The Adventures of Tintin

The Adventures of Tintin, created by Belgian artist Hergé (real name Georges Remi), has been delighting readers for nearly a century. First appearing in 1929 in a Belgian newspaper, Tintin quickly became a beloved figure across Europe and beyond. With his iconic quiff, faithful dog Snowy by his side, and a nose for uncovering trouble, Tintin embodies the spirit of old-school adventure with a distinctly European charm.

At first glance, Tintin might seem like an unlikely hero. He’s a young reporter, though we rarely see him actually writing, and his adventures whisk him all over the globe - from the deserts of North Africa to the depths of the ocean and even to the Moon. The stories are fast-paced and packed with action, but they also reflect a keen eye for detail and a deep curiosity about the world. Each location Tintin visits is drawn with precision, often based on meticulous research, and the series blends humour, mystery, politics, and friendship with surprising sophistication.

One of the most striking things about Tintin is how timeless he feels. Although rooted in the 20th century - with vintage planes, telegrams, and colonial backdrops - there’s something wonderfully modern about his sense of justice and fairness. Tintin is brave but humble, clever but kind. He never seeks glory, only truth. He defends the innocent, challenges corrupt powers, and never backs down from a fight when something important is at stake.

The supporting characters are just as memorable. Captain Haddock, the grumpy, whisky-loving sailor with a colourful vocabulary (think “blistering barnacles” and “thundering typhoons”), is a fan favourite, offering both comic relief and heartfelt loyalty. Professor Calculus, with his scientific brilliance and absent-mindedness, adds another layer of eccentricity. Even minor characters - like the bumbling detectives Thomson and Thompson - bring a distinct flavour to the stories, balancing Tintin’s seriousness with slapstick humour.

Of course, it would be unfair to discuss Tintin without acknowledging the complexities of the early works. Hergé’s first stories reflected the colonial attitudes of the time - Tintin in the Congo in particular has drawn criticism for its dated and offensive depictions. To his credit, Hergé later acknowledged this and made efforts to educate himself, leading to more nuanced storytelling and thoughtful portrayals of different cultures in later volumes such as The Blue Lotus, which was created with input from a Chinese friend who challenged Western stereotypes.

What keeps The Adventures of Tintin alive, especially for British readers, is its blend of boyish escapism and grown-up wit. The stories are intricate, beautifully illustrated, and full of warmth. They appeal to children for their energy and imagination, and to adults for their satire, detail, and nostalgia.

Tintin may not age, but his adventures never feel old. In a world of shifting heroes, CGI blockbusters, and high-speed storytelling, Tintin is refreshingly steady - a beacon of curiosity, courage, and charm in a simple blue jumper and plus-fours. He’s not just a comic book character; he’s a companion for life’s great adventure!!!!