Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
International event to celebrate Hergé’s Adventures of Tintin
The comic series, which follows the roving reporter and his dog Snowy, and its creator Hergé, will be celebrated at the two-day conference in June.
The Tintin conference is being organised by Leeds Beckett’s Northern Film School and Leeds Art Research Centre. Senior Lecturer in the Northern Film School, Dr Steve Gerrard, is leading the conference.
The conference will discuss the popularity of Tintin, the relationship between Tintin and Hergé, and such areas as friendship, audience appreciation, masculinity, sexuality and legacy.
Dr Gerrard said: “Hergé is the founding father of the modern comic. His masterpiece Tintin remains one of the most enduring, popular and enthralling creations of 20th Century literature.
“Adored and read by millions, the 24 adventures sees the ginger-quiffed boy reporter and his trusty dog Snowy battle despots, topple regimes, dive under the sea and even journey to the moon.”
The conference, which is on 13-14 June, will hear keynote talks from Michael Farr, Tintinologist and author of Tintin: The Complete Companion, and Professor Laurence Grove from Glasgow University.
World-renowned Tintinologist, Michael Farr said: “Ace reporter Tintin first swept through Yorkshire in 1937 - in a hectic pursuit of a German master forger/spy in The Black Island. But he had no time to stop in his dash to Scotland. More than eighty years on, he is back, coming to Leeds for two days of discussion at Leeds Beckett University.
“The Adventures of Tintin, stretching from 1929 to the death in 1983 of their creator Georges Remi (Hergé), are much loved across the globe and have been translated into over 100 languages, inspiring children, boys and girls, and adults alike. Tintinology has even become an academic discipline, as well as a source of constant pleasure. Leeds Beckett in June 2018 is setting the pace in a world in need of distraction.”
Professor Grove, producer of a new Tintin documentary about the adventure The Black Island, added: “Tintin is not only Belgium’s number one superhero, he’s a European James Bond. It’s no wonder he has been a star of screen from Sixties animation and two live-action films to Spielberg’s epic movie, with a new French TV show from the makers of the La France a un Incroyable Talent about to explore Scotland in search of Tintin’s castle.
“Tintin was created for everyone - this is why he should be celebrated,” added Dr Steve Gerrard.
“I read and adored his adventures as a kid, and love them even more now. They are beautifully drawn, and the stories and characters are so great, everyone should read them.”