In terms of adventure, characterization and setting, Tintin and Asterix have a lot of commonalities, e.g both Tintin and Asterix are thrown into problem-solving and adventurous situations. Secondly, they both have unforgettable friends who often accompany them on their journey, a Dog companion being the first of them with a best friend or a wise advisor
In Tintin, even though the characters speak in first person, there is a lot of description of either events or situations which makes the text very extensive. Whereas Asterix features less of text and more visual description of noise. The Asterix series uses noise and sound through visuals far more than the Tintin series. In my opinion, it is possible for Asterix to have fewer words and more visuals because it is set a simpler era. In the case of Tintin however, there are intricate and complex situations and places that need more description
However one thing that Asterix bears which Tintin does not is its use of language and its speech bubbles in various circumstances and situations. “In the case of Asterix, the story despite certain variations is fairly similar in most of the episodes” (Khordoc. C 2001)
Much of the emotions displayed in Asterix are often signified through exclamation marks and lots of letters in the language expose the viewers to a new form of language such as Egyptian or Roman, Sioux etc. In Asterix and Cleopatra for example "The use of hieroglyphics is further developed in order to create the sound of a foreign language"
References
Khordoc. C (2001). The Comic Book Soundtrack: The visual sound effects in Asterix. In C. Khordoc, The Comic Book's Soundtrack (pp. 156-173)
Very good point. I personally don't believe that one is better than the other, just that one might appeal to a different age group, or, appeal to individuals who are just simply interested in this form of genre than the other. Just like you said, when there are "intricate and complex situations," sometimes a longer narrative will is required to fill the reader in on needed information that regards the storyline/plot of the comic. Great work!
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ReplyDeleteYou've raised very interesting points of contention between the two, Vikram, and I concur with your thoughts on Asterix's ability to introduce new languages to readers.
ReplyDeleteOne thing to note regarding the recurring use of character archetypes such as the dog and wizened advisor in both Tintin and Asterix is that similar archetypes exist within fantasy fiction.
Oh, and I would have to agree with you, albaraa, both are outstanding classics of the literary genre and I am one of the lucky ones who was able to read them all!