Tintin: Land of Black Gold by Herge

“Land of Black Gold” is the fifteenth comic book in the series “The Adventures of Tintin,” created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé. The story takes place in the Middle East, where Tintin investigates a series of mysterious explosions at oil refineries.

The story begins with Tintin and his dog Snowy traveling to the fictional country of Khemed, where they meet up with Captain Haddock, who has been working as a volunteer in a hospital. They soon become embroiled in a conspiracy involving a group of international arms dealers who are using a new and highly volatile explosive to sabotage oil production in the region.

As Tintin and his friends work to unravel the plot, they face many dangers and challenges, including gunfights, car chases, and narrow escapes from death. Along the way, they encounter a cast of memorable characters, including a young prince, a sheikh, and a shady oil tycoon.

“Land of Black Gold” is notable for its portrayal of Middle Eastern culture and politics, as well as its exploration of the global oil industry. The book also reflects Hergé’s interest in world events and his desire to use Tintin as a vehicle for social commentary. Despite being completed in the early 1940s, the book was not published until 1950 due to the disruptions of World War II. Hergé later revised and expanded the book in 1971 to reflect changes in the political situation in the Middle East.