Tintin: From Violent Communist-Hating Conservative to Radical Peacenik, Part 2

An earlier paper in this journal (Branagan, 2020) discussed the enduring influence of the Tintin comic series, and the worth of analyzing them from an aesthetic viewpoint utilizing a peace studies framework. The paper described the early Tintin adventures as anti-semitic and otherwise racist, misogynistic, fervently anti-communist, violent and implicated in the normalization and legitimization of the Nazi occupation of Belgium. It also demonstrated the development of the Tintin adventures towards more sympathetic and central female characters, growing multi-culturalism, changing attitudes to violence, and increased concern for social justice.

This paper continues to explore the evolution of the Tintin adventures, exposing anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist themes, increasing openmindedness, such as towards the paranormal, and an embracing of elements of the 1960s and 1970s counter-culture, such as liberation, flamboyant fashions, and social justice. It analyzes how Tintin emerges as a complex character and a role model for positive peace. Finally, it notes how these developments are supported by an increasing complexity of other characters and of narrative structures, and more sophisticated art.