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The Adventures of Tintin in the Land of the Soviets
by Herge Publishers: Last Gasp, 2002/ISBN 0867199032/0867199024/0867199016 If I were to give a rating that expresses my true appreciation for the works under review- it would be TEN stars in this five star, rather bolts, rating system. As a confirmed Tintin lover- or rather in the words of Michael Farr a ‘Tintinologist’ – the books under review gave me pristine reading pleasure- a pleasure, that I am reading two books that are part of comic publication history (Tintin in the Land of Soviets and Tintin in Congo), and a pleasure in reading a work that reflects true passion- here the regard the author has for Herge and Tintin (Tintin: The Complete Companion). Tintin in the Land of Soviets is one of the most sought after Tintin works- not because of the storyline, but because it is the first Tintin work amongst 23 albums, and secondly it has been out-of-print for a long time, save for a collector’s edition special print in 1981. First published in 1928, (when the creator was barely 22), the work in each frame showcases the raw skill and talent of Herge. Soviets was published in a period when the comic publication industry was at its infancy. Herge’s pure drawing skills, flowing description untouched by modern day ‘technology inputs’- would interest comics connoisseurs and comic collectors the world over. In this debut adventure, Tintin and Snowy leaves for Communist Russia to report to the world the true happenings in ‘Red Paradise’. What Tintin find is a land of oppression, and that the dictatorship of the proletariat is nothing but a farce. The comedy is slapstick, the car chases reminded me of the crazy car chases of the old Keystone Cops movies. However, behind the humorous front, Herge conveys a true picture of life in Communist Russia. Likewise Tintin in Congo is a work that has been Out of Print for a long, long time. First published in 1930, the book (English edition) has resurfaced only twice in 1962 and in 1991 (in United Kingdom alone). The subsequent 21 Tintin works, written by Herge in a period covering 45 years from Tintin in America (1932) to Tintin and the Picaros (1976) have received worldwide recognition- with translations in 25 odd languages and reprints so many in number that it is hard to keep track of. This book is superior in artwork and tightness in plotting compared to Soviets. The humor is subtler rather than the slapstick style seen in Soviets. Again, Tintin in Congo is a reflection of life in the pre-war period. Set in 1920’s, the imperialist attitude of Europe towards Africa and Africans, scant disregard for environment and wildlife and other elements of the ugly side of European colonialist attitudes reflect in Tintin in Congo- that it would be a most politically incorrect work- where it to be published today. The plot and theme of Tintin in Congo is simple- the various adventures the young reporter and his faithful companion Snowy gets into in Africa, including troubles in big game hunting, conflicts with evil witch doctors and busting an illegal diamond racket run by none other than Al Capone!!!. However, it is not the story or plot that makes the two books interesting, it is the way Herge tells it- each frame is immaculate and is precision personified. These book are a must buy for the Tintin lover and for all those who wants to hold on to a part of history. I must also compliment the publishers, Last Gasp of San Francisco for bringing these old and almost forgotten classics back to life. And for the ‘Tintinologist’- these sure will be the pride of your collection. Tintin: The Complete Companion is a work of love, a labour of passion. Michael Farr is a genuine Tintinologist- and the amount of research the author has put in makes the Complete Companion an almost comprehensive guide to Tintin. Through the Herge works, right from Tintin in the Land of Soviets (1929) to Tintin in Alpha- Art (1986), Farr analyses the growing popularity of Tintin, his universal appeal and why Tintin remains a cultural icon even after 20 years the death of his creator. The illustrations in the book are nothing but superb. Farr also gives amusing insights into Tintin and his creator. However, as a confirmed Tintinologist- I find one shortcoming in the Companion. The Tintin movies, which were later published as albums- mainly Tintin and the Golden Fleece, (1965), Tintin and the Blue Oranges (1967) and Tintin and the Lake of Sharks (1973) do not find mention in the volume. True, they were not Herge works- but are the pride of the possession of any Tintinologist the world over. I would also have liked a comment on successful Tintin rip-offs, in particular Tintin in Switzerland and Tintin in Thailand. Tintin fans would have extremely liked reading about these out-of-print albums. However, all-in all a truly, truly essential reading guide to the devotees of Herge and of Tintin. Once again, hats off to Last Gasp Publishers for bringing into print these three wonderful albums. Narayan Radhakrishnan
A couple of weeks back while reviewing Raymond Chandler’s complete works, published by Everyman’s Library, I had said that I shall be booking my copies of the classic novels of Dashiell Hammett. And well, friends, my copy arrived last week- and oh, boy, it was really, really worth the wait. The Maltese Falcon, Red Harvest and The Thin Man are works that have become classics in their own right, - the works that epitomize classic noir crime fiction. Dozens of books have been written about Dashiell Hammett and his works, and his place in the annals of modern crime fiction history is undisputed. However, the book under review is a must possession for the crime fiction lover. For the first time, three classic works of Hammett are collected in a single volume, neatly hardbound and at the same time preserving the ‘noir-ness’ touch. With an introduction by Robert Polito, the collection is truly an essential volume for the crime fiction lover. Mystery loving readers will always be thankful to the publishers for bringing out such a volume. A great volume- the pride in my humble crime fiction collection. Narayan Radhakrishnan |
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