Day 2
Tintin in the Congo
Tintin in the Congo first appeared between June 1930 and June 1931 in Le Petit Vingtième (the children’s supplement to the Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle). The story was then published as an album in 1931, in black and white form. It was re-drawn in 1946, with additional changes in 1975. The book, which is not published in the United States, continues to provoke controversy. In spite of its controversy, the book has artistic and historical value and is an undeniable part of Hergé’s legacy. For additional perspectives on the issues surrounding Tintin in the Congo, please visit Tintinology.
24 Days of Tintin Special Merchandise!
For 24-hours only, ShopTintin.com is offering a 24 Days of Tintin Package, including a special Lion + Snowy Plush doll, a collectible Statue, and a Marble Game all taken from scenes from Tintin in the Congo. Regularly priced at $98.40, it is available now at 25% off, or $73.80. This offer expires at 8:00 am November 20. Purchase it now.
The “Snowy & Lion” plush is extremely soft and the Lion’s tail is detachable thanks to an ingenious magnet. The statue is a PVC Figurine from a scene in Tintin in the Congo. It is a handsome desktop collectible, and comes in its own display case. The marble game is a fun way to pass the time and to keep those hands busy. See more product details at ShopTintin.com.
The Tintin map was especially created by Chris Tregenza who run’s a Tintin blog on the forthcoming Tintin movie. A full map showing all of Tintin’s 23 journeys is available for purchase from his site.
FUN FACTS ABOUT TINTIN IN THE CONGO
Brought to you by Tintinology
- The ship Tintin sails to the Congo in is called the S.S. Thysville and is a real ship. Named after the Belgium businessman Albert Thys who helped create the Belgium colony in the Congo. The ship was built in 1922 and sailed from Antwerp to the Congo. It was used by the allies during World War II as a troop ship and was scrapped in 1953.
After my son had totally refused to learn to read for years, I tricked him into it with Tintin. On a cross-country air trip, with layovers, I would read him an episode, then say I was too tired. Within 3 months he could and had read them all. But, as this is the USA and Congo is politically incorrect in the extreme, I kept that one back. Maybe when he’s 18, just to round things out.