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Tintin Rocket Guide: Sizes & Official Editions
Few objects capture comic-book history quite like the red-and-white checkered Tintin Rocket. If you're considering one as a collectible or a gift, here's what to know about the sizes, the story behind the design, and how to pick the right one.
The Story Behind the Rocket
The rocket first appeared in Hergé's two-part story Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon, published in 1950 and 1954 well over a decade before Apollo. Hergé was known for obsessive research, and the rocket's checkerboard pattern was designed for visibility, a detail that's made it one of the most recognizable images in European comics. Official replicas are produced by Moulinsart, which manages the Hergé estate's licensed products.
Sizes Compared
| Size | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 17 cm | Desk shelf, budget gift | €32.50 |
| 30 cm | Bookshelf display | €149 |
| 60 cm | Statement collector's piece | €610 |
| 90 cm | Serious collectors, office display | €1,100 |
| 150 cm | Numbered edition, museum-grade | €2,999 |
All sizes are on the Tintin Rocket product page, each a numbered edition with a certificate of authenticity worth checking if buying as a collectible rather than décor.
Spotting an Official Replica
Because the design is so recognizable, unofficial reproductions exist. An official Moulinsart edition includes a numbered certificate and consistent checkerboard detailing. Playoffside.com is an official retailer, stocking the full range in the Tintin Imaginatio – Moulinsart collection, including the Milou (Snowy) plush for a themed gift.
Choosing a Size as a Gift
The 17cm and 30cm sizes suit younger fans or casual collectors on a budget. Larger sizes (60cm+) suit established collectors or a statement piece for an office or games room the kind of gift that anchors a shelf. For background on Hergé's wider catalogue, the official Tintin website is worth a look.
Displaying the Rocket
Most collectors display the rocket upright on a stand rather than lying flat, since the checkerboard pattern and nose cone are designed to be seen from a slight angle. Keeping it out of direct sunlight helps preserve the paintwork on the larger resin editions, which are hand-finished rather than printed.
FAQ
Is it an official licensed product?
Yes, when bought from an authorized Moulinsart retailer, with a numbered certificate included.
Best size for a first-time collector?
30cm is a popular middle ground — substantial without the price of the larger editions.
Is the material the same across sizes?
Smaller sizes are typically PVC; larger collector editions (30cm+) are cast resin, hand-painted.
