This year two world famous fictitious personalities have turned an age that would be old in human years. Thankfully both Tintin and Barbie are looking just as youthful and active as they did the day they were conceived by their creators. Not only are they as popular as ever, but they have been entertaining three generations of a family. Both have been a part of my life and I just felt like doing a small review on them.

I often wonder when an artist creates a character does he ever imagine how long they will live? In case of Tintin the artist is long dead and gone, yet the books and now the animated series are taking the popularity of the character to new heights. The great number of languages that the books have been translated to have also helped spread his fame. He’s still the young reporter out for an interesting story.

Image via Wikipedia

I first met Tintin in a book when I was about 7 years old. I was hooked on to Asterix and had finished all of them in the library. As a looked around for something else to read this comic caught my eye. Then began my bout of adventures with Tintin. All though school I managed to read the full series. In college I saw the first animated cartoon. Today my son loves the music score of the cartoons and enjoys watching the cartoons on a daily basis. Guess who joins him in these sessions? My husband, who happens to be and even bigger fan of Tintin than me.

Image via Wikipedia

As for Barbie, a great deal has changed. The original Barbie had a sideward glance and now she looks you in the eye. The accessories have increased over the years as have the friends and pets that she has. In over 150 countries there exists a native version of Barbie. The clothes get grander with each new fashion designer trying out his hand at dressing the most popular doll in history. She has been accepted as the most sold doll in the world.

I had about four different Barbie’s, Ken, Skipper, and the full town house which was fully furnished. My favourite accessory was the bubble bath. Living in MES houses as I grew up, I used to wish my bathroom would magically transform. I was not too happy with the all pervading pink colour, but was delighted with the full set on the whole. I gave it away to my neighbour who was five years younger than me when I was in the tenth. I was told I could keep something I liked but I was way too old to continue playing with dolls.

I have a son, and I don’t see myself buying him a Barbie. Yet Tintin is very much still present in my life.