Memories of Tintin

Had there been a game called what-name-comes-to-your-mind-when-I-name-a-country (Brazil: Pele, Germany: Hitler, South Africa: Mandela, Colombia: Shakira), I suppose the obvious response to Belgium shall be Tintin.

And had there been one called what-physical-feature-comes-to-your-mind-when-I-name-a-person (Buddha: ears, Tagore: beard, Merv Hughes: moustache, Angelina Jolie: lips, Pamela Anderson: okay...), I suppose the obvious response to Tintin shall be the unmistakeable tuft of hair.

Just remembered how Goscinny and Uderzo used both of these to amazing effect to pay a tribute to Hergé in Asterix the Legionary. First, they introduce Gastronomix's nationality, with a helmet on:

Then, as Gastronomix removes his helmet, we get to see the familiar tuft of hair, that too in the same colour...

Gastronomix is fourth from left

Some men really knew how to create magic out of subtlety, and still be humble enough to pay tribute to the fiercest contemporary rival.

Incredible.