Week 4: The Comic Book

EC Comics and Tin Tin by Herge:


I found E.C.'s horror comics to be a real treat to read. Although they may be tame by today's standards, I could easily see the controversy they would stir up in the mid century... especially if they were mainly read by younger children and teenagers. 

There was not really any deep character development and I can't really say the stories were very often that creative... also, they were never really scary in any way. In fact, the simplicity of it all is part of the reason these bite size stories were probably so accessible. What I really enjoyed about them was the mean-spirited nature. There were often paper thin moral lessons to take from them (most of the time its the "bad" people who are the victims of whatever horrors show up) but I think the writers and artists only really did that to not come off as totally sadistic. However, they cannot hide the fact that they were relishing in opportunity to depict people dieing in horrific ways. Some of the detailed pen work that went into depicting, melting, mutilated or mutating people is proof of this. In the end, that is what really sticks in your mind, the exploration into the realm of horrific death... I think that in the often puritanical times when these were written (and before the public horrors of the Vietnam War), this was probably a real thrill for readers.  

I also read the last comic of Tin Tin, without realising it was something that Herge was never able to complete. However, even though the story never came to a conclusion, I could still respect his story telling abilities and rich artwork. I think that, like Little Nemo, the character dynamics of Tin Tin were probably ahead of their time and something that would go on to influence character dynamics in movies and stories to this day. Captain Haddock, being the comic relief, as well the "tough guy" who has his flaws when it comes to alcohol.  

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