Tintin By Plane – 29 – The Emir’s Fighter Plane – L’Avion De Chasse De L’Emir – En Avion Tintin

Author: Hergé & Editions Moulinsart
Price: £65.00
Publisher: Editions Moulinsart
Publication date: 2015
Format: Original pictorial boards with plane on plinth
Condition: In near fine condition
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout

Description:

Original pictorial boards. Text in French. Includes the accompanying model and figurine. One from the collection of 50 books and models. Very slight wear. In very near fine, clean condition overall.

Tintin in The Land of Black Gold: A Brief Account

Tintin in the Land of Black Gold is one of Hergé’s most politically charged Tintin adventures. First conceived in the late 1930s and completed after the Second World War, it explores oil politics, sabotage of fuel supplies, and rising tension in the Middle East.

The story reflects the pre-war climate of global industrial rivalry and the geopolitical significance of oil, although its tone remains adventurous rather than overtly didactic.

Plot Summary

Sabotage and Mystery in Europe

The story opens in Europe, where motor cars, aircraft and even children’s toys begin mysteriously exploding. Tintin learns that petrol supplies are being tampered with — a dangerous additive is destabilising fuel worldwide.

The mystery signals a looming international crisis, and Tintin immediately suspects organised sabotage.

The Journey East

Tintin travels to the Middle East (in the fictional Emirate of Khemed), following clues that point towards criminals meddling with petroleum interests. During the journey, he encounters Thomson and Thompson, who provide comic relief while attempting to investigate radio code messages.

On arrival in Khemed, Tintin quickly finds himself caught between rival factions, oil companies and covert operators.

Political Intrigue in Khemed

Khemed is ruled by Emir Ben Kalish Ezab, a charismatic and somewhat eccentric leader, assisted by his truculent young son, Prince Abdullah, whose fondness for outrageous practical jokes complicates matters at every turn.

Opposing the Emir is the rebel Sheikh Bab El Ehr, part of a wider plot to seize power. Both sides are linked to the struggle for control over oil concessions — with foreign powers watching closely.

The Villain Revealed

Tintin soon discovers that the fuel sabotage is masterminded by the sinister Dr Müller, a recurring antagonist in the Tintin canon. Müller has partnered with Bab El Ehr in a bid to destabilise global petroleum markets.

The plot involves adulterating petrol with a compound that causes engines to explode, threatening economic chaos and political collapse.

Kidnapping and Escape

Tintin is captured, escapes through deserts and dunes, and survives several assassination attempts. Along the way he encounters Captain Haddock (in later editions — early versions pre-date Haddock’s introduction), and relies on bravery, improvisation and moral clarity to stay ahead of his enemies.

Prince Abdullah’s pranks, though irritating, end up unwittingly aiding Tintin on more than one occasion.

Final Confrontation

Tintin ultimately exposes the sabotage ring. The Emir retains power, Dr Müller is thwarted, and oil shipments return to normal. The story concludes with a sense of fragile stability restored — a hallmark of Hergé’s subtle political balancing.

Themes

Oil Politics

Unlike the purely adventurous early books, this story acknowledges real-world power, unrest and industrial espionage surrounding oil.

International Rivalry

The tensions between fictional powers mirror pre-war European competition in the Middle East.

Comic and Dramatic balance

Despite serious themes, Hergé offsets tension with comedy — especially through Abdullah’s mischievous antics and the bumbling detectives, Thomson and Thompson.

Cultural Representation

As with many early Tintin adventures, the depiction of the Middle East reflects mid-20th-century European perspectives. Later editions softened certain portrayals and dialogue to bring them closer to modern sensitivities.

Artistic and Historical Notes

• The story was interrupted by the Second World War; Hergé resumed and reworked it afterwards.
• Captain Haddock’s presence depends on edition: early versions lack him; later album editions integrate him.
• The serial and album forms differ in dialogue, pacing and some political nuances.

It stands as a key transitional work between Tintin’s early straightforward adventures and the more psychologically rich, meticulously researched later albums.

In Summary

Tintin in the Land of Black Gold blends political intrigue, early petroleum geopolitics and brisk adventure storytelling. It highlights Tintin’s unwavering moral compass while acknowledging the complexities of global resource competition — all presented with clarity, humour and visual precision typical of Hergé’s ligne claire style.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and rare books are carefully curated to ensure each edition is a valuable piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

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Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey

Daniel Hornsey has specialised in fine and rare books, ephemera, and collectors’ editions for over thirty years. As a long-standing member of the antiquarian book trade, he has advised private collectors, curated catalogues, and sourced works for leading dealers, libraries and institutions across the world.

Hornseys’ exhibit regularly at book and map fairs in London and throughout the UK and are members of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association, the PBFA.

His fascination with Hergé’s work — especially ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ — began in childhood. Daniel recalls reading Tintin in original European editions and quickly recognising that these were not merely children’s books, but finely illustrated narratives crafted with artistic depth and wit.

As noted by the Musée Hergé in Louvain-la-Neuve, Hergé’s ‘ligne claire’ style has influenced generations of European comic artists and his original drawings and paintings command very high prices with his painting of ‘The Blue Lotus’ jar fetching £2.8m at auction in 2021.

By presenting these works through Hornseys’, he hopes to contribute to the continued appreciation of one of the 20th century’s most influential illustrators, helping new generations discover the artistry and legacy of Hergé.