The Blue Lotus: The Adventures of Tintin Series by Hergé
Where “The Cigars of the Pharaoh” left off, this adventure picks up. Travelling from India to Shanghai, Tintin. Although the plot is totally fictitious, several of the events, including the Manchurian Railroad bombing, Japan’s withdrawal from the League of Nations, the Japanese occupation, and the American role in the international settlement, are historically genuine. This chapter is kept exciting and amusing by the numerous riddles and close calls that Tintin and Snowy encounter. one of the series’ greatest entries.
The Blue Lotus: The Adventures of Tintin Series by Hergé
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In an earlier Tintin adventure, our youthful reporter faces off against dishonest government officials and opium traffickers in China.
The journey moves smoothly and enthusiastically, never failing to bring a grin to my face. Guns never appear to do more than graze people, villains get headbutted, and Snowy keeps saving the day. Although at times the numerous evil plans can be a little confusing, it’s still a lot of fun. Unfortunately, The Blue Lotus is marred by the casual racial stereotyping that was prevalent in fiction during that time, while being a beautiful example of the kind of simple fun that is difficult to find these days.
Even while it’s not on the same level as Tintin in the Congo and even has a passage in which Tintin criticizes the ignorance of the day’s biases, it can be unsettling to read. Without a doubt, if I were to purchase this for a youngster, I would want to at least give the information some historical context.
Even while it’s not on the same level as Tintin in the Congo and even has a passage in which Tintin criticizes the ignorance of the day’s biases, it can be unsettling to read. The Blue Lotus is arguably his finest. I’m happy to report that Herge’s 1934 (the year of this book’s first printing) depiction of Japan and China is not out of date or culturally problematic, but rather incredibly respectful of the cultures, presenting them in an educational and observant manner, and even having Tintin call out anti-Asian racist stereotyping! Aside from this, the tale is one of Tintin’s adventures that is both complicated and action-packed.
The panels are short and jam-packed with information and some of Herge’s best artwork, and his minimalist style is at its finest. I would want to at least give things some form of historical perspective for a toddler.
