42615 – FUSÉE LUNAIRE – FIGURINE PVC 17CM – THE MOON ROCKET – 17CM PVC MODEL

Artist: Hergé
Price: £34 including UK postage
Publisher: Moulinsart
Format: PVC in original cello tube packaging
Condition: Brand new.
Size: 18.5cm including packaging

The Moon Rocket: A Short Account

Origins and Conception

The Moon rocket is one of the most enduring symbols of Hergé’s Adventures of Tintin, appearing in Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon. Conceived during the late 1940s and early 1950s, it predates the real-life Apollo missions by nearly two decades. Hergé’s vision was informed by careful research, including consultation with scientific advisers, ensuring that the rocket was not mere fantasy but a plausible vehicle based on contemporary understanding of rocketry. Its design and narrative role elevated the Tintin series beyond adventure into the realm of speculative science fiction that bordered on prophetic.

Visual Design

The rocket’s visual identity is instantly recognisable: a sleek, elongated form tapering to a point, supported by three stabilising fins. Its distinctive red-and-white chequered pattern is both a stylistic flourish and a practical device within the graphic format, ensuring clarity against lunar landscapes and night skies. The pattern has since become iconic, influencing visual culture well beyond the comics, and establishing the rocket as a design classic in its own right.

Technical Features

Hergé imagined the Moon rocket as a nuclear-powered spacecraft, a daring and ambitious concept for its time. Its propulsion system, crew compartments, and life-support features were depicted with meticulous detail. Inside, the rocket contained living quarters, control rooms, and equipment necessary for a long-duration mission, demonstrating Hergé’s concern with scientific credibility. The inclusion of padded interiors and clear control panels reflected not only technical thoughtfulness but also a sensitivity to human comfort and safety.

Narrative Role

In Destination Moon, the rocket represents aspiration and preparation, with much of the story devoted to its construction, testing, and the challenges faced by Professor Calculus and his team. In Explorers on the Moon, it becomes the setting for both triumph and tension: Tintin and his companions’ historic lunar landing, and the ensuing struggle for survival. The rocket is more than a vehicle; it is the crucible of the narrative, containing scenes of heroism, danger, and ethical conflict.

Symbolism

The Moon rocket symbolises humanity’s drive to transcend earthly limits. It embodies scientific ingenuity, courage, and the pursuit of knowledge. Within the Tintin canon, it marks a transition from adventures rooted in earthbound travel to those that stretch the imagination to its furthest horizon. Its permanence in the series’ iconography lies in this dual role: simultaneously an object of technological wonder and a metaphor for human aspiration.

Cultural Context

When Hergé introduced the rocket, the real-world space race had not yet begun in earnest. The Soviet Union had not launched Sputnik, and the United States had yet to commit to manned lunar exploration. For readers of the early 1950s, Tintin’s voyage to the Moon felt revolutionary. Hergé’s depiction not only anticipated later developments but also shaped popular imagination about space travel, inspiring generations of readers to see the Moon as a reachable destination.

Visual and Emotional Impact

The imagery of the rocket on the launchpad, towering above Marlinspike Hall’s secret base, carries both drama and awe. The act of launch, the silence of space, and the stark beauty of the lunar surface are all heightened by the rocket’s presence. Its sleek form and bold colour scheme make it one of the most recognisable objects in the entire Tintin universe, resonating with readers long after the story’s conclusion.

Legacy

The Moon rocket remains one of the greatest achievements of Hergé’s imagination. It is more than an element of a storyline: it is a cultural artefact that bridges the worlds of fiction and scientific ambition. Today, it is celebrated in model form, exhibitions, and as a design motif that continues to influence how space travel is depicted in popular media. For many, the red-and-white rocket is inseparable from the dream of lunar exploration itself.

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 the Second World War.

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

• The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham’s Treasure: A swashbuckling treasure hunt.
• The Calculus Affair: A Cold War espionage thriller.
• The Blue Lotus: A gripping story set in China, highlighting Hergé’s anti-imperialist stance.
• Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon: Ground-breaking science fiction.
• 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 treasured 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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