Allan Provokes Haddock – Figurines Tintin La Collection Officielle – 21 – Allan Provoque Haddock

Author: Hergé & Editions Moulinsart
Price: £60.00
Publisher: Editions Moulinsart
Publication date: 2012
Format: Original pictorial boards with passport and figurine
Condition: In new condition
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout

Original pictorial boards. Includes passport loosely inserted. Text in French. Includes the accompanying figurine. One from the collection of 111 books and figurines. The figurine is new in original packaging.

Allan: A Short Biography

Allan Thompson is a recurring antagonist in Hergé’s celebrated comic series The Adventures of Tintin. He is most often referred to simply as “Allan” and serves as a reliable henchman, smuggler, and criminal associate within the stories. His character embodies the unscrupulous, opportunistic side of seafaring life, standing in contrast to Tintin’s integrity and Captain Haddock’s ultimately reforming nature.

Character Profile

Allan is typically portrayed as sly, dishonest, and cowardly. Physically, he is an average-built man with dark hair, often depicted with a small moustache. He tends to wear seaman’s clothing, reinforcing his role as a man of the docks and underworld trade. His manner is untrustworthy, and he lacks the moral courage to resist temptation, being drawn repeatedly into schemes involving smuggling, drug trafficking, and piracy.

Role in the Stories

Allan makes his first appearance in Cigars of the Pharaoh, where he is introduced as a key member of an international drug-smuggling ring. His involvement in narcotics establishes him early on as one of Tintin’s dangerous adversaries.

He returns in The Red Sea Sharks, where his role as a henchman is cemented. Here, Allan is closely associated with the villain Rastapopoulos, serving as his right-hand man and taking part in the illegal trade of enslaved people. This story reveals Allan’s capacity for cruelty and greed, as he is complicit in profoundly inhumane activities.

In The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham’s Treasure, Allan reappears as a shady shipmate who ultimately betrays Tintin and Captain Haddock. His treachery in these volumes highlights his persistent duplicity and underscores his inability to rise above criminal life.

Relationship with Other Characters

Allan’s interactions with Captain Haddock are particularly significant. Both men share a seafaring background, but Haddock evolves into a heroic, loyal companion to Tintin, while Allan remains mired in corruption. Their contrast heightens the moral dimension of the stories, demonstrating that personal choice, rather than circumstance, determines character.

Allan’s loyalty to Rastapopoulos is largely transactional. He admires the gangster’s power but is always motivated by self-interest rather than genuine devotion. In situations where danger looms, Allan consistently displays cowardice, abandoning allies or surrendering quickly when faced with Tintin’s resourcefulness.

Themes and Significance

Allan Thompson functions as a symbol of moral weakness within the Tintin universe. He is not a master villain in his own right, but rather the sort of man who thrives on serving stronger, more ruthless figures. This recurring pattern makes him an archetypal “second-in-command” villain—duplicitous, vicious when empowered, but easily undone by his own failings.

Hergé’s depiction of Allan is grounded in classic adventure fiction tropes: the treacherous sailor, the smuggler who betrays trust, and the cowardly criminal who wilts under pressure. His presence adds texture to the narratives, providing Tintin with a recurring foil who embodies the darker side of maritime adventure.

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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