Week One Sara

How does Farr (1991) justify Tintin's appeal to adults?

Michael Farr is evidently an avid Tintin fan. A general theme of his article is the many times he proclaims the "universal appeal" of Herge's work, which enabled it to "transcend fashion, age and nationality"(Farr, 1991). Herge himself said Tintin was intended as reading for "all young people aged from seven to seventy-seven".

This is backed up by the facts of Tintin's popularity; worldwide sales of the Tintin books totaling over 120 million, and translations into more than fifty languages (Farr, 1991). Farr theorises that Tintin appeals to all ages because of the layers incorporated into the books, which, as the best kind of art, can reveal different things to different viewers. Of course, we must not forget that the author, an adult himself, by all accounts had the knowledge and meticulousness of an adult, but the creativity of a child- and would appease both in his stories.

Farr (1991) also outlines the meticulous research that was put into the Tintin books by Herge, which is believed to have brought a real-world quality that contributes to it attracting older readers as well. For me, something like Tintin will not easily die as part of modern consciousness, simply because it promotes an earnest, young and adventurous-at-heart spirit that reaches beyond modern-world cynicism. Full-grown 'kids' can disappear into a meticulously drawn world with no romantic quibbles, and enjoy the good guy always winning with his trademark quiff still in place. The spirit of adventure, and naievity, in Herge's stories remind me of Enid Blyton's Famous Five series, which I still treasure enormously at my age, so I can relate to an adult appreciation of the Tintin books.

References
Farr, M. (1991). Tintin: the complete companion. London: John Murray.