Although they are named after the adventurous reporter himself, cartoonist Herge’s long-runningAdventures of Tintinseries features a horde of memorable supporting characters. From the gruff but lovable Captain Haddock to the absent-minded yet brilliant Professor Calculus, Tintin’s supporting characters have been a major element of the franchise’s ongoing success.Tintin Reporter - Cigars of the Pharaoh,an upcoming puzzle-adventure game from Pendulo Studios and Microids, shines a spotlight on two of these characters in particular: Thomson and Thompson, a bumbling duo who serve as an obstacle for Tintin’s investigation.
When Game Rantsat down with product manager Charles Leveugle, plenty of questions were asked about the memorable duo.Cigars of the Pharaohmarked Thomson and Thompson’s first major role in the series; they would later go on to oppose Tintin and serve as comic relief in many of the reporter’s later adventures. “Thompson with a P, as in Psychology” and “Thomson without a P, as in Venezuela” as they often introduce themselves, are a pair of detectives, but not necessarily the most skilled at their profession. They are frequently led to believe - due to fabricated evidence - that Tintin is responsible for various crimes, greatly hindering the reporter’s investigation. Leveugle couldn’t talk much about Thompson and Thomson’s role in the game, but he could answer one key question: who would win in a fight?
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Who Would Win A Thompson v. Thomson Fight?
Thomson and Thompson are fundamentally identical, even wearing the same outfits and growing their hair in the same style. Only their mustaches show the slightest hint of difference. (When asked whichTintincharacter had the most magnificent facial hair, Leveugle was unable to decide between the detective duo orCaptain Haddock, who is known for his grizzled seaman’s beard.) During their confrontations with Tintin, they even finish each other’s sentences or simply repeat or rephrase what the other just said.
Because of their similarities, Leveugle ultimately admitted that he was unable to decide which of the two would triumph should the two come to blows. “They are both absolutely inefficient in a fight,” he explained, so things would likely end in either “a draw” or “a double KO.” He felt that even Herge, the author who first brought Tintin to life, would not be able to answer such a question. While Thompson and Thomson will likely show up in any futureTintingames the team makes, it’s unlikely that they will be added to anyfighting game rostersany time soon.
They Continue The Proud Tradition Of Bumbling Detectives
Thomson and Thompson’s role inTintin Reporterwill likely consist of the characters serving as obstacles on Tintin’s epic journey. They are investigating the same drug smuggling ring as Tintin himself, but lack the intrepid reporter’s intelligence and determination.Tintin Reporterplayers will likely find Thomson and Thompson hindering their investigative efforts, in the tradition of incompetent detectives likeAce Attorney’sDick Gumshoeor pretty much any named police officer in aPersonagame.
Leveugle confirmed that, shouldCigars of the Pharaohbe a success, they hope to make moreTintinadaptations in the future. Thomson and Thompson would likely appear in these adaptations, as they are some of Tintin’s most enduring supporting cast. There are plenty of comical adventures for the duo that could translate well to video game format, such as them growing long beards inLand of Black Goldor showing off their numerous phobias inDestination Moon.Perhaps the not-so-epic battle between the two of them, with its “double KO” ending, could even feature in aTintinvideo game someday.
