Coke en Stock (The Red Sea Sharks) (1958) by Hergé is the nineteenth Tintin adventure, a gripping tale of modern slavery and aerial piracy that stands as one of the series’ most politically charged stories. The plot kicks off when Tintin reunites with old friends—including the hot-tempered Captain Haddock and the ever-absentminded Professor Calculus—to expose a ruthless trafficking ring led by the villainous Emir Ben Kalish Ezab and his scheming associate, Pablo. The story weaves in returning characters like Bianca Castafiore and General Alcazar, while introducing the Emir’s oppressed son, Abdallah.
Hergé’s sharp critique of human exploitation is balanced by thrilling set pieces: a desert kidnapping, a mid-air plane hijacking, and Haddock’s iconic rage (“Billions of bilious blue blistering barnacles!”). The album’s darker tone and complex plot reflect Hergé’s maturing storytelling.
A high point in the series, merging social commentary with breakneck adventure.
