Tintin: The Blue Lotus by Herge

“Tintin: The Blue Lotus” is one of the iconic comic albums in the adventures of the fictional Belgian reporter Tintin, created by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé (the pen name of Georges Remi). It was first serialized in black and white in 1934 and 1935 and later published as a full-color album in 1936.

The story of “The Blue Lotus” is set in the early 1930s, primarily in Shanghai and various parts of China. Tintin, along with his loyal dog Snowy, travels to China to report on the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. While there, he gets involved in a complex and thrilling series of events centered around the theft of a priceless blue lotus artifact from the fictional Chinese character, Mr. Wang Chen-Yee.

Throughout the adventure, Tintin teams up with old friends such as Captain Haddock and new allies, including Chang Chong-Chen, a young Chinese boy. Together, they embark on a mission to uncover a drug trafficking ring and confront the antagonistic Mitsuhirato, who is involved in the opium trade and other criminal activities.

“The Blue Lotus” showcases Hergé’s meticulous research and attention to detail in depicting the political and social realities of the time, particularly focusing on the Sino-Japanese relations and the tensions between China and Japan. Hergé was determined to accurately portray the Chinese culture and address the prejudice and stereotypes prevalent in contemporary European views.

The album stands out for its engaging storytelling, humor, and beautiful illustrations, as well as its portrayal of Tintin as a brave, intelligent, and compassionate protagonist. It is often regarded as one of the most significant and influential albums in the Tintin series, and it has received critical acclaim for its cultural sensitivity and artistic excellence.