The Adventures Of Tintin – The Shooting Star – First Edition – 1961

Author: Hergé
Price: £245.00
Publisher: Methuen, London, UK
Publication date: 1961
Format: Original cloth-backed boards with pictorial endpapers
Condition: Very good plus
Size: 23.2cm x 30.7cm
Pages: 62
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout in colour by the author

Description:

Published by Methuen, London, UK, 1961. 1st UK edition. Original cloth-backed boards. Pictorial endpapers. Size: 23.2cm x 30.7cm. Pp. 62. Illustrated throughout in colour by the author. Binding nice and tight. Minor age-toning to the pages. Boards slightly rubbed. Very slight rubbing to the spine and edges of the boards with very slight fading to the spine. A very good plus, tight, bright, clean copy.

‘The Shooting Star’: A Brief Summary

The Shooting Star, first published in 1942 in French, is the tenth volume in Hergé’s The Adventures of Tintin. Unlike many Tintin stories that focus on political intrigue or criminal conspiracies, this volume is rooted in science and natural phenomena, though it maintains suspense and competition. It tells the tale of Tintin’s involvement in a scientific expedition to recover a fragment of a meteorite, blending adventure with moments of humour and mystery.

The Falling Star

The adventure begins with Tintin observing the night sky alongside Professor Phostle, an astronomer. They witness an enormous star streaking across the heavens, which is soon revealed to be a meteorite on a collision course with Earth. Panic spreads, as many fear an imminent apocalypse. Although the Earth is spared from direct impact, the meteorite plunges into the Arctic Ocean, leaving behind a fragment of rare metal believed to possess extraordinary properties.

The Race for the Meteorite

News of the meteorite’s fall sparks international rivalry. Two expeditions are quickly organised: one led by Professor Phostle with support from European institutions, and another financed by an unscrupulous business syndicate determined to claim the find for themselves. Tintin, joined by Captain Haddock and Snowy, volunteers for Phostle’s team, setting the stage for a race to the Arctic.

Journey North

Tintin and Haddock travel aboard the trawler Aurora, commanded by Captain Haddock. Their voyage northward is fraught with challenges, including sabotage attempts by their rivals, mechanical difficulties, and hazardous weather. Hergé carefully builds tension while balancing it with comic relief, particularly through Haddock’s temper, his misadventures with alcohol, and his clashes with both crew and circumstances.

Snowy contributes as always, providing both humour and moments of bravery. His loyalty to Tintin adds warmth to the story, even in the bleak Arctic setting.

Arrival at the Meteorite

After a perilous journey, the Aurora reaches the crash site of the meteorite. There, Tintin and his companions discover that the fallen fragment is unlike ordinary rock. It exhibits strange properties, including rapid growth of fungi and insects due to its unique composition. These phenomena create a surreal and unsettling environment, intensifying the sense of danger.

Their rivals also close in on the location, escalating the tension into a race against time. Tintin bravely ventures onto the meteorite itself, battling treacherous conditions and the strange biological effects of the material.

The Climax and Victory

In a dramatic climax, Tintin secures a sample from the meteorite just as the rival expedition makes its final attempt to claim the prize. Despite sabotage and danger, Tintin’s courage ensures that Phostle’s expedition achieves success. The story ends with the Aurora returning home triumphant, carrying the fragment that symbolises both scientific progress and Tintin’s unwavering bravery.

Themes and Style

The Shooting Star explores themes of science, rivalry, and human ambition. It reflects contemporary fascination with astronomy and natural science, while also highlighting competition between nations and corporations in the pursuit of knowledge and power. Tintin embodies integrity and selflessness, in contrast to the greed of the rival expedition.

Visually, the album is striking, with Hergé’s ligne claire style applied to vivid depictions of the Arctic, the surreal meteorite landscape, and the dramatic sea voyage. The balance between suspense, humour, and the fantastic makes the story both unusual and memorable within the series.

Conclusion

The Shooting Star stands out as one of the most distinctive Tintin adventures. By weaving scientific discovery with adventure and rivalry, Hergé created a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The tale’s focus on natural wonder, combined with Tintin’s courage and Haddock’s humour, ensures its place as a unique and enduring entry in The Adventures of Tintin.

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