Tintin Magazine N°539 “Le Pilote Sans Visage” — Original 1959 — First Michel Vaillant — 2C81

A rare original issue of Journal de Tintin, the beloved Belgian-French weekly comic magazine published for young readers aged 7 to 77. This is N°539, dated February 19, 1959, featuring one of the most iconic covers in the magazine’s history: the dramatic debut of Michel Vaillant in “Le Pilote Sans Visage” (“The Faceless Pilot”) — the very story that launched Jean Graton’s legendary racing comic series.

The cover art is bold and cinematic — a mysterious blue-suited racing driver, face concealed, stands beside car number 10 against a backdrop of international flags and a packed grandstand. The headline teases: “J.M. Fangio a abandonné… Michel Vaillant continue dans… Le Pilote Sans Visage!” — a nod to real-world Formula 1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio, adding authentic period drama.

Inside, the issue is rich with period content: S.O.S. Météores by E.P. Jacobs (Blake & Mortimer), La Cavale d’Or, Oumpah-Pah sur le Sentier de la Guerre by Goscinny & Uderzo (the creators of Astérix), Un Héros de l’Âge Atomique, and a news feature on aviation’s first flights including the Boeing 707 and Vickers Vanguard. A true time capsule of late-1950s European popular culture.

The magazine shows honest age-related wear consistent with its 65+ years — light toning to the paper, minor spine creasing — but retains strong color vibrancy and remains complete at 40 pages. A highly collectible piece for fans of Franco-Belgian comics, Michel Vaillant, Tintin, or mid-century illustrated press.

Key Details

• Type: Original vintage comic magazine / illustrated weekly press
• Title: Journal de Tintin — N°539
• Date: February 19, 1959
• Publisher: Le Lombard (Belgium / France)
• Language: French
• Pages: 40
• Size: 21 × 30 cm / 8.3 × 11.8 in
• Condition: Good/Very Good for age — complete, colors vivid, light toning and spine wear
• Origin: Belgium / France
• Age: 67 years (1959)
• Notable content: First Michel Vaillant story (Jean Graton) · Blake & Mortimer (Jacobs) · Oumpah-Pah (Goscinny & Uderzo)
• Collectibility: High — first appearance of Michel Vaillant character
• SKU: 2C81