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TINTIN LE RÊVE ET LA RÉALITÉ : L'HISTOIRE DE LA CRÉATION DES AVENTURES DE TINTIN
Tintin, le rêve et la réalité fait entrer le lecteur dans les coulisses du mystère du fabuleux succès du plus célèbre héros de notre temps.
Michael Farr raconte, album après album, des Soviets à l'Alph-Art, le déroulement de la création hergéenne où l'imaginaire se nourrit d'une réalité faite de thèmes d'actualité et de détails d'une extrême précision.
Une iconographie exceptionnelle, réunie grâce à la collaboration de la Fondation Hergé, illustre et met en perspective cet "effet de réel" voulu par le créateur de Tintin.
Cet ouvrage devient ainsi le vingt-cinquième album qui éclaire toute la collection.
Michael Farr raconte, album après album, des Soviets à l'Alph-Art, le déroulement de la création hergéenne où l'imaginaire se nourrit d'une réalité faite de thèmes d'actualité et de détails d'une extrême précision.
Une iconographie exceptionnelle, réunie grâce à la collaboration de la Fondation Hergé, illustre et met en perspective cet "effet de réel" voulu par le créateur de Tintin.
Cet ouvrage devient ainsi le vingt-cinquième album qui éclaire toute la collection.
205 pages, Board book
First published January 1, 2001
59 people are currently reading
1785 people want to read
About the author
Michael Farr
44 books14 followersMichael Farr (born 1953 in Paris) is a former British journalist and an expert regarding the comic series The Adventures of Tintin and its creator, Hergé. He has written several books on the subject, as well as translating several others into English.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 31, 2013
This is obviously a top read for Tintin enthusiasts! No one who likes Tintin is going to tell you otherwise! Michael Farr provides a detailed account of how each Tintin book came into being, and each chapter is dedicated to a particular title. Readers will love the numerous photos from Herge's extensive archive, which served as the real-life inspiration for many of his drawings. Ever wanted to know what the Thompson Twins might've looked like in real life? ... Well look no further! The only real drawbacks are that Farr occasionally writes in the first person (seemingly out of the blue) and sometimes refers to various artefacts that do not appear in this particular book... shame. All in all, I came away with a renewed appreciation for Herge's artistry, attention to detail and extreme dedication. I was amazed by how his own sense of personal wellbeing was so closely tied to his craft - to the point where what was going on with Tintin seemed to mirror his own inner struggles (e.g. Tintin in Tibet). If anything, we realise how Herge was just as intriguing (if not more so) than his most famous creation.
February 9, 2017
The concept behind this officially-sanctioned book is mouth-watering. Hergé Foundation/Moulinsart gave Michael Farr free reign of Hergé's archives, allowing him to show the reference images and sketches that sat behind the final Tintin artwork. A real behind-the-scenes experience for fans!
Unfortunately, the actual book fails to live up to this possibility.
A large part of the problem is the formatting of the book...
...which divi-
des the book
into three col-
umns per page,
with text of-
ten broken up
with hypens ac-
ross multiple
lines.
But the problems are larger than formatting. Michael Farr's text is, for the most part lifeless, uninspired and uninformative. There is a confusing blend of information about the events of Hergé's life, with the storyline of the comics, and oddly-chosen photographs and illustrations. The overall effect is muddled and unsatisfying. A missed opportunity.
For the record, Harry Thompson's Tintin: Hergé and His Creation is the best analytical book I have read on Tintin, to this date. Somehow, without illustrations or access to official archives, Thompson's book manages to be more informative that Farr's account. Though slim and concise, Thompson's book is my recommended Tintin companion, along with the 2003 documentary Tintin and I.
Unfortunately, the actual book fails to live up to this possibility.
A large part of the problem is the formatting of the book...
...which divi-
des the book
into three col-
umns per page,
with text of-
ten broken up
with hypens ac-
ross multiple
lines.
But the problems are larger than formatting. Michael Farr's text is, for the most part lifeless, uninspired and uninformative. There is a confusing blend of information about the events of Hergé's life, with the storyline of the comics, and oddly-chosen photographs and illustrations. The overall effect is muddled and unsatisfying. A missed opportunity.
For the record, Harry Thompson's Tintin: Hergé and His Creation is the best analytical book I have read on Tintin, to this date. Somehow, without illustrations or access to official archives, Thompson's book manages to be more informative that Farr's account. Though slim and concise, Thompson's book is my recommended Tintin companion, along with the 2003 documentary Tintin and I.
March 5, 2013
Eine Schatztruhe für Fans
Für Fans von Tim und Struppi ist dieses Buch eine wahre Schatztruhe - sehr viele Fotos, die beweisen, welch akribischer Arbeiter und Rechercheur Hergé war, wie er gearbeitet hat und welche Vorlagen aus Film und Literatur ihm als Inspiration für sein Werk dienten. Viele genau recherchierte Hinweise werden hier verfolgt und dem Leser in sehr ansprechender Form präsentiert - besonders die Archivvergleiche mit Fotos sind sehr aufschlussreich und beweisen, was für eine Arbeit nötig ist, um einen "einfachen Comic" so lebensgetreu zu machen, zu einem Abbild seiner Zeit. Ich denke, dass sogar der hartgesottenste Fan hier noch etwas Neues findet, und für alle, die sich bisher nicht groß mit dem kreativen Kopf hinter den Abenteuern von Tim und Struppi beschäftigt haben, ist dies eine Offenbarung.
Leider findet sich aber auch hier eine Fliege in der Suppe: Nach ca. der Hälfte des Buches hat der Autor scheinbar alles gesagt, was es zu sagen gibt, und ergeht sich etwas in Wiederholungen und sammelt praktisch nur noch Hinweise auf Zeichnungen in Hergés Archiv - die zu Beginn so interessanten Anekdoten und Beschreibungen der Recherche und Arbeitsweise von Hergé treten immer mehr in den Hintergrund, obwohl die Arbeiten Hergés immer ausgefeilter, durchdachter und komplexer werden. Das ist sehr schade und trübt etwas den Gesamteindruck.
Zur Aufmachung: Qualitativ hochwertiges Papier und ein stabiler Einband lassen in dieser Beziehung keine Wünsche offen.
Für Fans von Tim und Struppi ist dieses Buch eine wahre Schatztruhe - sehr viele Fotos, die beweisen, welch akribischer Arbeiter und Rechercheur Hergé war, wie er gearbeitet hat und welche Vorlagen aus Film und Literatur ihm als Inspiration für sein Werk dienten. Viele genau recherchierte Hinweise werden hier verfolgt und dem Leser in sehr ansprechender Form präsentiert - besonders die Archivvergleiche mit Fotos sind sehr aufschlussreich und beweisen, was für eine Arbeit nötig ist, um einen "einfachen Comic" so lebensgetreu zu machen, zu einem Abbild seiner Zeit. Ich denke, dass sogar der hartgesottenste Fan hier noch etwas Neues findet, und für alle, die sich bisher nicht groß mit dem kreativen Kopf hinter den Abenteuern von Tim und Struppi beschäftigt haben, ist dies eine Offenbarung.
Leider findet sich aber auch hier eine Fliege in der Suppe: Nach ca. der Hälfte des Buches hat der Autor scheinbar alles gesagt, was es zu sagen gibt, und ergeht sich etwas in Wiederholungen und sammelt praktisch nur noch Hinweise auf Zeichnungen in Hergés Archiv - die zu Beginn so interessanten Anekdoten und Beschreibungen der Recherche und Arbeitsweise von Hergé treten immer mehr in den Hintergrund, obwohl die Arbeiten Hergés immer ausgefeilter, durchdachter und komplexer werden. Das ist sehr schade und trübt etwas den Gesamteindruck.
Zur Aufmachung: Qualitativ hochwertiges Papier und ein stabiler Einband lassen in dieser Beziehung keine Wünsche offen.
February 23, 2021
Un excelente "companion" para la serie de cómics de las aventuras de Tintín.
😊El personaje de Tintín siempre ha sido para mí desde hace mucho tiempo una especie de modelo a seguir: independiente, no bebe, no fuma, tiene un trabajo que le gusta y le da los medios para vivir, leal con sus amigos, pero, sobre todo, leal consigo mismo. Por todo lo anterior, me ha resultado muy interesante leer este libro que explica con bastante precisión el origen de los personajes y acontecimientos que se relatan en la serie de los cómics de las aventuras de Tintín: personajes y acontecimientos la mayoría basados en personas y acontecimientos reales.
😊El personaje de Tintín siempre ha sido para mí desde hace mucho tiempo una especie de modelo a seguir: independiente, no bebe, no fuma, tiene un trabajo que le gusta y le da los medios para vivir, leal con sus amigos, pero, sobre todo, leal consigo mismo. Por todo lo anterior, me ha resultado muy interesante leer este libro que explica con bastante precisión el origen de los personajes y acontecimientos que se relatan en la serie de los cómics de las aventuras de Tintín: personajes y acontecimientos la mayoría basados en personas y acontecimientos reales.
October 2, 2017
Underbar bok om en underbar serie. Välskriven, informativ och inspirerande texter om alla Tintin-albumen. Ur tryck länge, men nu finns den äntligen att få tag i igen. En vacker bok som tål att läsas om och om igen.
November 4, 2023
Tässä käydään läpi kaikki Tintit paitsi Tintti Haijärvellä-albumi. Osittain varmaan siksi, että se oli elokuvasovituksesta eikä siksi Hergén käsialaa.
Tämä on todella kattava teos. Huomaa, että kirjailija on ottanut selvää asioista ja perehtynyt todella laajasti aiheeseen. Mielenkiintoisinta on kuvat, joissa verrataan Hergén arkistosta löydettyjä mallikuvia albumiin päätyneisiin kuviin. Niitä on mielenkiintoista vertailla ja samalla näkee sen työlleen antautumisen, jota Hergéllä oli.
Ajoittain tämä kirja on jopa liian yksityiskohtainen ja se joissain kohtaa hieman puuduttaa. Mutta se kuvaa sitä tyyliä, jolla Tintti-albumeita on myös ajan saatossa muokattu.
Suosittelen tätä kirjaa kaikille, joita historia, Tintti ja eurooppalainen sarjakuva kiinnostavat 😊
Tämä on todella kattava teos. Huomaa, että kirjailija on ottanut selvää asioista ja perehtynyt todella laajasti aiheeseen. Mielenkiintoisinta on kuvat, joissa verrataan Hergén arkistosta löydettyjä mallikuvia albumiin päätyneisiin kuviin. Niitä on mielenkiintoista vertailla ja samalla näkee sen työlleen antautumisen, jota Hergéllä oli.
Ajoittain tämä kirja on jopa liian yksityiskohtainen ja se joissain kohtaa hieman puuduttaa. Mutta se kuvaa sitä tyyliä, jolla Tintti-albumeita on myös ajan saatossa muokattu.
Suosittelen tätä kirjaa kaikille, joita historia, Tintti ja eurooppalainen sarjakuva kiinnostavat 😊
July 14, 2012
676 - 2012
Tanggal 11 Juli kemarin, aku dihadapkan pada pilihan yang sulit. Bukan, bukan tentang cagub DKI mana yang akan kupilih, karena meski ikutan libur aku tidak berhak ikutan nyoblos, tapi tentang membeli buku ini atau tidak.
Hari libur dadakan tidak membuatku libur belanja buku rutin hari Rabu ke Gramedia. Setelah mengambil manga yang baru terbit (tumben banget sudah didisplay, biasanya masih numpuk di lantai), aku beranjak ke wilayah komik eropa untuk mencari Tanguy dan Laverdure terbaru. Dan deg... mataku terpaku melihat buku ini terpajang dengan manisnya. Tintin The Complete Companion-nya Michael Farr!
Berhubung sebelum GPU menerbitkan Tintin aku sudah mengoleksi lengkap Tintin terbitan Indira (termasuk Tintin versi film: Tintin dan Jeruk Biru, Tintin di Danau Hiu, serta Tintin versi hitam putih: Tintin di Soviet dan Tintin di Kongo), sampai saat ini Tintin terbitan GPU yang kubeli hanya Tintin di Kongo (versi berwarna) serta Tintin dan Alpha-Art. Selain itu, sudah barang tentu aku juga mengoleksi 12 jilid seri Tintin Character Book-nya Michael Farr.
Jadi, kupikir wajar saja kalau aku melengkapi koleksi dengan mengambil buku ini... sampai aku membalik bukunya untuk melihat cover belakang dan... label harganya. Buset! Melebihi batas psikologis harga yang kutolerir saat ini! Bukannya aku tidak pernah mengeluarkan uang lebih dari 100k untuk satu jilid buku sih (seperti buku-buku hardcover impor macam Harry Potter dan The Lost Symbol, atau paket komik The Raid misalnya), tapi tetap saja... harga juga yang jadi alasan aku masih menahan diri untuk tidak membeli buku-buku yang bikin ngiler seperti Sang Fotografer atau Kuasa Ramalan: Pangeran Diponegoro dan Akhir Tatanan Lama di Jawa (masuk daftar wish-list saja dulu dan siapa tahu ada yang mau ngasih kado buku-buku ini ;P )
Dengan penuh penyesalan, aku mengembalikan buku ini ke raknya dan berlalu... Tapi sepuluh menit kemudian aku kembali dan memasukkannya ke kantong belanjaan, dengan alasan mumpung komik yang terbit hari itu cuma sedikit.
Anyway... bagi penggemar Tintin sejak mulai dapat membaca sepertiku, buku ini sangat wajib dikoleksi. Seperti halnya fitur behind the scenes memberikan gambaran tentang proses pembuatan film, buku ini mengungkap proses penyusunan dan latar belakang di balik 54 tahun petualangan Tintin, dari Tintin di Soviet sampai Tintin dan Alpha-Art yang tak terselesaikan itu.
Pembahasan semua petualangan Tintin secara kronologis dan detail membuat kita mengikuti perkembangan Herge sendiri seorang kreator, dari seseorang yang masih terpengaruh prasangka umum seperti yang tampak pada karya-karya awal sampai pada seseorang yang sangat menitikberatkan pada riset dan akurasi. Kita jadi memahami mengapa komik Tintin awal masih berbau rasis dan tidak berperikebinatangan, yang diakui oleh Herge sendiri sebagai "dosa masa muda". Kita juga mengikuti perkembangan Herge sebagai storyteller, sehingga petualangan Tintin yang semula berupa kumpulan aksi sekenanya yang diciptakan secara mingguan menjadi lebih terstruktur dari waktu ke waktu. Dan buatku yang selama ini hanya membaca Tintin tanpa pretensi apa-apa selain sebagai komik anak-anak, mengetahui latar belakang politis dan sejarah dari setiap jilidnya merupakan sebuah pencerahan sendiri.
Lotus Biru merupakan titik balik bagi Herge untuk memulai karya dengan riset yang mendalam tanpa terpengaruh prasangka umum yang berlaku di Eropa seperti karya-karya awalnya. Terbit pada awal tahun 30-an, ceritanya paralel dengan kondisi Asia Timur saat itu: kebangkitan imperialisme Jepang. Kisah Tongkat Raja Ottokar sendiri memotret kondisi politik Eropa saat pembuatannya: rencana pencaplokan Syldavia oleh Borduria mencerminkan kebangkitan Nazi Jerman dan aneksasi negara-negara incaran Hitler. Cerita Patung Kuping Belah dilatari kondisi yang masih relevan sampai saat ini: perang demi minyak yang disponsori perusahaan-perusahaan minyak yang berkepentingan.
Membaca setiap lembar buku ini membuatku jadi ingin membaca ulang koleksi petualangan Tintin, berurutan secara kronologis, dan membacanya dengan kacamata yang berbeda. Selain itu, mungkin ada keasyikan sendiri dengan mencoba mencari hal-hal kecil yang selama ini terlewatkan karena ketidaktahuan dan kurangnya perhatian pada detail: cameo Herge dan asistennya, E.P. Jacobs, atau cameo Quick dan Flupke. Mungkin asyik juga mencoba membandingkan edisi hitam putih dan edisi berwarna Tintin di Kongo, untuk melihat bagaimana hasil revisi dari versi kolonialis menjadi versi yang lebih halus, meskipun kadar rasisnya berkurang tapi masih tetap mampu membuat para pecinta lingkungan marah.
For me, this book is worth the price.
Tanggal 11 Juli kemarin, aku dihadapkan pada pilihan yang sulit. Bukan, bukan tentang cagub DKI mana yang akan kupilih, karena meski ikutan libur aku tidak berhak ikutan nyoblos, tapi tentang membeli buku ini atau tidak.
Hari libur dadakan tidak membuatku libur belanja buku rutin hari Rabu ke Gramedia. Setelah mengambil manga yang baru terbit (tumben banget sudah didisplay, biasanya masih numpuk di lantai), aku beranjak ke wilayah komik eropa untuk mencari Tanguy dan Laverdure terbaru. Dan deg... mataku terpaku melihat buku ini terpajang dengan manisnya. Tintin The Complete Companion-nya Michael Farr!
Berhubung sebelum GPU menerbitkan Tintin aku sudah mengoleksi lengkap Tintin terbitan Indira (termasuk Tintin versi film: Tintin dan Jeruk Biru, Tintin di Danau Hiu, serta Tintin versi hitam putih: Tintin di Soviet dan Tintin di Kongo), sampai saat ini Tintin terbitan GPU yang kubeli hanya Tintin di Kongo (versi berwarna) serta Tintin dan Alpha-Art. Selain itu, sudah barang tentu aku juga mengoleksi 12 jilid seri Tintin Character Book-nya Michael Farr.
Jadi, kupikir wajar saja kalau aku melengkapi koleksi dengan mengambil buku ini... sampai aku membalik bukunya untuk melihat cover belakang dan... label harganya. Buset! Melebihi batas psikologis harga yang kutolerir saat ini! Bukannya aku tidak pernah mengeluarkan uang lebih dari 100k untuk satu jilid buku sih (seperti buku-buku hardcover impor macam Harry Potter dan The Lost Symbol, atau paket komik The Raid misalnya), tapi tetap saja... harga juga yang jadi alasan aku masih menahan diri untuk tidak membeli buku-buku yang bikin ngiler seperti Sang Fotografer atau Kuasa Ramalan: Pangeran Diponegoro dan Akhir Tatanan Lama di Jawa (masuk daftar wish-list saja dulu dan siapa tahu ada yang mau ngasih kado buku-buku ini ;P )
Dengan penuh penyesalan, aku mengembalikan buku ini ke raknya dan berlalu... Tapi sepuluh menit kemudian aku kembali dan memasukkannya ke kantong belanjaan, dengan alasan mumpung komik yang terbit hari itu cuma sedikit.
Anyway... bagi penggemar Tintin sejak mulai dapat membaca sepertiku, buku ini sangat wajib dikoleksi. Seperti halnya fitur behind the scenes memberikan gambaran tentang proses pembuatan film, buku ini mengungkap proses penyusunan dan latar belakang di balik 54 tahun petualangan Tintin, dari Tintin di Soviet sampai Tintin dan Alpha-Art yang tak terselesaikan itu.
Pembahasan semua petualangan Tintin secara kronologis dan detail membuat kita mengikuti perkembangan Herge sendiri seorang kreator, dari seseorang yang masih terpengaruh prasangka umum seperti yang tampak pada karya-karya awal sampai pada seseorang yang sangat menitikberatkan pada riset dan akurasi. Kita jadi memahami mengapa komik Tintin awal masih berbau rasis dan tidak berperikebinatangan, yang diakui oleh Herge sendiri sebagai "dosa masa muda". Kita juga mengikuti perkembangan Herge sebagai storyteller, sehingga petualangan Tintin yang semula berupa kumpulan aksi sekenanya yang diciptakan secara mingguan menjadi lebih terstruktur dari waktu ke waktu. Dan buatku yang selama ini hanya membaca Tintin tanpa pretensi apa-apa selain sebagai komik anak-anak, mengetahui latar belakang politis dan sejarah dari setiap jilidnya merupakan sebuah pencerahan sendiri.
Lotus Biru merupakan titik balik bagi Herge untuk memulai karya dengan riset yang mendalam tanpa terpengaruh prasangka umum yang berlaku di Eropa seperti karya-karya awalnya. Terbit pada awal tahun 30-an, ceritanya paralel dengan kondisi Asia Timur saat itu: kebangkitan imperialisme Jepang. Kisah Tongkat Raja Ottokar sendiri memotret kondisi politik Eropa saat pembuatannya: rencana pencaplokan Syldavia oleh Borduria mencerminkan kebangkitan Nazi Jerman dan aneksasi negara-negara incaran Hitler. Cerita Patung Kuping Belah dilatari kondisi yang masih relevan sampai saat ini: perang demi minyak yang disponsori perusahaan-perusahaan minyak yang berkepentingan.
Membaca setiap lembar buku ini membuatku jadi ingin membaca ulang koleksi petualangan Tintin, berurutan secara kronologis, dan membacanya dengan kacamata yang berbeda. Selain itu, mungkin ada keasyikan sendiri dengan mencoba mencari hal-hal kecil yang selama ini terlewatkan karena ketidaktahuan dan kurangnya perhatian pada detail: cameo Herge dan asistennya, E.P. Jacobs, atau cameo Quick dan Flupke. Mungkin asyik juga mencoba membandingkan edisi hitam putih dan edisi berwarna Tintin di Kongo, untuk melihat bagaimana hasil revisi dari versi kolonialis menjadi versi yang lebih halus, meskipun kadar rasisnya berkurang tapi masih tetap mampu membuat para pecinta lingkungan marah.
For me, this book is worth the price.
August 7, 2025
Michael Farr’s Tintin: The Complete Companion is not just a collector’s treasure but also a scholarly map through the adventures of one of the 20th century’s most beloved fictional journalists.
Farr, a seasoned Tintinologist and journalist himself, takes us on a guided tour through each of Hergé’s 24 canonical Tintin albums, unpacking the inspirations, references, and historical contexts behind the stories.
The book shines in its capacity to bridge Hergé’s real world with Tintin’s fictional one. From Tintin in the Congo to Tintin and the Picaros, Farr explains the social, political, and cultural references that informed the plots and character designs. As a bilingual researcher with access to Hergé’s archives, Farr augments the text with behind-the-scenes insights, original sketches, and fascinating anecdotes about the creative process.
What makes the book predominantly compelling is its layout: crisp reproductions of panels sit alongside their source material—photographs, news clippings, and design drafts—allowing readers to witness Hergé’s meticulous ligne claire style evolve in context.
Though the tone remains reverent, it doesn't shy away from addressing controversies—like colonial depictions or wartime publications—placing them within Hergé’s own evolving moral compass. It treats Tintin not merely as entertainment, but as a cultural mirror reflecting Europe’s anxieties and dreams.
For any serious Tintin fan—or student of comics as art and artifact—this companion is essential, illuminating, and endlessly browsable.
Give it a go.
Farr, a seasoned Tintinologist and journalist himself, takes us on a guided tour through each of Hergé’s 24 canonical Tintin albums, unpacking the inspirations, references, and historical contexts behind the stories.
The book shines in its capacity to bridge Hergé’s real world with Tintin’s fictional one. From Tintin in the Congo to Tintin and the Picaros, Farr explains the social, political, and cultural references that informed the plots and character designs. As a bilingual researcher with access to Hergé’s archives, Farr augments the text with behind-the-scenes insights, original sketches, and fascinating anecdotes about the creative process.
What makes the book predominantly compelling is its layout: crisp reproductions of panels sit alongside their source material—photographs, news clippings, and design drafts—allowing readers to witness Hergé’s meticulous ligne claire style evolve in context.
Though the tone remains reverent, it doesn't shy away from addressing controversies—like colonial depictions or wartime publications—placing them within Hergé’s own evolving moral compass. It treats Tintin not merely as entertainment, but as a cultural mirror reflecting Europe’s anxieties and dreams.
For any serious Tintin fan—or student of comics as art and artifact—this companion is essential, illuminating, and endlessly browsable.
Give it a go.
July 28, 2011
This is indeed an exhaustive companion volume to the body of work by Herge, and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who has read, or intends to read, all of the Tintin series.
The discussions of how Herge built politics and accurate history into his stories, without being censored or jailed in occupied Belgium, are worth reading it for, as well as the excellent reproductions of various versions of some of the illustrations.
Of particular interest to English speakers will be the explanations of why certain topics were elided or changed entirely, to suit the American publishing market in the 70's.
I also recommend reading the books in the french original texts, if you have the capacity. If for no other purpose in your life, this is a good reason to learn to speak and read french!
The discussions of how Herge built politics and accurate history into his stories, without being censored or jailed in occupied Belgium, are worth reading it for, as well as the excellent reproductions of various versions of some of the illustrations.
Of particular interest to English speakers will be the explanations of why certain topics were elided or changed entirely, to suit the American publishing market in the 70's.
I also recommend reading the books in the french original texts, if you have the capacity. If for no other purpose in your life, this is a good reason to learn to speak and read french!
December 24, 2014
Um livro interessante para os apaixonados do Tintin. Um misto de biografia sobre o criador do Tintin, Hergé e os bastidores de cada um dos 24 albúns editados deste heroi desde 1929 até à morte de Hergé em 1983.
Alguns capítulos mais interessantes que outros, mas equilibrado e com muito material de arquivo no qual Hergé se baseou para desenhar aventuras por todo o mundo e ele só poder ter ido em viagem muito mais tarde.
Interessante a evolução do desenho, o perfeccionismo na criação e ao mesmo tempo os problemas de depressões que trouxe esse procura da perfeição e prisão na personagem.
Algumas curiosidades que ficamos a saber e que dá vontade de folhear de novo alguns dos albúns.
Lê-se bem, mas deixou-me a sensação de saber a pouco.
Alguns capítulos mais interessantes que outros, mas equilibrado e com muito material de arquivo no qual Hergé se baseou para desenhar aventuras por todo o mundo e ele só poder ter ido em viagem muito mais tarde.
Interessante a evolução do desenho, o perfeccionismo na criação e ao mesmo tempo os problemas de depressões que trouxe esse procura da perfeição e prisão na personagem.
Algumas curiosidades que ficamos a saber e que dá vontade de folhear de novo alguns dos albúns.
Lê-se bem, mas deixou-me a sensação de saber a pouco.
October 5, 2014
Interesting, loving, generally well-written, and copiously illustrated book covering mainly the Tintin series, though also including a lot of biographical detail about Herge. Farr manages to deal with each book without being too spoilery, though he has a tendency to be a bit more worshipful than I might like, and perhaps at times to try to make loftier claims for the work than it can really support. The most fastinating thing about the book is the wealth of illustrations, not only from the books but from Herge's copious files--photos, sketches, and so on that served as models, or rough drafts. a must for any Tintin fan, certainly of interest to anyone interested in comics more generally.
July 15, 2013
A highly informative and well researched guide to the world of Tintin. Beautifully illustrated and boasting the same format as the albums.
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August 23, 2021I have owned this book for a good 15 years and decided it was time to read it. I spent the summer revisiting all of the Tintin adventures while reading along in Farr's book. I was curious how the comics would hold up and if this book would add some context. If nothing I thought it would be interesting to finally get some insight into the process of creating Tintin.
In some ways I was not disappointed. Farr added a lot of personal context from Herge's life as well as a lot of historical context that I was totally unaware of (two adventures were first published in a Nazi newspaper). Knowing some of Herge's personal beliefs about some Indigenous people softened his depictions of them (although Farr excuses a lot of Herge's racist, although sympathetic, depictions giving more weight to his intentions than his impact, plus Farr uses a couple racial slurs in describing the people). I think this was a good first dip into the making of Tintin and Herge's arc as an artist and creator and it did add a lot to a series I loved 25 years ago.
But Farr also assumes a much more fanatical reader of the books, or at least a more careful and recent reader. In some ways this book came a decade too late for me. I was much more well-versed in the books when I was in middle school and reread them all the time. I would have gotten more of his references then. And he references real people and events with a familiarity that anyone my age or younger (and American) isn't going to know off the top of their head.
I think the formatting of this book suffered in a couple major ways too. First, Farr talks a lot about the panels and pictures in the book and from Herge's reference files. But most of these are not reprinted/reproduced in the book and when they are they don't line up with the text, sometimes appearing on the next or previous page. The lack of reproduction makes the reader rely on Farr's sparse descriptions. I suppose he might have figured that readers would have the Tintin volume next to them, but that's a huge assumption. Just reproduce the image and the reference photo and save the reader from trying to parse Farr's descriptions. The second is that the text is divided into three columns on each page. I think it was trying to evoke a newspaper with columns, but it just kind of broke the text up in a strange way and made it feel more laborious than a long line across the page.
In some ways I was not disappointed. Farr added a lot of personal context from Herge's life as well as a lot of historical context that I was totally unaware of (two adventures were first published in a Nazi newspaper). Knowing some of Herge's personal beliefs about some Indigenous people softened his depictions of them (although Farr excuses a lot of Herge's racist, although sympathetic, depictions giving more weight to his intentions than his impact, plus Farr uses a couple racial slurs in describing the people). I think this was a good first dip into the making of Tintin and Herge's arc as an artist and creator and it did add a lot to a series I loved 25 years ago.
But Farr also assumes a much more fanatical reader of the books, or at least a more careful and recent reader. In some ways this book came a decade too late for me. I was much more well-versed in the books when I was in middle school and reread them all the time. I would have gotten more of his references then. And he references real people and events with a familiarity that anyone my age or younger (and American) isn't going to know off the top of their head.
I think the formatting of this book suffered in a couple major ways too. First, Farr talks a lot about the panels and pictures in the book and from Herge's reference files. But most of these are not reprinted/reproduced in the book and when they are they don't line up with the text, sometimes appearing on the next or previous page. The lack of reproduction makes the reader rely on Farr's sparse descriptions. I suppose he might have figured that readers would have the Tintin volume next to them, but that's a huge assumption. Just reproduce the image and the reference photo and save the reader from trying to parse Farr's descriptions. The second is that the text is divided into three columns on each page. I think it was trying to evoke a newspaper with columns, but it just kind of broke the text up in a strange way and made it feel more laborious than a long line across the page.
February 3, 2017
This book basically tells what happens in all of the books, very briefly, as well as what was changed in each subsequent edition. It also mentions many sources of inspiration for Herge, and displays some of them. It contains some biographical information on Herge as well. All in all, for a Tintin book, a very boring read, however, the pictures make it worth it. I gasped aloud at many of the inspiration photos; "That's the Thom(p)sons!" I thought, when I saw a black and white picture of two European detectives, and "Professor Calculus is real!" Many of the characters were based on real people, as this book reveals, and it also tells of many instances when the author drew himself into crowd scenes or made other little jokes. Delightful to flip through, but somewhat boring to read cover to cover.
June 10, 2018
An absolutely fantastic book that illuminates Herge's process of creating some of the most iconic adventure stories of all time. I didn't really realize how old Tintin was and how many of his early adventures mirror the problems villainy of the world immediately pre-WW2. Ongoing jokes, characters and threads crease through Tintin's journies and Herge's research is intense. The book clearly addresses the controversy of Tintin (culturally insensitive depictions of certain races) and displays how Herge became aware of his own shortcomings and did his best to revise his work to more appropriate, even though by todays standards much of it is still insensitive. Still, this book was just amazing for showing the depth of detail that goes into every Tintin story.
December 22, 2024
Five stars for providing unique access to Herge’s archives of inspirations and references. If only this was the majority of the book.
Instead, most of the content was dull commentary, written in labyrinthine and unclear prose shoved into an incredibly narrow multi-column format (why?). The layout was bad enough but the writing was a chore to read (even the biography in the back of the book). I read this alongside Harry Thompson’s book and somehow the same anecdotes that were lively in Thompson were dull in Farr. Two stars for the prose.
I would have much preferred more from the archives: references, sketches, alternate versions of panels, etc. This is what the book most had to offer. So it was a great idea undermined by its execution.
Instead, most of the content was dull commentary, written in labyrinthine and unclear prose shoved into an incredibly narrow multi-column format (why?). The layout was bad enough but the writing was a chore to read (even the biography in the back of the book). I read this alongside Harry Thompson’s book and somehow the same anecdotes that were lively in Thompson were dull in Farr. Two stars for the prose.
I would have much preferred more from the archives: references, sketches, alternate versions of panels, etc. This is what the book most had to offer. So it was a great idea undermined by its execution.
February 25, 2018
I read this excellent 200 page hc companion alongside my complete re-read of the 24 Tintin-books by Hérge. The book is structured chronologically and each time before I read the actual book, I enjoyed the eight pages (on average) where Farr offers a nice mix of pictures (either material from Hérge's files, pencil sketches or final panels alongside the photo for comparison) and infos about publication history, Hérge's personal history and the story's relationship to actual historical events.
I am convinced this book enriched my reading experience and I recommend this title to any Hérge- or Tintin-fan.
I am convinced this book enriched my reading experience and I recommend this title to any Hérge- or Tintin-fan.
January 3, 2024
Long Live TINTIN & SNOWY!!
This book can be enjoyed as a biography of Tintin's achievements.
It is admirable that Tintin traveled the world and stood on the front lines of journalism.
Tintin has flown everywhere, including Africa and China.
I didn't know that Tintin's first job was in the Soviet Union covering the Bolshevik Revolution.
The world is in turmoil right now, but with brave journalists like Tintin, the world would be a better place.
I want to know more about TINTIN, so I'm going to watch the movie "The Adventures of Tintin." Daniel Craig is there!
This book can be enjoyed as a biography of Tintin's achievements.
It is admirable that Tintin traveled the world and stood on the front lines of journalism.
Tintin has flown everywhere, including Africa and China.
I didn't know that Tintin's first job was in the Soviet Union covering the Bolshevik Revolution.
The world is in turmoil right now, but with brave journalists like Tintin, the world would be a better place.
I want to know more about TINTIN, so I'm going to watch the movie "The Adventures of Tintin." Daniel Craig is there!
August 19, 2018
Have it in English and in my native language because it's not lying about being a 'complete' piece. Very detailed, captions for the pictures providing more information beyond what's explained in the body texts. The only weakness I can point out is that the way he explains it is not chronological so the dates can jump back and forth, however that's only by technicality since Mr. Farr explains it by the plot of Herge's plot line. Certainly something I love to re-read and content analyze!
August 14, 2020
Un placer efectuar la reelectura de los álbumes de Tintín junto a este magnífico ensayo de Michael Farr que analiza, álbum a álbum, con menciones interesantes sobre su origen, proceso creativo, curiosidades, etc. A destacar el apartado gráfico de este libro, con abundantes fotografías del archivo fotográfico de Hergé, en el que podemos conocer las fotografías en las que se basó para muchos de sus personajes, objetos y viñetas. Imprescindible para tintinófilos.
February 9, 2020
I learnt many things about Herge and the events that took place in his life and the things that influenced him as he wrote each Tintin adventure. A very enjoyable book to read for any avid Tintin fan.
January 5, 2022
A must-read for any Tintin fan. The anecdotes in this pertaining to each and every Tintin book ever written by Herge (one of which was unpublished) are amusing, fascinating, and sometimes just simply interesting.
May 14, 2018
Nice illustrated history of Tintin, book by book.
February 28, 2019
Hieno kirja Tintti-tarinoiden taustoista ja eri versioista. Tämä saa lukemaan sarjakuvat ihan uusista näkökulmista.
June 18, 2019
Förstod inte hur stort Herges arbete med Tintin var innan ja läste denna bok. Kulturhistoria!
January 4, 2021
Very interesting book, with lots of information about Hergé and his creative process.
April 24, 2021
In memory of Herge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2022
Absolutely fantastic. It gives you an insight into the times and moods of the writer, from beginning right until the end.
August 7, 2022
I want to revisit the cartoons now!
January 22, 2023
Obviously a lot has changed in the past century, but a part from the racist bits, the stories were entertaining for their ludicrousness.
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