored in English, I thought, what an incredibly exciting project it would be to bring this history to life," he said. "It was from that point on that I started to collect any information I could find on the election."

He added: "Hitler's kind of spin-doctoring has been repeated again and again over the last 80 years. The most famous recent example was the false cry of 'weapons of mass destruction' to justify an invasion of Iraq. The story of the Lippe election seemed as relevant today as it was in 1933."

Published by Arbeiter Ring Publishing, The Listener is released in April.