Indy Comics Writer

I have a friend who loves Tintin. The first time I heard her going on about the comic, I thought she was talking about Rin Tin Tin, better known as the world’s most famous German Shepherd.

Of course, Tintin is actually a cub reporter of sorts who, along with his trusty dog Snowy, get into adventures across the globe. It’s quite popular in certain quarters, and the art is undeniably fetching. But ever try to read these stories? To say they haven’t aged well is an understatement.

Here’s an interesting story by the BBC News about what the news service calls the cult of Tintin. Steven Spielberg is beginning a Tintin film, so if you don’t understand the appeal, just wait: You’ll be hearing a lot about Tintin soon.

Personally, though, Tintin feels to me like Walt Kelly’s Pogo. I know as a fan of comic books and comic art, I’m supposed to like it. But I’ve never quite been able to get into Pogo, either. Some people love the comic strip Mutts. It barely makes me smirk. Then again, there’s something about Blondie that almost always makes me smile. Others would say that strip is old-fashioned and past its prime.

Maybe it’s the same way with Tintin; You either love it or you’re a bit bewildered by all the fuss.

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