User Reviews

PRISONERS OF THE SUN is a follow-up Tintin adventure, taking place after the events of THE SEVEN CRYSTAL BALLS. It sees Tintin and Captain Haddock jetting off to Peru to find out what's happened to Professor Calculus, and encountering a sinister ancient cult at the same time. Really, it's quite the glorious production, full of action spectacle (the train set-piece in particular), ancient rituals and customs, the usual likable allies (the Indio kid and Snowy), comic relief (the Thompson Twins are on board) and high drama. I found the plotting to be quite predictable, particularly at the long-winded climax, but as the running time absolutely whizzes past this doesn't really matter one jot.

After arriving in Peru, Captain Haddock and Tintin are shortly joined by the Thompsons for locating the kidnapped Professor Calculus. Who was taken because he put on the scared bracelet of the mummified Inca Rascar Capac. The locals seem to be scared to offer any help to them and when they discover the ship. Tintin sneaks on board to find Calculus doped up, but his seen and manages to escape. He discovers his going to be taken to the Temple of the Sun, and after helping out a young Indio boy Zorrino from some bullies, they find a helpful guide in him, which would take Tintin and Haddock there. An Indio man gives Tintin a medallion for his bravery and tells him it could save his life. On their trip through the mountainous Andes some natives are following, and eventually they kidnap Zorrino one night. But Tintin and Haddock go out of their way to get their little friend back.

"Prisoners of the Sun" is writer and illustrator Herge's fourteenth comic strip album of "The Adventures of Tintin" and the filth episode (part 1 of 2) of Season 3. Continuing straight from the previous outing "The Seven Crystal Balls", this follow up the to story keeps a very spiritual and mischievous air to proceedings. It feels more larger in scale with a rough and tumble grip and seems more mysteriously adventurous and moody than most. Time seems to fly by. What encounters they face on the rugged journey are very memorable, like the speeding train to Haddock's comic interactions with spitting lamas and not to forget one colourfully bizarre dream sequence. There's a sprinkle of everything and the Thompsons show up to only foolishly bungle along in many delightful acts. Nice opening with a well guided build-up that pays-off in the second act.