Tintin Forums

A couple of days ago I borrowed the original 1943 edition of The Black Island.
However, if my memory serves me right, didn't the Nazis ban The Black Island because of the British setting?
If they did, how could Casterman get The Black Island printed in 1943, when the Nazis still controlled Belgium and the press? It confuses me.

-Gustav

Well surely it'd have to be printed to be banned?

Rik

Yes, but the Black and White edition was available.

-Gustav

As I understand it, "The Black Island" wasn't banned, as such. The occupying Nazis objected to the "Britishness" of the book, making particular reference to Tintin wearing a kilt and the presence of English and Scottish policemen. After the first print run in the summer of 1943 they refused to give Casterman a licence for the second print run for another three months. The book was still available to buy, but only until the first printing sold out - and due to the popularity of Tintin at that time, this happened quickly.

Ed

Casterman printed the books against all odds. That is all I can say.

Moderator Note: Casterman published the book because they were allowed to print it. As far as can be told, the content wasn't ever a major issue - the idea that there was a ban is a mis-interpretation of the facts. After the initial print-run quickly sold out, Casterman submitted a request for an additional allocation of paper (which was rationed), and were told that there was none available for them as they had had their quota. No stipulation was made that Black Island wasn't to be re-printed, and nothing indicates that Casterman wouldn't get their next allocation of paper when it was their time, at which point they presumably had to use it to fill other purposes.