In this pocket-sized reference book the authors offer a comprehensive and critical overview of the Tintin series. It starts with the character's humble origins in the children's supplement of a Belgian catholic newspaper in the 1920s, and tracks its development and success throughout the decades, including the stormy W.W.II years. Each book is analysed in detail, both in context of the series and in its larger framework: that of the comics medium and society in general. Also includes plenty of trivia, anecdotes and info on the Tintin movies, TV shows and other spin-offs.