Tor Alosson
“The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko” is a comic book series created by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé, the creator of the famous “Tintin” series. The series features the adventures of Jo and Zette, a brother and sister, and their pet chimpanzee Jocko. The series was created in the 1930s and was published in the French-language children’s magazine “Cœurs Vaillants” (Brave Hearts) from 1935 to 1958.
Creation of the Series
Hergé created the “Jo, Zette and Jocko” series at the request of the editors of “Cœurs Vaillants” magazine, who wanted a new adventure series for their readers. Hergé created the characters of Jo and Zette based on his own nephews, and Jocko was inspired by a real-life chimpanzee that Hergé had seen at a zoo. Hergé also drew on his own interest in aviation to create the series, which features a number of aircraft and flying adventures.
Publication and Reception
The first “Jo, Zette and Jocko” adventure, “The Secret Ray,” was published in “Cœurs Vaillants” in 1935. The series was popular with readers, and several more adventures followed, including “The Valley of the Cobras” and “The Eruption of Karamako.” The series was also published in book form, and several volumes were translated into English and other languages.
Legacy and Adaptations
Although the “Jo, Zette and Jocko” series was not as popular as Hergé’s “Tintin” series, it remains a beloved work among fans of Hergé and comic book enthusiasts. The series has been adapted for radio and television, and several animated films based on the series have been made.
Conclusion
“The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko” is a lesser-known but still beloved comic book series created by the renowned Belgian cartoonist Hergé. The series follows the adventures of two siblings and their pet chimpanzee and features a number of exciting flying adventures. Although the series was not as popular as Hergé’s “Tintin” series, it has still found a dedicated audience and has been adapted for various media.
Read also: Herge / Georges Prosper Remi: Beyond Just Tintin
