Nick Rodwell, the head of Moulinsart, the company that controls the image and rights to all Tintin merchandise, has had his blog shuttered by the editor of Tintin.com due to what some are calling his bizarre and "fierce attacks against named TV and print journalists."
Apparently, Mr. Rodwell lost his cool and embarked on what is being referred to as a public rant against journalists he thought were attacking him personally. These journalists report for such reputable news organizations as Le Figaro, Canal Plus, and the Belgian RTBF.
Known for his zealous protection of the Tintin brand, Rodwell is no stranger to stirring up strong feelings. Some speculate that the recent global expansion of Tintin with the upcoming movies directed by Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson, the new Hergé museum, and the re-launch of Tintin.com have caused too much stress. Perhaps Rodwell needs to take a lesson from the Boy Reporter himself, who never lost his cool in the face of his enemies.
Comments
For european (and in particular French and Belgium) this kind of event is a bit Business as Usual with Nick Rodwell. Over the last years, Moulinsart has launched many legal suits against people who were making money with Tintin without license. The problem is that some real fans get also into trouble for making website dedicated to their hero.
I think that Nick Rodwell is somtimes right (e.g. no letting new adventures of Tintin to be made by a new authors)...but that he looses his nerves in many occasions (maybe he is a bit haddock style temper more than Tintin...).
Arnaud
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