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Tintin in the Land of the Soviets

Book 1 in the series:Tintin

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you’re a die-hard Tintin fan or a graphic novel history buff, this one’s a fascinating must-read. It’s Tintin’s very first adventure, straight from 1929, so you get to see a raw, early version of the art and the storytelling style that would later become iconic. The black-and-white artwork and breakneck pace are a quirky treat, and there’s a peculiar charm in seeing how Tintin and Snowy looked before their classic redesign. Collectors, completists, and anyone curious about the evolution of comic art will love this unique piece of history.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re new to Tintin or prefer polished, modern comic books, you might find this outing a bit rough around the edges. The art is less detailed, there’s no color, and the story relies on lots of wild coincidences and action over substance. The political bias, born of its 1920s origins, might also feel outdated or uncomfortable to some readers. If you’re looking for nuanced plots or the lovable cast seen in later adventures, you’ll likely be disappointed.

A fascinating historical artifact for Tintin enthusiasts, but not the best starting point - think of it as a time capsule with all the quirks and flaws of its era.

About:

'Tintin in the Land of the Soviets' by Herge follows the adventures of a young journalist and reporter named Tintin as he finds mysteries and solves them with a group of friends he meets in each story. The plot involves Tintin uncovering mysteries surrounding international themes of war, politics, and crime, all while maintaining a fun and engaging storyline. Herge's writing style is noted for its meticulous attention to detail, extensive research, and unique drawings that accurately depict environmental backgrounds.

Characters:

The characters include a young journalist and his dog, presented in a less nuanced manner compared to future stories.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is simple and direct, characteristic of early comic strips, with some influence from British translation.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot offers a critical and somewhat entertaining view of Soviet bureaucracy through Tintin's adventures, highlighting its absurdities and dangers.

Setting:

The setting is the Soviet Union, encapsulating the socio-political climate of the 1920s through various illustrative locations.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, characteristic of serialized storytelling, resulting in a fast flow of action that can seem unrealistic.

Notes:

Tintin in the Land of the Soviets is the very first Tintin comic created by Hergé.
This edition contains a photocopy of the original black and white strips, with no color added.
The book has almost twice the number of pages compared to regular Tintin comics.
Tintin initially appears without his iconic tuft of hair, which is explained in the story.
The artwork is simpler and less detailed than later Tintin books but retains an elegant style.
The comic reflects Western ideas and fears about Communist Soviet Russia during the 1920s.
It was serialized as a weekly comic strip, resulting in rapid action and some implausible coincidences.
The characterizations of Russians in the comic reflect considerable bias, which Hergé later regretted.
Hergé had less thorough research for this comic, basing it mainly on a propaganda book he read.
The book provides a critique of government bureaucracy while showcasing Hergé's early artistic style.
The comic's portrayal of certain themes and characters can feel dated and reflect colonialism and stereotype issues.
Hergé evolved his storytelling in later works, striving for more accurate cultural representations.
This Tintin adventure is longer than most others in the series.
It has been noted that the dialogue reflects British translation choices, enhancing its charm for some readers.
Tintin's abilities to solve mysteries and tackle villains are central to the story, with vibrant action sequences.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes high content warnings due to its biased portrayal of Soviets and depictions of violence.

From The Publisher:

Tintin's first black-and-white adventure!

Sent on assignment to the Soviet Union, Tintin boards a train…but after an explosion, Tintin is blamed for the bombing, and he must make his way to the Soviet Union by stealth. Once there, he uncovers some shocking Bolshevik secrets.

1929
131 pages

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About the Author:

Hergé, one of the most famous Belgians in the world, was a comics writer and artist. The internationally successful The Adventures of Tintin are his most well-known and beloved works.

They have been translated into 38 different languages and have inspired such legends as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. He wrote and illustrated for The Adventures of Tintin until his death in 1983.

 
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