Timeless Classic or Tarnished Legacy? Tintin Getting New Comic After Hitting Public Domain

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A contributor to The Daily Signal suggested that the European comic series Tintin, often viewed with skepticism, is an excellent choice for children’s adventure literature.

I don’t exactly remember the initial spark that made me grab the vibrant, initial Tintin book from my old library’s shelf. However, I distinctly recall the countless hours I immersed myself in “The Blue Lotus” and “Red Rackham’s Treasure.” Air combat, ancient tombs, cigar-smoking gangsters – it had all that a child could dream of.

In this revised version, let me rephrase: Instead of assuming all women would find her appealing, Bianca Castafiore, the sole female character consistently featured in the series, embodies the phrase “the show isn’t over until the fat lady sings” in a very problematic manner. It’s also important to note that the political leanings of the series were generally left-leaning, as Tintin and the Picaros demonstrated at the end of its original run. The Alph-Art, which was only published posthumously in 1986 after George Remy’s death, can be seen as more of a manuscript rather than a completed work.

This remarkable series by Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, writing under the pseudonym Hergé, follows the adventures of the clever young journalist Tintin. Accompanied by an array of peculiar companions, including his loyal canine friend Snowy and the cranky yet ingenious Captain Haddock, Tintin tackles drug trafficking in China, pursues counterfeiters in Scotland, searches for hidden treasure in the Caribbean, and even embarks on a lunar voyage.

Be mindful while reading some Tintin books, as they might include depictions that could be seen as insensitive or stereotypical towards certain ethnic minorities. Although Captain Haddock’s alcoholism is used humorously, and the stories revolve around non-graphic violence with scary elements, Tintin himself always treats everyone he encounters with respect.

For the second novel, the stereotypes portrayed were so offensive that the book, Tintin in Congo, wasn’t translated into English until the start of the 21st century. Even now, it continues to spark debate, leading to a recent edition modifying its cover artwork. Regrettably, these issues don’t make the book something worth praising.

Herge’s illustrations brim with vitality, and his characters are lively and recognizable. The tales transport Tintin to various parts of the world. Besides being courageous and clever, Tintin showcases a nearly supernatural sense of integrity. From ruffians to poachers to pirates, he leaves no ground for the wicked. However, it’s worth noting that Tintin isn’t based on a real person. He embodies the ideal of the resilient, unpretentious hero, the champion of freedom that we all strive to emulate.

You can buy these books as a complete new set or separately. “The Secret of the Unicorn” and “Red Rackham’s Treasure” are great books to start with, and they were also the basis for the highly praised 2011 animated film.

One could question whether Remy portrayed Tintin as sympathetic towards communism in “Tintin and the Picaros.” Given the ending of the story, where San Theodorus remains an autocracy without significant change, some may argue that Tintin’s actions do not align with a freedom fighter in this context. The later stories, including “Tintin and the Picaros,” cast doubt on the assertion that Tintin is a champion of freedom.

Given the ongoing discussions about Tintin’s public domain status, it has been revealed that a French artist/writer living in the U.S. is now planning to create a new Tintin story. This news raises some eyebrows due to its questionable nature.

After spending nearly half a century in retirement, Tintin – the cherished young reporter introduced by Hergé in 1929 – is poised for a comeback on comic book pages. This resurgence stems from Tintin’s recent transition into public domain status. Since his last official comic appearance in 1986’s Tintin and Alph-Art, French comic book author Fabrice Sapolsky has announced plans to revive the legendary character with a new series titled The Big Lie.

In the United States, works published prior to 1978 are given 95 years of copyright protection. Tintin’s copyright expired on January 1, 2025, making his first appearance in “Tintin in the Land of the Soviets” free for public use. Creators are now able to reinterpret or update this early version of Tintin, but fans should be cautious. Many distinctive elements and characters were introduced later on in the series. Characters such as Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus, who are key figures in the storyline, are still protected by copyright and cannot be used.

In a contemporary twist, The Big Lie plans to revamp Tintin and his loyal canine companion, Snowy, for today’s readers in a 2025-set mystery. With his nomination for the Eisner Award under his belt and co-creation of Spider-Man Noir, Sapolsky brings a rich background to the project, making him an ideal candidate to present a contemporary yet respectful portrayal of the character.

The forthcoming modern adaptation of Tintin’s title evokes memories of Rick Veitch’s graphic novel “The Big Lie,” a political critique of 9/11 from a leftist perspective. It leaves me pondering whether Sapolsky’s planned Tintin transformation will follow the same path. If this reinterpretation becomes a liberal justification for communism, for instance, then it may merely serve as an attempt to validate contemporary progressive ideologies. Perhaps that’s why I find it beneficial that the casting of Capt. Haddock for the new story is still several years away, because I am uncertain about the role he will play given this potential focus on wokeness. A “new” take won’t hold much value if it relies on contemporary sensitivities as its foundation.

There’s definitely a lot of intriguing material becoming available in the public domain right now. However, if no one with good judgment steps forward to utilize this status for fresh narratives, these stories might not amount to much at all.

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2025-01-13 17:30