A Belgian James Bond from the 30’s
Today, on my research trip to Belgium (graciously offered by the Tourism Office of Belgium), we visited the Belgian Comic Strip Museum. If you like comics, this is your paradise. With over 270,000 visitors a year, it is one of the most visited museums in Brussels.
Although, they have a special exhibit for the 50th birthday of the Smurfs, I would like to talk about a Belgian James Bond, the most famous comic strip worldwide.
Herge, born Georges Remi, created the character Tintin in 1929. Tintin has been translated in over 80 languages. Who is Tintin and why did he become so popular? Why does everyone identify to Tintin?
Tintin is nobody’s: Tintin is made up of a few very simple features. It’s almost expressionless. That is why it’s the ideal recipient for the emotions felt and projected by readers.
Tintin is Everyone: Depending on the circumstances, Tintin can be young or old, Scandinavian or Mediterranean, African or Asian, a man or a woman. It’s an universal character.
Tintin is the James Bond from the 30’s: Tintin is the symbol of youth and vigour, courage and integrity. He’s a daredevil who succeeds in everything he takes on…while the readers are comfortably ensconced in their seats.
Unlike James Bond, Tintin’s partner in crimes is Captain Haddock and not beautiful sexy women.
Whereas Tintin betrays little or no emotion, Captain Haddock is permanently seething with it. Haddock has a thousand faces:.Both his faces and body prove that he is an emotional volcano in splendid eruption . As such, he complements Tintin well.
“Milou”, loyal companion of Tintin: Beneath his guise of amusing sidekick, of doggish “manservant” with common sense, “Milou” (Snowy) is a real hero. He almost always saves the day.
If you ever come to Brussels, don’t miss the Belgian Comic Strip Museum. Next year (2009) is Comic year celebration in Belgium and the country will have tons of events related to comics. See you there. Or, if you don’t like to travel to Belgium alone, you can join the tour I organize to Belgium for very small groups of 8 people. Check www.frenchescapade.com
My name is Jackie Grandchamps. In 2003, I founded French Escapade, offering another way to travel in small groups of 8. "Don't be a tourist, be our guest" is the moto and spirit of my company.
Check www.frenchescapade.com
Through this blog, I will provide information about France, Belgium, California, (soon Italy) but also some stories from my guests on the tours.
Learn more about the company in the French Escapade section of this blog.
November 23rd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Hey Jackie! It was great traveling with you in Belgium. The Comic Strip Museum was quite interesting. I thought our guide could’ve been a cartoon character himself. And let’s not forget Lucky Luc, the cowboy.
Great blog!
Diana Rowe
http://www.dianarowe.com
November 25th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Thanks Diana. You are right about the guide at the comic strip. Interesting character.
December 27th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I love the Comic Strip Museum. It has so much information and is very interesting learning about the process and history.