A return to the more pure "adventure" Tintin last seen in Red Sea Sharks (i.e. Tintin against baddies) - until Herge throws in a major third act twist. Up til then this is simply a terrific adventure; it starts with an Aussie connection (our gang is on their way to Sydney fora conference when they stop off in Jakarta), then introduces perhaps the finest range of fresh new characters: the miserly millionaire, his pompous assistant Spalding, the two vicious pilots (we know they're mean because one of them kicks Snowy) and an evil doctor.There is a thrilling hijack followed by an exciting plane landing on an island, where we meet Rastapopolous and Alan again. Both the two villains really cop it from then on - Rastapopolous wears a pink shirt and cowboy boots and is bound and gagged, smashes his head, have people make fun of his nose; Alan gets all his teeth removed!
It was artistically bold for Herge to introduce an all-powerful UFO connection but at times this seemed to be cheating to get Tintin out of trouble (it is literally use of a "God in a Machine" device) - their final escape seemed too easy, though Herge does make things a little more complicated with an exploding volcano. The art work in this is truly stunning: from the beautiful jets and the exotic Island and Sondonesian" locals, to the ancient carvings, the UFO and the volcano. It's one of the best Tintins but you do have to have a taste for the final twists.
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