Tintin and Uncle Scrooge

[Torsten Wesley Adair]

	Recently, I purchased the seven volume set of Tintin stories from
a used book store.  (It is difficult to find Tintin books in a U.S.
comicbook store, let alone a normal bookstore, whereas almost every major
bookstore here in Wellington has at least one copy of Tintin and Asterix,
if not the complete run.)  Anyway, I have noticed one interesting
parallel between Herge' and Don Rosa.
	Both use an incredible amount of detail with stage design, which
serves two purposes.  First, it creates credibility and believability. 
Secondly, it provides some contrast between the characters and the
scenery, thereby allowing the reader to quickly read the panel.  (Unlike
animation, which can create the illusion of three dimensions by changing
the camera focus and using movement, comicbooks are strictly
two-dimensional.)
	What this means is that the next time someone criticizes the
detail of a Rosa story, all you have to do is ask them if they like
Tintin, or just show them an example of Herge, and see what they think of
that as well.  If they don't like it, well then they are nothing more than
an uncivilised neanderthal who wouldn't recognise Fine Art if
Michelangelo's David fell on them.	|)

	Now, for the obligatory marketing suggestions (tm and copyright
1994 Torsten Adair).  
	Given the elative success of Tintin and Asterix OUTSIDE the U.S.,
I would like to suggest that Gladstone/Disney/Hyperion publish a series of
glossy hardcover books reprinting the best Disney stories.  The books
would be the same size as the Tintin books, which would mean that the art
would be larger than comic book size, and perhaps as long (thick).  
	As a matter of fact, the current CBL books could probably be
repackaged, and sold at a decent price.  (A paperback copy of a Tintin
book cost about $US6.50, and is a perrennial title, just like the Disney
comics stories.)   
	Another idea is to do a poster book.  There is one for Tintin (not
that great, mostly enlarged panels of the characters and not of the
magnificent scenery), and the pages are perforated for easy removal.  How
about one of Don Rosa covers (like the one Don mentioned a few days ago). 
Sure, Disney would have to be asked, but consider the market!  (U.S.,
Europe, Australia)

Well, I think I've given enough for Don to reply to.	|)

Torsten Adair	torsten at cwis.unomaha.edu	Omaha, NE, USA (via NZ)