L’Affaire Tournesol (The Calculus Affair) by Hergé is the eighteenth adventure in the iconic Tintin series, blending espionage, comedy, and cutting-edge science. The story kicks off when Professor Calculus’ groundbreaking sonic device—the “ultrasound weapon”—is stolen, thrusting Tintin, Snowy, and Captain Haddock into a whirlwind chase across Europe. Pursued by rival spies from the fictional nations of Borduria and Syldavia, the trio navigates car chases, mistaken identities, and Haddock’s legendary outbursts (“Billions of bilious blue blistering barnacles!”), all while Calculus remains hilariously oblivious to the danger.
Hergé’s crisp ligne claire artwork and satirical jabs at Cold War paranoia shine, particularly in the absurd Bordurian stronghold and the slapstick climax at a Swiss sanatorium. A fan favorite for its perfect balance of tension and humor.
