Tintin: The Blue Lotus by Herge

“The Blue Lotus” is the fifth comic book in the series “The Adventures of Tintin,” created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé. The story takes place in 1930s Shanghai, China, where Tintin becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Japanese and the Chinese, centered around the production and distribution of a drug called “the blue lotus.”

The story begins with Tintin meeting his friend, the Chinese boy Chang Chong-Chen, who is falsely accused of espionage and hunted by the Japanese secret police. Tintin sets out to clear Chang’s name and uncover the truth behind the blue lotus drug, which is causing widespread addiction and devastation in China.

As Tintin delves deeper into the conspiracy, he faces danger and betrayal at every turn. He encounters a variety of characters, including a corrupt businessman, a spy ring, and a criminal gang. With the help of Chang and other allies, Tintin uncovers the plot to control China’s drug trade and stop the spread of the blue lotus.

“The Blue Lotus” is notable for its realistic portrayal of China and its culture, and for its condemnation of the Japanese invasion of China in the 1930s. Hergé extensively researched Chinese culture and history for the story, and his depiction of China and its people has been praised for its accuracy and respectfulness. The book is widely considered one of Hergé’s finest works and a masterpiece of the comic book medium.