Comic Genre: Tintin

Do you think comics are a children's or adult genre/media? How does Farr (1991) justify Tintin's appeal to adults? 

I feel that the Comic genre can be subjectively appreciated by a wide range of viewers/readers that include both adults and children. Although stereotypical schema may suggest otherwise, the simplistic vibrancy of the visual narrative enjoyed by children, can hold great depth of connotative meaning, appreciated by adults. Thus, broadening the viewers/readers. 

The comic, specifically looking at Herge The Adventures of Tintin appeals to children for many reasons. The visual imagery excites a young audience, with colourful cartoons and characters, who both admirable and reflective of the audience. The narrative can be understood in an almost jig-saw structure which provokes further interest. Linguistically, the story is exciting and fast paced, with slapstick humour exaggerated. The heroic protagonist defeating the bad guy.

The characters in the text are relatable and may reflect the reader personally. The character of Tintin personifies a boy scout, reflective of Herge's passions. Snowy the dog, who although only barks seems to be able to communicate with Tintin. Human characterisation in animals is widely seen in children's media and is why I think stereotypical schema may suggest the comic genre is directed towards children. Although this leads me to my next point, this animal to human relationship has been explored in widely popular adult media such as films like Anchorman 1 and 2, where the lead protagonist Ron Burgundy has a faithful canine companion Baxter. They communicate to each other in human conversation and their loving relationship explored through subtitles.

In terms of the Comic genre, the The Adventures of Tintin appeal to adults especially those who relax with escapism; engaging in fantasy life. Yet there is greater interest due to the meticulous fine detail and the thought out approach to constructing the story. Herge created compelling authenticity based on his in depth research of setting, culture, people and place in the story. This created more of a wider following, those looking for light hearted relief about current events. There is a pull to watch things current to your environment and at the time where the world was quite unsettled, Tintin comics would have initially provided a comic relief to a range of adults about things that may not have been considered funny. The satire genre storyline in combination with a visual narration that not only reflected an authentic image of the world, but reflected stereotypes and cliches. This often verged on caricatures, exaggerated impressions for a comic that were sometimes for a grotesque effect.

As Herge created such a broad appeal in such a historical phase in the world where the events Tintin explored maintain well known. The text is self generating in the way it is written so that the adventures can be re-written and re-enjoyed. The reader may pick up on visual, linguistic or narrative clues that was previously overlooked. Therefore creating a timelessness for the media. Herge The Adventures of Tintin can be passed down through generations, read at story times, creating an limitless appeal.




Reference List: 
1) Hergé. (2005; 1935). The Adventures of Tintin: The Blue Lotus. London: Methuen.

2) Farr, Michael. (1991). Introduction. In Tintin: the complete companion (pp.8-9). London: John Murray.

3) Farr, Michael. (1991). The Blue Lotus. In Tintin: the complete companion (pp.50-59). London: John Murray.

4) Said, E. (1977) Orientalism. In Ashcroft, B. Griffiths, G. & Tiffin, H. (Ed.), The Post- colonial Studies Reader (pp. 87-91). London: Routledge.

5)Varnum, R. & Gibbons, C. (Eds.). (2001). Introduction. In The Language of Comics: word and image (pp.ix-xix). Jackson: University Press of Mississippi.