Tintin: A Classic Comic That Captivates Readers and Collectors Worldwide

The origins and development of Tintin

The Belgian artist Georges Remi, better known by his pen name Hergé, created the character Tintin in 1929. Tintin’s first adventure, Tintin in the Land of the Soviets, was published as a black-and-white serialized comic and tackled contemporary political themes. Early Tintin albums, such as Tintin in the Congo and Tintin in America, were simple and featured stereotypes, as Hergé had not yet begun conducting in-depth research. Starting in 1934, Tintin’s stories became more sophisticated, with The Blue Lotus (1936) marking a turning point. Hergé’s collaboration with a Chinese student introduced realism and cultural accuracy to his work.

During World War II, Tintin albums were condensed to 62 pages, and Hergé worked with Edgar P. Jacobs to revamp earlier stories, adding color and modern elements. Tintin’s universe also expanded with new characters such as Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus, and the detective twins Thomson and Thompson. In total, Hergé created 23 Tintin albums, with the final complete story, Tintin and the Picaros, released in 1976. The unfinished Tintin and Alph-Art was published posthumously in sketch form.

Tintin in Finland

In Finland, Tintin was initially known as “Tim” when it appeared in 1955 in the Radiolehti supplement. The first albums were published by WSOY in 1961, but their sales were modest. Tintin’s major breakthrough came in the 1970s when Otava released the entire series in softcover editions and reintroduced earlier WSOY albums. This increased accessibility made Tintin a favorite among Finnish readers.

Otava later published new editions, including black-and-white versions in the 2010s that featured the original 100+ page formats. Additionally, newer hardcover editions were released in chronological order, making it easier for readers to follow the series as intended.

Tintin albums as collectibles

For decades, Tintin has been a highly sought-after collectible. While the entire series is readily available as reprints in bookstores, assembling a collection of first editions is more challenging, especially in pristine condition. The first four hardcover albums published by WSOY are relatively common in worn condition, with prices ranging from €50 to €100 each. In fine condition, their prices can exceed €150. Otava’s 1970s softcover editions are harder to find in good shape due to their fragile binding, with prices for mint-condition copies ranging from €50 to several hundred euros.

The first ten albums in the series are particularly difficult to find without cover damage. For example, a pristine copy of the first album can sell for several hundred euros, while a slightly worn copy may cost €50. Albums 2–4 in fine condition are valued at €100–200 each, while lightly damaged versions sell for less. The prices for albums 5–10 range from €50–100 in mint condition and €5–10 for worn copies. The remaining albums generally cost €10–50 for first editions in good condition.

The unnumbered compilation The Seven Crystal Balls – Prisoners of the Sun (1975) is a rare collector’s item, with pristine copies valued at €100–200. Meanwhile, Tintin reprints are widely available for €5–10 each, with slightly higher prices for early 1970s second editions. Otava’s black-and-white hardcover editions from 2015–2018 remain available in bookstores for €15–25, while used copies can be purchased for €10–15.

A rich historical Journey

The Tintin comic series is a fascinating collectible and reading experience, offering insights into 20th-century history, from the 1920s through significant global events such as moon exploration and South American guerilla warfare in the 1970s.

This article was originally published in issue 3/2023 of Keräilyuutiset. You can subscribe to Keräilyuutiset via the online store at stamps.fi.