An original issue of Journal de Tintin — the iconic Belgian-French weekly comic magazine for readers “aged 7 to 77” — this is N°531, dated January 8, 1959, featuring a cover of exceptional historical significance: a riotously comic illustration signed by Albert Uderzo himself, depicting a scene from Oumpah-Pah le Peau-Rouge — the Native American adventure series created by Goscinny and Uderzo in 1958, and the direct creative forerunner to Astérix, which the same duo would launch just months later in October 1959.
The cover composition is pure Uderzo at his most exuberant: a colossal yellow furry foot — belonging to the giant warrior Oumpah-Pah — dominates the frame, sending a pompous French colonial officer in red coat and tricorn hat spinning through the air in comic indignity. The bold teal-green background, the graphic simplicity of the composition, and the irresistible physical comedy are unmistakably Uderzo — the same visual language that would, within the year, give the world Astérix and Obélix.
For collectors of Franco-Belgian comics, this cover represents a rare opportunity: a signed Uderzo illustration from the pre-Astérix period, on an original magazine cover, in a format that predates the album collections. The Goscinny-Uderzo partnership was already at full creative power in January 1959 — this is the evidence.
The back cover is a complete full-page color episode of Tintin au Tibet by Hergé — widely considered the most personal and emotionally resonant adventure in the entire Tintin canon. This episode follows Tintin and Captain Haddock through the bustling streets of a Nepalese market, culminating in a dramatic “AU FEU!” — rendered in Hergé’s immaculate ligne claire style, the warm ochres and reds of the market contrasting with the cool blues of the Himalayan sky above.
Inside, Fulgoni’s Agent “P.60” delivers Cold War spy thriller action set in the French countryside. The Sciences et Actualités section features an extraordinary illustrated reportage: “J’ai plongé avec le SAPHIR!” — a first-person account of diving aboard the French submarine Saphir, complete with period photographs. A period advertisement for the Magasin Tintin — “31, rue du Louvre, Paris 2e” completes the time-capsule experience.
Condition note: The cover presents with significant wear — heavy creasing, surface scuffing, pronounced warping, and adhesive residue from a label in the upper right corner — all honestly reflected in the price. The interior pages, including the Hergé back cover, remain complete and retain strong color throughout. A collector’s piece valued for its extraordinary content and historical significance.
Key Details
-
Type: Original vintage comic magazine / illustrated weekly press
-
Title: Journal de Tintin — N°531
-
Date: January 8, 1959
-
Publisher: Le Lombard (Belgium / France)
-
Language: French
-
Pages: 40
-
Size: 21 × 30 cm / 8.3 × 11.8 in
-
Cover artist: Albert Uderzo (signed)
-
Condition: Poor/Fair — heavy cover creasing, warping, scuffing, label residue (all disclosed); interior complete and colorful
-
Origin: Belgium / France
-
Age: 67 years (1959)
-
Notable content: Oumpah-Pah cover by Uderzo (pre-Astérix) · Tintin au Tibet back cover by Hergé · Agent “P.60” (Fulgoni) · Submarine Saphir reportage · Magasin Tintin advertisement
-
Collectibility: Very High for content — Uderzo pre-Astérix + Hergé in same issue; condition limits price ceiling significantly
-
SKU: 2C87
