Tintin: The Blue Lotus by Herge

“The Blue Lotus” is the fifth book in the Tintin series, written and illustrated by Belgian cartoonist Hergé. It was first serialized in Le Petit Vingtième from August 1934 to October 1935 and was later published in book form in 1936.

The story takes place in Shanghai, China, and follows Tintin as he investigates the opium trade and uncovers a web of corruption and intrigue. Along the way, he meets several memorable characters, including the Chinese boy Chang Chong-Chen, who becomes a close friend and ally.

The book was praised for its accurate portrayal of China and its culture, as well as its strong anti-drug message. It also marked a turning point in Hergé’s career, as he became more interested in creating realistic and well-researched stories.

“The Blue Lotus” has since become one of the most popular Tintin books and is considered a classic of the series. It has been translated into dozens of languages and has been adapted into several different forms of media, including a television series and a video game.