Inspector Thomson

Inspector Thomson is one of the two identical-looking detectives who appear as recurring allies to Tintin throughout the series. Along with his partner Inspector Thompson, he is a detective from an international police force, not Scotland Yard. Them as being sent as part of expeditions to look out for escaped criminals, such as Max Bird in Red Rackham's Treasure. They are also involved in capturing the Bird brothers in The Secret of the Unicorn and assisting in rescues, such as freeing Bianca Castafiore and her entourage in Tintin and the Picaros.

Quick Facts

First appearance: Tintin in the Land of the Soviets

Lore & Background

Inspector Thomson and his partner are portrayed as earnest but bumbling detectives. In The Secret of the Unicorn, they capture the Bird brothers, though Max Bird later escapes. In Red Rackham's Treasure, Thomson and Thompson are sent aboard the Sirius specifically to look out for the escaped Max Bird, though he never appears and they conclude he was discouraged by their presence. In Tintin and the Picaros, they are rescued by Tintin and Captain Haddock after being imprisoned, and later assist in freeing Bianca Castafiore and her entourage. Their persistence, despite their comedic confusion, often ensures villains are brought to justice.

Reader's Guide

Inspector Thomson first appears in The Secret of the Unicorn, where he and Thompson capture the Bird brothers. Their primary personality trait is good-hearted incompetence; they are eager to help Tintin but often confuse their own identities or names. This confusion provides much of the series' comic relief during police procedural moments. Over time, their relationship with Captain Haddock becomes central.

While initially tasked with arresting him for drunkenness, they eventually become his protectors against greater threats like Rastapopoulos or the Carrel family. They remain loyal allies to Tintin throughout the globe-spanning adventures. By later albums such as Destination Moon and The Red Sea Sharks, their investigative skills show slight improvement, though they retain their signature forgetfulness. They are known for constantly correcting one another regarding who is which inspector.

Despite their bumbling nature, they frequently arrive at critical moments to assist the hero or secure a villain's capture.