User Reviews

LAND OF BLACK GOLD is a solid enough entry in the ADVENTURES OF TINTIN series, featuring all of the precise elements that makes this show a joy to watch (as well as being a faithful adaptation of Herge's comics). This one has a particularly novel set-up, with a dodgy batch of oil causing cars to seize up all around the world. Tintin heads off to a made-up Middle Eastern kingdom to investigate, and is soon involved in the usual conspiracy plot involving freedom fighters, corrupt officials, and the like. There's a noticeable quotient of humour in this one, particularly courtesy of the ever-fumbling and bumbling Thompson Twins, who seem to be more idiotic than ever here.

After the sabotage of fuel, causing car engines to explode. It leads to a worrying state, which could lead to war around the world. The Thompsons experienced it first hand, and everyone is left baffled. When Tintin overhears two sailors talking, he gets suspicious and gets aboard the petrol tanker the 'Speedol' as the ship's new radio officer. Also joining him undercover are the Thompsons as deckhands. When they arrive there, Tintin and The Thompsons are arrested, but not to long afterwards Tintin is kidnapped by Arab insurgents who believed he knew of their arms deal. Finding out he knows nothing, his left in the desert. In the distance he sees some Arabs who blow up the oil pipe line. The voice of the leader sounds familiar, and it is, because when Tintin comes gets close it's Dr. Muller. After he finds out Tintin is on him, he gets away and hopefully left him for dead. But soon enough, Tintin comes across the just released Thompsons, who are also lost.

"Land of Black Gold" is writer and illustrator Herge's fifteenth comic strip album of "The Adventures of Tintin" and the tenth episode (part 1 of 2) of Season 2. This sedate premise seems to be far more political entrenched with high comical levels to give it that loose feeling. This accolade goes to the Thompsons, who cop a real pounding and turn up in their most ridiculous looking undercover get-ups ever. Pretty much they are played for fools and make it even more the merrier. The tight story gets straight into it with one incident after another occurring and the humorous interplay and punch-lines seem to be on a roll. The dialogues keeps it juicy with a nice dosage of irony within certain situations and holds the mystery rather well. Tintin is reasonably quick-witted and is always on his feet. After showing up in "The Black Island", the classy villain Dr. Muller is at it again, to only find Tintin is messing in his business. It's hard not to get swept on the outing we got here with its potent humour and cracking set-ups, which leads onto a whirlwind of adventurous sabotage and looming war.