I was reading Tintins before I read “proper” books. The 7 Crystal Balls was the first really enjoyably creepy story I remember reading. Herge is well into his stride, his comic art was peerless. To me, only he and Kirby finessed movement and action. The cast are all really engaging and wonderful characters and I‘ll argue with anyone that Captain Haddock is one of literatures greatest. The cover is iconic and one of my favourites.