75 and still going strong

Avishek Ganguly

He may not be as strong with those bulging muscles like the ‘mans’ and superheroes of comics, but that, in no way, has hindered Tintin’s path to become the most loved comic character across the globe. In spite of not covering a story or undertaking another new adventure for more than 35 years, this intrepid and inquisitive Belgian reporter still shares a special place in our heart and brain. Starting from a five year old kid to a person who has turned fifty, ‘the first human to land on the moon’ is everyone’s icon. Former French President had aptly remarked that “you know, my only international rival is Tintin! We're both little fellows who won't be got at by the big fellows”.


With over 150 million copies sold worldwide and translated into more than 30 languages, one can well understand how much popular “the adventures of Tintin” are to the comic loving audience. Whether it is the ‘Les Aventures de Tintin’ in French or ‘avventure di Tintin’ in Italian; this unbeatable journalist is always looking for answers and cracking cases in the process.

A deep look into the traits of Tintin and you will find that he absolutely lacks the qualities that a normal comic hero is expected to have. Neither is he very handsome, nor does he have any affair or any type of sexual instincts. He does not even fight aliens or super-humans. In fact, Herge, the creator himself, had once admitted that he was at times upset by his hero’s unfaltering sense of duty and professionalism. Nevertheless, in spite of all these short comings, Tintin has still become an interesting personality among children, adults and even researchers.

Tintin may still wear those same pair of baggy trousers and fight gangsters, but his popularity never seems to fade even in the 21st century. Together with his pet dog snowy, this ‘boy’ reporter is as iconic a character as Mickey Mouse. In this regard, one should also not forget the other characters who lend a unique element to these adventures. Captain Haddock is portrayed as rough tongued, yet confused, whiskey lover, who in spite of his dual personality is a man of words and deeds. He is as popular as Tintin himself. The catchphrases that he uses like “blistering barnacles” and “ectoplasm” have done a great deal to enhance the popularity of Tintin comics.

Another popular aspect of Tintin comics is its graphic style and way of describing things. Unlike other comic strips, it does not have a gaudy setting, but this simplicity is the USP to capture the audience’s interest and attention. It makes Herge more of a storyteller than an illustrator. He had always preferred the ‘la ligne Claire’ style of graphics, where hyperbolic interpretation of aesthetics is avoided.

The popularity of Tintin continuous, irrespective of age, creed, region or international boundaries. In his 75th birthday, premier newspapers across the world paid tribute to this iconic reporter by publishing full front page stories. ‘The Daily Telegraph’, came up with a wonderful front page headline “from zero to seventy five’, while Le Figaro, published a 114 page special supplement with 250 illustrations. Such is the popularity of our super correspondent.