What surprised me most is how much heart the story carries beneath all the weirdness. Nelson isn’t your typical comic-book protagonist—he’s flawed, self-doubting, and trying to figure out his place in the world. Watching him grapple with power, responsibility, and identity gives the book an emotional core that balances the surreal humor and outlandish transformations.

Despite its charm and wit, the book presents certain stereotypes that are jarring to the modern reader. However, appreciating it as a window to the past—both in terms of the societal norms of the early 20th century and as a reflection of the era’s popular media—adds a layer of educational value to the experience. The artwork, with Hergé’s iconic clean lines and meticulous detail, brings to life the bustling cities and untamed wilderness with a vibrancy that transcends the decades.