Hergé and Tintin

On March 10, 2008, Guinea-Bissau issued several mini-sheets commemorating the 50 years signing of the Treaty of Rome. The mini-sheets were dedicated to the signing nations. The Belgian mini-sheet featured famous individuals of the country. One stamp was dedicated to comic strip author Hergé and his famous figure Tintin. The stamp showed Hergé's portrait and a series of Tintin characters.

 

Only Guinea-Bissau had forgotten to ask copyright permission for showing them. The Company „Studios Hergé“ forced Guinea-Bissau to withdraw the stamp. Allegedly the mini-sheets were in consequence sold in mutilated form in that the Hergé stamp was removed.

Hergé tintin bissau Treaty of Rome

 

Mini-sheet with withdrawn stamp (bottom left)

Hergé tintin bissau Treaty of Rome FDC

 

First Day Cover with mini sheet and withdrawn stamp (bottom left)