Tintin: Herge's Masterpiece

by Pierre Sterckx, Michael Farr (Translator)

The definitive monograph on the art of Tintin. Since he first appeared in Hergé’s weekly cartoon strip in Le Petit Vingtième in Brussels in 1929, Tintin has become one of the most celebrated characters in the comic world. With more than 200 million copies of the famous twenty-four “albums” sold worldwide, Hergé’s iconic hero has exploded genres and expectations, bringing readers of all ages to his stories for their unique mixture of artistry, history, and adventure.   
Drawing on the archives of the Hergé Museum in Brussels, this book looks at the evolution of Hergé’s artwork, from the simplicity of the early newspaper strips to the sophisticated graphic work of the later books. An avid art collector, Hergé was inspired by Old Masters but infatuated with graphic design and modern art, from the Constructivist work he studied in his youth to the Lichtensteins and Mirós he would travel to see in his maturity.  
Written by the Belgian art critic Pierre Sterckx—and translated by the British expert on Tintin, Michael Farr—this is the definitive book on the art of Tintin. With rarely seen pencil sketches, character drawings, and watercolors alongside original artwork from the finished stories, the book illuminates Tintin’s progress from whimsical caricature to profound icon and reveals Hergé’s parallel development from cartoonist to artist.

Genres: Comics, Art

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 2015

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hunt for the perfect book about the history of Tintin continues.

[Oana Sipos · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of his comicstrips, this is a very good overview for a beginner on Herge's life, work and inspirations. Now I definitely want to go to Herge's museum.

Note to self: Herge comes from Georges Remi (R.G).

[Rachael Eyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pictures are stunning but the navel gazing and psychology not so much. Perhaps a bad translation? Herge strikes me as a man with simple tastes - I don't know if he would appreciate this book by a purported 'friend'. And why all the focus on Castafiore? I like the Milanese Nightingale but there's no way she's a more important character than Calculus.

Though I'd read anything Tintin related, this was a disappointment.

[Tassos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice explanation of Herge's Tintin with beautiful layout and illustrations. Although at some points it was idolising both the creator and the creation (it's a biography after all), it made me want to read again some of the issues.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much an art book, detailing Herge's art style and influences. Not much biography or how he came up with the stories though, if that's what you're looking for.