42187 MILOU COSMONAUTE – FIGURINE RESINE 12CM – SNOWY ASTRONAUT – 12CM RESIN FIGURE

Artist: Hergé
Price: £32 including UK postage
Publisher: Moulinsart
Format: Resin in original cello tube packaging
Condition: Brand new.
Size: 18.5cm including packaging

DESTINATION MOON: A SHORT DESCRIPTION

Destination Moon (Objectif Lune) is the 16th volume of The Adventures of Tintin series by Hergé, first published in 1953. It serves as the first part of a two-volume story arc, leading into Explorers on the Moon, and is one of the most scientifically detailed and ambitious works in the series. This volume focuses on the preparation and challenges involved in launching Tintin and his companions on a pioneering mission to the Moon.

Synopsis

The story begins with Tintin, Captain Haddock, and Snowy visiting Professor Calculus at the Sprodj Atomic Research Centre in Syldavia. Calculus reveals his ambitious project: building a rocket capable of taking humans to the Moon. The narrative follows the meticulous planning, construction, and testing of the rocket, while Tintin and his friends face sabotage and espionage from mysterious adversaries.

Key Characters

• Tintin: The ever-resourceful protagonist, deeply involved in unraveling threats to the mission.
• Captain Haddock: Initially skeptical of the Moon mission, he provides both comic relief and unwavering support.
• Professor Calculus (Cuthbert): The mastermind behind the Moon project, showcasing his brilliance and determination.
• Snowy: Tintin’s loyal dog, who is both a comfort and a source of light-hearted moments.
• Frank Wolff: A key member of the scientific team, responsible for the project’s technical operations.
• Colonel Boris Jorgen: An undercover saboteur posing as an ally, working to disrupt the mission.

Plot Highlights

1. Arrival in Syldavia:
   • Tintin and Haddock are astonished by the scale of the project at the Sprodj Atomic Research Centre, located in a remote and heavily guarded mountainous region.
2. Tour of the Facility:
   • Calculus gives a detailed tour of the centre, including the nuclear reactor powering the rocket and the construction of the Moon rocket itself.
   • Haddock’s incredulity and fear of space travel add humour to the otherwise serious tone.
3. Sabotage Attempts:
   • The mission faces numerous threats, including espionage and attempts to destroy the rocket. Tintin uncovers a network of spies and thwarts their efforts.
4. Rocket Tests:
   • The team conducts a series of dramatic tests, including a dangerous experiment with a scaled-down version of the rocket.
   • Calculus’ determination shines through, even when faced with setbacks and near disasters.
5. Launch Preparations:
   • The story builds tension as the countdown to the Moon mission begins. The rocket, equipped with groundbreaking technology, is finally completed.

Themes

1. Scientific Innovation:
   • Hergé emphasizes the complexity and ambition of space exploration, showcasing the ingenuity of human achievement.
   • The inclusion of nuclear energy as the rocket’s power source reflects the era’s fascination with atomic technology.
2. Espionage and Sabotage:
   • The story highlights the geopolitical tensions of the time, with rival powers attempting to steal or sabotage scientific advancements.
3. Courage and Teamwork:
   • The mission requires immense bravery and collaboration from all involved, with Tintin and his friends uniting to overcome challenges.

Humour and Drama

• Haddock’s reluctance to embrace the mission provides plenty of comedic moments, such as his amusing mishaps with zero-gravity simulations.
• The suspense of the espionage subplot and the technical challenges of the rocket tests create a gripping narrative.

Significance

1. Pioneering Science Fiction:
   • Destination Moon was published 16 years before the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Hergé’s depiction of space travel is remarkably accurate for its time, based on extensive research and consultation with scientists.
2. Thematic Depth:
   • The story reflects post-war optimism about technological progress while addressing the fears of nuclear power and international conflict.
3. Visual Realism:
   • Hergé’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the realistic design of the Moon rocket, the research facility, and the technical equipment.

Connection to “Explorers on the Moon”

• Destination Moon sets the stage for the historic Moon landing featured in the next volume. It ends with the team preparing for launch, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the continuation of the adventure.

Destination Moon is a masterclass in blending science fiction with realism, combining Hergé’s artistic genius with a compelling narrative.

EXPLORERS ON THE MOON: A SHORT DESCRIPTION

Explorers on the Moon (On a marché sur la Lune) is the 17th volume of The Adventures of Tintin series by Hergé, first published in 1954. It is the sequel to Destination Moon and chronicles Tintin and his companions’ extraordinary journey to the Moon, making it one of the most scientifically significant and thrilling stories in the series.

Synopsis

The story picks up from Destination Moon, where Tintin, Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus, and Snowy are aboard the experimental moon rocket designed by Calculus. Along with them are engineer Frank Wolff and an unexpected stowaway, the villainous Colonel Jorgen. This volume follows their journey to the Moon, their exploration of its surface, and their perilous return to Earth.

Key Characters

• Tintin: The quick-witted and resourceful protagonist who leads the group through danger.
• Captain Haddock: Tintin’s loyal but often irascible companion, who struggles with adapting to space travel.
• Professor Calculus (Cuthbert): The brilliant scientist behind the Moon rocket, providing much of the technical insight.
• Snowy: Tintin’s ever-faithful dog, who experiences the Moon in his own curious way.
• Frank Wolff: A dedicated but secretive engineer who plays a significant role in the rocket’s operation.
• Colonel Jorgen: A stowaway intent on sabotaging the mission for his own nefarious purposes.

Plot Highlights

1. The Journey to the Moon:
   • The story begins with the launch of the Moon rocket, which successfully escapes Earth’s atmosphere.
   • Tensions arise as the crew adjusts to zero gravity, with Haddock providing comic relief as he struggles with his new environment.
2. Discovery of a Stowaway:
   • The crew discovers Jorgen, who was smuggled aboard with plans to hijack the rocket. After a dramatic struggle, Tintin manages to subdue him, but the incident creates additional dangers for the mission.
3. Landing on the Moon:
   • Tintin becomes the first human to set foot on the Moon. The depiction of the lunar surface is detailed and awe-inspiring, reflecting Hergé’s meticulous research.
   • The crew conducts scientific experiments and explores the Moon’s landscape, including a dramatic descent into a lunar cave.
4. Challenges and Sabotage:
   • Jorgen attempts another act of sabotage, endangering the crew’s return to Earth. Wolff’s loyalty is tested, as he ultimately sacrifices himself to save the others.
5. Return to Earth:
   • The journey back is fraught with challenges, including limited oxygen supplies, forcing the crew to ration their breath.
   • After overcoming these hurdles, the rocket lands safely, marking the successful completion of their historic mission.

Themes

1. Scientific Exploration:
   • The story reflects the spirit of discovery and the excitement surrounding space exploration in the 1950s.
   • Hergé incorporates realistic depictions of space travel, based on consultation with experts.
2. Courage and Sacrifice:
   • Wolff’s tragic sacrifice highlights themes of redemption and selflessness.
   • The crew’s resilience underscores the human capacity to overcome adversity.
3. Teamwork and Friendship:
   • The bond between the characters strengthens as they rely on one another to survive the mission’s dangers.

Humour and Drama

• Haddock’s antics, such as bringing whiskey aboard and clumsily floating in zero gravity, provide comic relief amidst the tension.
• The thrilling encounters with Jorgen and the race against dwindling oxygen supplies keep readers on edge.

Significance

1. Scientific Accuracy:
   • Hergé’s detailed research resulted in a story that predates the actual Moon landing by 15 years, making it remarkably visionary.
   • The depiction of space travel, weightlessness, and lunar exploration is scientifically grounded for its time.
2. Cultural Impact:
   • The story captivated readers worldwide, inspiring interest in space exploration and influencing perceptions of the Moon.
3. Character Development:
   • Haddock’s vulnerability in space contrasts with his usual bravado, while Wolff emerges as a tragic, layered figure.

Explorers on the Moon is not only a thrilling adventure but also a profound exploration of humanity’s quest for knowledge and survival in uncharted territory.

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: A SHORT DESCRIPTION

The Adventures of Tintin is a globally renowned comic book series created by Belgian artist Georges Remi, better known as Hergé. First appearing in 1929, the series chronicles the exploits of Tintin, a young, intrepid reporter, and his loyal fox terrier, Snowy. Spanning 24 albums, The Adventures of Tintin is a masterpiece of storytelling and art, blending mystery, humour, action, and social commentary.

Main Elements of the Series

1. The Protagonist: Tintin

Tintin is a young journalist, although his reporting work often takes a back seat to his daring escapades. He is intelligent, resourceful, and morally upright, embodying the classic hero archetype. While his backstory is largely unexplored, his courage and quick thinking define his character. Tintin’s ability to adapt to diverse cultures and situations reflects his universal appeal.

2. Snowy (Milou)

Snowy is Tintin’s loyal and witty canine companion. While mostly providing comic relief, Snowy often plays a crucial role in saving Tintin from peril. His love for bones and occasional lapses into self-serving behaviour make him an endearing character.

3. Recurring Characters

Hergé created a rich supporting cast, each with distinct personalities:

• Captain Haddock: Tintin’s best friend and a sea captain known for his colourful vocabulary and love of whisky. His emotional outbursts provide comic relief, but he is also brave and dependable.
• Professor Calculus (Professeur Tournesol): A brilliant but absent-minded scientist, often at the centre of the series’ technological inventions and comic misunderstandings.
• Thomson and Thompson (Dupond et Dupont): Identical-looking detectives whose clumsiness contrasts with their self-perceived competence.
• Bianca Castafiore: The “Milanese Nightingale,” an opera singer whose dramatic flair and piercing voice often unsettle Haddock.
• Villains and Adversaries: Memorable antagonists like Rastapopoulos, Allan, and Colonel Sponsz drive many of the series’ conflicts.

Themes and Settings

1. Global Adventures

The series takes Tintin across the globe—from the bustling streets of Europe to the deserts of the Middle East, the jungles of South America, the snowy Himalayas, and even the Moon. Hergé’s meticulous research ensures each setting is rendered with authenticity.

2. Mystery and Intrigue

Most of Tintin’s adventures involve solving mysteries, unravelling conspiracies, or battling criminal networks. Stories like The Secret of the Unicorn and The Calculus Affair showcase intricate plots with twists and suspense.

3. Humour and Satire

Hergé incorporates humour through character interactions, situational comedy, and satirical depictions of contemporary politics and society. For example, The Blue Lotus critiques Western imperialism and King Ottokar’s Sceptre foreshadows the political tensions leading to World War II.

4. Science and Exploration

Hergé’s fascination with technology is evident in albums like Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon, where he combines scientific accuracy with imaginative storytelling. These stories reflect the spirit of discovery prevalent during the 20th century.

Art Style: The Ligne Claire

Hergé’s signature “ligne claire” (clear line) style is characterised by precise lines, bold colours, and detailed backgrounds. This approach ensures that the action is easy to follow while maintaining a high level of visual storytelling. The meticulous attention to detail extends to vehicles, architecture, and clothing, enhancing the realism of Tintin’s world.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

• Universal Appeal: Tintin’s adventures have been translated into over 70 languages, making the series a cornerstone of global comic literature.
• Adaptations: The series has inspired animated TV shows, radio dramas, and the 2011 Steven Spielberg-directed film The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn.
• Influence: Hergé’s work has influenced generations of artists and writers, elevating the comic medium to a sophisticated form of art and storytelling.
• Controversy: Some early albums, like Tintin in the Congo, reflect the colonial attitudes of the time and have drawn criticism for outdated racial stereotypes. Hergé later revised his approach, as seen in culturally sensitive works like The Blue Lotus.

Notable Works In The Series

1. The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham’s Treasure: A swashbuckling treasure hunt.
2. The Calculus Affair: A Cold War espionage thriller.
3. The Blue Lotus: A gripping story set in China, highlighting Hergé’s anti-imperialist stance.
4. Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon: Ground-breaking science fiction.
5. The Black Island: A classic mystery with a British setting.

Enduring Appeal

The combination of Tintin’s heroic spirit, Hergé’s masterful art, and the series’ blend of humour, adventure, and cultural awareness make The Adventures of Tintin timeless. It continues to captivate readers of all ages, embodying the thrill of exploration and the universal struggle between good and evil.

HORNSEYS: A DESTINATION FOR TINTIN MEMORABILIA

Since 1976, Hornseys has established itself as a trusted source for collectors and enthusiasts seeking unique and eclectic items. Our commitment to quality and authenticity has earned us a reputation for excellence. Among our most collections is our extensive range of products related to Hergé’s iconic series, “The Adventures of Tintin”. This beloved series, which has captivated audiences for decades, is celebrated through our carefully curated selection of rare first edition books and exquisitely crafted 1/24 scale model cars, figures, and resin models. All of these items are available to view in our Ripon gallery.

WHY BUY FROM US?

At Hornseys, we only offer items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our inventory is carefully curated to ensure each piece is authentic and of high quality.

HERE’S WHAT SETS US APART

Authenticity and Provenance: Every item is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
Expert Curation: Each item is selected with a keen eye for historical significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, items may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION

Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and antique prints, posters, models and photographs. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a unique historical piece, our selection offers something truly exceptional. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art enthusiasts, historians, and collectors since 1976.

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