On Tintin's Origins:
When it comes to writing about Tintin (specifically the Nelvana series), I always find myself second guessing. One instance is an aspect of his childhood. As a boy of about 8-9, he ran away from the Brussels orphanage to seek mentorship from Adele Blanc-Sec, a famous journalist from Paris, France. For some info on her, here are some links:
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec - Wikipedia
Adèle Blanc-Sec - French comics by Tardi - Character profile - Writeups.org
Feature: The Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec by Jacques Tardi - SOLRAD
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec | Filmtastic February
Adèle Blanc-Sec (comic book character)
As this was shortly after Adele Blanc-Sec’s adventures in “Le Bebe des Buttes-Chaumont”, the newly retired Adele was rather hesitant. But, when the bumbling Thompson and Thomson came to take Tintin back to the orphanage, Adele thought it better to have Tintin as her student. But she wouldn’t adopt him.
So the anarchist Adele was forced to work with the orphanage in Tintin’s education until 1929 when Tintin, was hired by Le Petite Vingtieme (sp?). This was much to the outrage of Adele as she wanted Tintin to start his career as an adult, not a 14-year-old boy. Especially if his new adventures would be anything like her past ones.
While I’m still unsure of the reasons for Adele not to be seen or mentioned in the “Tintin” series; a rebellious Tintin leaving Adele to pursue journalism early, Adele finding herself in new adventures despite retiring, or something else…
But, with Adele being Tintin’s mentor, gives some pros and cons:
Pros:
Sometimes considered “The Female Tintin”, Adele being Tintin’s teacher gives a great connection. Especially with Herge being an inspiration for Tardi.
It explains a few things on Tintin’s origins and character; his (rare) disregard for authority (i.e. Thompson and Thomson), patience with morally grey friends (like Alcazar) and being highly skilled for his age.
Funny interactions could happen between Adele and characters like Haddock.
The relationship between Haddock and Adele would be interesting; bantering on, drinking alcohol and “coparenting” their surrogate son.
Interactions with Tintin could give the cold, stoic and self-serving Adele (in TVTropes terms) “Pet The Dog” Moments.
Meta-wise, Adele’s comics could get more attention through Tintin.
Cons:
What could be the reason for Tintin to not bring up Adele on-screen? Would he even tell Haddock, Calculus and the Thom(p)sons about her? What would be the reason for Adele’s absence?
Given Adele’s character, just how protective would she be for her ward? Would she even object to Tintin being a reporter at such a young age? If so, would that cause tension between the two? Would Tintin and Adele’s current relationship be strained?
Is this even a good idea? Herge intended the “Tintin” comics to be kid-friendly and “The Extraordinary Adventures Of Adele Blanc-Sec” is more for an older audience. Even though her 2010 film was more PG-13.
It’s difficult to get more info on Adele Blanc-Sec as her books are in French. In other words, I can’t find the English translations.
So, with all this in mind...
Should Adele Blanc-Sec still be Tintin's childhood teacher?
YES!!
NO!!
