Belgium is adding popular comic characters such as Tintin and the Smurfs to its passport. The move is towards celebrating the importance of comics in the nation’s culture.
Passports with a comic touch
Belgium is not just the home to waffles and chocolates. The nation is famous for classic comic characters such as Tintin and the smurfs. Belgian citizens can now showcase their comic culture and pride on their new passports. Starting February 7th, they are phasing in the new passports that feature the classic comic heroes. The nation’s Foreign Affairs ministry first announced the redesigning of passports on January 27. However, the Belgian government has another achievement in mind with the introduction of the new passport redesign. The move will also help the government increase security measures against frauds and counterfeiters.
Belgian Passport: The first looks
At first glance, the new passport does not include the details of the comic, only showing the silhouette. However, the outlines of your favorite comic characters are unmistakable. On one page, Tintin and Snowy, his dog can be seen walking towards the Haddock Manor, making their way back from an adventure. On another page, the top of the iconic Smurf’s hat and rounded nose along with a globe is seen. However, there is more to passports than what meets the eye.
Here’s where the passport’s added security feature comes to play. Shining a blacklight on the pages of Belgium’s new passport fills in the silhouettes with details of the characters and their surroundings. And, the Smurfs and Tintin are not the only characters. Others include Lucky Luke and Marsuplami. The passport redesign is a huge collaboration with the authors and publishers. The government and artists have managed to showcase Belgium’s wide and long comic history into a tiny ID. The move gives more security while passing down a rich history and significance that have entertained several generations.