This flagship album of the adventures of Tintin, considered one of Hergé’s masterpieces, will reappear in January in its original but longer and more colorful version.
The Blue Lotusthe album that marked a turning point in the adventures of Tintin, will reappear in January in its original version, longer, but this time colourful, Casterman editions announced on Monday.
Today’s readers are familiar with the 64-page color version, revised by Hergé in 1946, following Casterman’s decision in 1942 to reduce the layout and switch to four-color printing.
However, this famous adventure of the Belgian reporter in China appeared for the first time, in full, “in the form of a 124-page black-and-white album published by Casterman in 1936”, recalls the publisher. It had been pre-published in the newspaper Le Petit Vingtième between August 1934 and October 1935.
“Rediscover this album in a new color palette”
The Blue Lotus is Tintin’s fifth album. It’s only from the tenth, The mysterious starthat Hergé will limit himself to 62 or 64 pages.
“The fifth title of the colorful collection of original albums published in the 1930s, this edition allows you to rediscover this iconic album in a palette of new colors, whose shades particularly enhance the night scenes, thus revealing the intensity of the action and the beauty of the cartoons,” Casterman said in a statement.
The Blue Lotus it is indeed considered one of Hergé’s masterpieces. The Belgian designer therefore begins to establish more of a romantic mystery than to describe a succession of adventures, and makes his protagonist less of a picaresque hero than an investigator, here endowed with a political conscience.
Hergé was in this case strongly influenced by a friend, a Chinese student at the royal Academy of Fine arts in Brussels, Tchang Tchong-Jen, who described to him the harmful effects of foreign struggles for influence in China, as well as giving him an artistic contribution advice.
A biography, Tchang Tchong-Jen traveling artistsigned by the daughter of this designer, Tchang Yifei, and by a Tintin specialist, Dominique Maricq, it appears in the Casterman and Moulinsart editions on the same day as this new edition of blue LotusJanuary 8.
What are the key differences between the original and re-released versions of The Blue Lotus?
Interview with Dominique Maricq: Rediscovering the Masterpiece of Tintin – The Blue Lotus
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dominique Maricq, expert in the realm of Tintin and co-author of the upcoming biography on Tchang Tchong-Jen. We are thrilled to discuss the re-release of The Blue Lotus in its original, longer, and more colorful version set for January.
dominique Maricq: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to delve into such an iconic work and its significance in the Tintin legacy.
Time.news Editor: The declaration from Casterman Editions reveals that The Blue Lotus will be making its debut in a longer, full-color format. Can you share why this re-release is especially special for both old and new readers?
Dominique Maricq: Absolutely! This re-release is notable because it restores the original 124-page narrative that Hergé envisioned, which was drastically shortened in 1946. Today’s readers are familiar with the revised 64-page version, but this new edition allows fans to immerse themselves fully in the complexity and depth of the story. Additionally, the vibrant new color palette accentuates night scenes and brings the adventure to life in ways that previous editions simply couldn’t achieve.
time.news Editor: The history behind The Blue Lotus is also captivating. It marked a turning point in Tintin’s character advancement, moving from a picaresque hero to an investigator with a political conscience. How do you believe Hergé’s friendship with Tchang Tchong-Jen influenced this shift?
Dominique Maricq: Hergé’s relationship with Tchang Tchong-Jen was indeed a pivotal factor. Tchang not only provided a wealth of cultural context about China, but also challenged Hergé’s perspective on foreign interventions. This interaction led Hergé to approach his storytelling with greater depth, embedding a sense of political awareness within Tintin’s adventures. The Blue Lotus became more than just a series of escapades; it evolved into a narrative that encourages readers to reflect on real-world issues.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that this version enhances elements like the intensity of the action. Can you elaborate on the artistic changes in this edition and what readers might expect visually?
Dominique Maricq: Certainly! The new colorization, designed to better reflect Hergé’s original artistic vision, enriches the entire visual experience. The hues have been carefully chosen to elevate the mood, particularly during the suspenseful night scenes. Readers can expect a more vibrant interplay of colors that enhances both the emotional and aesthetic qualities of the artwork, making the reading experience feel fresh and dynamic.
Time.news Editor: With the impending release of The Blue lotus, accompanied by your biography of Tchang Tchong-Jen, what are some insights you hope readers will take away from both the comic and the biography?
Dominique Maricq: I hope readers will grasp the depth of collaboration and cultural exchange that shapes The Blue Lotus.The biography aims to shed light on Tchang’s significant artistic contributions and personal impacts on Hergé as well. Moreover, I want readers to appreciate how this particular Tintin adventure reflects broader themes of cultural sensitivity and political awareness. Both the comic and the biography encourage a dialog about representation and responsibility in storytelling.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, for readers eager to dive into this re-released masterpiece, what practical advice can you offer to enhance their reading experience?
Dominique Maricq: I recommend reading The Blue Lotus while keeping in mind the historical and cultural context. Before or after reading, consider exploring background materials on early 20th-century China and the relationship between Western interests and Eastern nations. Engaging with Tchang’s biography will also offer a richer understanding of the nuances Hergé captured.It’s a journey worth taking, not just into a thrilling story, but into meaningful discourse.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dominique, for sharing your insights. The re-release of The Blue Lotus is certainly an exciting event for tintin enthusiasts and new readers alike.
Dominique Maricq: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how both new and longtime fans receive this updated classic.