Just in time to prepare for the theatrical release of Tintin, Shout Factory has released The Aventures of Tintin: Season One. Tintin began as a Belgian comic strip in the late 1920s and later evolved into a series of graphic novels. Translated into 80 languages and published in over 50 countries, Tintin is known the world over. In 1991, Nelvana Enerprises adapted cartoon artist Hergé's creation along with all the memorable characters.
Joining Tintin on his crazy adventures is his faithful dog Snowy, Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and the clumsy and bumbling detectives, Thompson and Thompson. For a television animated series, the show didn't shy away from some of the more mature subject matters such as murder, drug traficking, guns, politics and drinking.
While I haven't read all of Tintin's original adventures, I do have several and followed along while watching the corresponding episodes. For the most part, the animated series stayed true to the original material. It was surprising to see the specific mention of the smuggling of opium or the details of the Japanese/Chinese political conflict. It was also unexpected to see a character brandishing a sword and chase after Tintin while saying, "I'll cut off your head!"
== TEASER ==Despite the inclusion of these matters, it's still a show suitable for all ages. Watching the show with my eight-year-old daughter, she was immediately delighted to see the characters 'come alive' having read some of the original graphic novels herself. Tintin is a likable character, Snowy is cute and resourceful and of course Thompson and Thompson are always good for comedic relief.
Each episode is full of big adventure and the stories take Tintin all over the globe. Action, adventure, suspense, mystery and laughs, what more could you ask for?
There are thirteen episodes contained on this two-disc release.
- The Crab with the Golden Claws, Parts 1 & 2
- The Secret of the Unicorn, Parts 1 & 2
- Red Rackham's Treasure
- Cigars of the Pharaoh, Parts 1 & 2
- The Blue Lotus, Parts 1 & 2
- The Black Island, Parts 1 & 2
- The Calculus Affair, Parts 1 & 2
As you can see, most episodes are two parts but many have continuing elements that carry over into later episodes. This adds to the big feel of the overall story and adventures. The movie due to hit theaters next month actual ly draws its story from 'The Secret of the Unicorn' and 'Red Rackham's Treasure.' If you've read those stories, seen the episodes or even the trailer for the movie, you know it's going to be a grand adventure.
Be prepared to get this theme song stuck in your head:
Each episode is ambitious but manages to keep things simple. The animation is a nice fit and the voice acting compliments the stories. There might be some elements that people might deem slightly offensive or stereotypical but it's great to see that the show doesn't shy away from the original source material. The changes I mentioned in the episodes I have the graphic novels for were more to make the action and dialogue flow smoother.
The thirteen episodes and nearly five hours of content along with the suggest retail price of $19.93 (which means you can find it cheaper at certain places) makes this an excellent buy. This collection can be enjoyed by the die hard Tintin fan as well as newer fans getting to know the characters for the first time. With the theatrical release of the movie, this would make the perfect gift for yourself or someone in your life. It's in stores November 22, so be on the look out and get ready for some fun times.
Here are some other clips to get an idea what is waiting for you. Bottom line, it's a great show.
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