Created by Belgian artist Georges Remi (better known as Hergé), The Adventures of Tintin is one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century. Gabriel Tan, the co-owner of the shop, grew up collecting Batman and Superman comics, but when it came to the beloved reporter-cum-adventurer, he always had difficulty. ‘Tintin was one I could never get my hands on and when I could, it was always so expensive.’
The character is seen in various forms throughout the shop: hardcover books ($29), limited edition resin figurines and box scenes (from $40) and even large standing statues (from $7,000) should you want Captain Haddock to greet guests entering your home. There are plenty of touristy trinkets, too: book cover postcards go for $2.50 and t-shirts start from $38. A glass cabinet at the back of the shop holds one of the shop owners’ personal collections that are, unfortunately, not for sale.