Tintin in the Land of the Soviets

Published from 1929 to 1930, Tintin in the Land of the Soviets is the debut of the iconic Belgian reporter and his trusty Fox Terrier, Snowy, from cartoonist Hergé and published in the Le Vingtieme Siecle newspaper. The story centers on reporter Tintin being sent to the Soviet Union to write about life in the newly formed communist country. Unfortunately for the reporter and his trusted dog, the Soviet secret police intends to kill them at every opportunity the get. Tintin's train gets bombed, and while he survives they get arrested only for them to escape and try any way to get through the communist country, evading the authorities as he meets with the people who are disparaged by them. Eventually, Tintin heads back to Belgium all the while preventing the Soviets from planning explosions throughout Europe's capitals. While I was always aware of Tintin through the animated shows, the Spielberg 2011 film, and other works that pay homage or reference the franchise, this is the first time I've ever read any of Hergé's signature work. I am aware that this is way different from the later entries of the series, having a very quick random events like plot with crude and colorless artwork. Nonetheless it's a fun story with the many outlandish things that happen to Tintin and Snowy kinda endearing and seeing the introductory story is always good so as to see how it eventually evolves. That being said, the writing isn't terrible but it's rather rudimentary and dated, mainly due being made as anti-communist propaganda and portraying the Soviet Union in an over the top way through its corruption and violence. It doesn't help that Hergé, who usually does a lot of research for his works, based most of the writing on a book from a diplomat. Yes, the artwork is a bit crude, not very detailed, and in black and white, but some of that is a bit charming considering when it was made. Some of the Soviet generals have similar looks but Tintin and Snowy's designs still retain their iconic looks despite how early it is for them. For being rushed, it doesn't look that great but it isn't terrible and you can tell what's going on most of the time. Every long running series has to start somewhere, whether with a strong or weak intro, and Tintin in the Land of the Soviets is about right in the middle as though it's fun it's datedness and rushed work is evident. Over all: 98%

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