John Sewell Member
|
#14 · Posted: 7 Nov 2004 14:56
I wondered about the factory scene as well. The Captain says in the hospital that "It was Snowy who alerted us," which suggested to me that he was at the factory too, lurking in the background in case things got out of hand. the "us" might also mean that he wasn't alone - maybe the police or even the Thompsons could have been there providing backup (it's always struck me as odd that in the Marlinspike part of the book, bar one half-hour chat after the first attempt, Tintin doesn't have anything to do with the police despite the fact that someone keeps trying to kill him!) On the other hand, maybe the gangsters, in typical bungling henchmen style, thought they'd bumped him off by braining him with that plank, and left without checking!
I suppose it's another one of those unresolved bits which would have been tidied up and clarified had the book reached a more finished stage. I think Rodier does a good job at addressing some of these (such as the presence of the Thompsons at Akass' lecture - they're suspicious of him already,) but leaves others hanging. Why, for instance, does Martine show interest at the mention of Tintin on page 4, before she's even met him? Of course, in the context of his "world", Tintin is a well-known figure, due to his gang-busting, dictator-removing, Moon-walking adventures. Maybe she's a fan, with a full set of Casterman first editions and a shelf full of overpriced official merchandise at home! ;)
Some other bits of Rodier that I like:
The Captain seems to have an eye for the ladies! Check out his pose and the way he seems charmed by Martine on page 26, and his reaction to Castafiore's slinky friend on page 37!
Allan becoming a postman in the USA, but still denied the quiet life he's been seeking. That cameo appearance on page 52 is very true to the spirit of Herge, and IMO more effective than having him pop up again as Rastapopoulos' deputy and give the Captain a mouthful of the usual abuse.
Tintin's rescue from polyester death! As I said, it's a hard one to resolve, but Rodier just about gets there, with tension and frustration in equal measure as the Captain ums and ahhs about how to get Tintin out. I particularly like the way in which the ailing Tintin is understandably revitalised for a moment when he nearly has his ear removed by the axe; "...Are you MAD?"
|