The History of The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko comics

“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.

Title: The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko

Created by: Hergé (pen name of Georges Prosper Remi)

First Published: 1936

Genres: Adventure, Mystery

Main Characters:

• Jo (Joseph), the eldest sibling
• Zette (Elisabeth), Jo’s younger sister
• Jocko, a chimpanzee and their constant companion
• Setting: A series of international adventures
• Publisher: Le Petit Vingtième (initially), Casterman (collected albums)
• Notable Features:
• Created by the same artist responsible for “Tintin” comics, Hergé.
• Known for its engaging and suspenseful adventures involving the three main characters.
• “The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko” was initially published in the children’s supplement of the Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle.
• While not as well-known as “Tintin,” it has a dedicated fan base and reflects Hergé’s talent for storytelling and illustration.

Legacy:

• Part of Hergé’s body of work, contributing to his reputation as one of the most influential comic artists of the 20th century.
• Continues to be appreciated by fans of classic adventure comics.

Related Works:

• “Tintin” comics, also created by Hergé, are his most famous and acclaimed works.
• “Quick & Flupke,” another comic series by Hergé, focusing on the misadventures of two mischievous boys.

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.

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
• The Exploits of Quick and Flupke (1930-1941): Hergé’s Lesser-Known Comic Masterpiece
• The Adventures of Tintin: A Legacy in Comic History

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about “The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko” Comics

1. Who created “The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics?

“The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics were created by Hergé, the pen name of the Belgian comic artist Georges Prosper Remi. Hergé is best known for creating the iconic “Tintin” comics.

2. When were the first “Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics published?

The first “Jo, Zette and Jocko” adventure, titled “The Secret Ray,” was published in 1936 as a part of the children’s supplement of the Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle.

3. Who are the main characters in “Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics?

The main characters are Jo (Joseph), the eldest sibling; Zette (Elisabeth), Jo’s younger sister; and Jocko, a mischievous chimpanzee who accompanies them on their adventures.

4. What is the genre of “Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics?

“Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics primarily fall into the adventure and mystery genres. Each story features the young protagonists embarking on exciting and suspenseful adventures.

5. Are “Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics as well-known as Hergé’s “Tintin” series?

No, “Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics are not as well-known or widely recognized as Hergé’s “Tintin” series. While “Tintin” remains Hergé’s most famous and acclaimed work, “Jo, Zette and Jocko” has a smaller but dedicated fan base.

6. How many “Jo, Zette and Jocko” adventures were created?

Hergé completed five adventures in “The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko” series. These are “The Secret Ray,” “The ‘Manitoba’ Air Adventure,” “The “Valley of the Cobras”,” “The Eruption of Karamako,” and “Destination New York.”

7. Are “Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics still in print today?

Yes, “Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics are still available in print today. They have been collected into albums by various publishers, including Casterman. Fans of classic adventure comics can find these albums in bookstores and online.

8. What distinguishes “Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics from Hergé’s other works like “Tintin”?

While “Jo, Zette and Jocko” shares Hergé’s signature clean and expressive art style, it features a different set of characters and adventures. The series is known for its aviation themes and international escapades, setting it apart from the more investigative and journalistic “Tintin” stories.

9. Is there a particular recommended reading order for “Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics?

While the adventures of Jo, Zette, and Jocko are generally standalone, readers can choose to read them in any order. However, “The Secret Ray” is often considered the first in the series and can be a good starting point for newcomers.

10. What is the legacy of “The Adventures of Jo, Zette and Jocko” comics?

While not as famous as “Tintin,” “Jo, Zette and Jocko” remains a beloved part of Hergé’s body of work. It showcases his storytelling and artistic talents and is appreciated by fans of classic adventure comics.