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

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.