“Hangaarin kummitus” comic book

Iriini Kalliomäki & Kiira Mukka: Hangaarin kummitus

The comic book “Hangaarin kummitus” tells the story of Vuokko Knuutila—Finland’s first female pilot—tracing her journey from the moment she catches the aviation bug to her time in the skies, while also depicting 1930s Helsinki with all its joys and unique phenomena.

“Hangaarin kummitus” is a story based on true events about a young woman who defies the elements and prejudice in her quest to become Finland’s first female pilot. Helsinki in the 1930s feels familiar in some ways, yet holds many strange and fascinating surprises. Sea lions appear on the beach, and in restaurants, one must pretend to be drinking tea even when the cup is bubbling with champagne. A new generation of young women, eager to embrace life, inhabits the city; they work, play sports, and meet up in cafés. One of them is Vuokko Knuutila, who resolves to achieve something that only a handful of men in Finland have accomplished before her. Her journey to becoming the country’s first female aviator is filled with frozen fingers, moments of doubt, intense study, and practice. Fortunately, the resourceful Vuokko knows how to laugh at herself, even when the path involves all manner of twists, turns, and mishaps.

Sisters Kiira Mukka and Iriini Kalliomäki are lifelong residents of Helsinki. As young girls, they were introduced to the skies aboard a glider piloted by their father, wearing parachutes that were far too big for them. Back on the ground, they loved nothing more than drawing to their hearts’ content. Drawing has since become a profession for both of them. Kiira has worked for years in animation and illustration. Iriini studied illustration in the UK and has published two children’s books. “Hangaarin kummitus” is the sisters’ first joint art project since childhood.

The comic book is in Finnish. It is a hardcover edition with 232 pages. The book was published by Suuri Kurpitsa in 2026.