Tintin and Knocking Characters Out

[Rosey Mucklestone]

So, recently I went through all 23 of the Tintin comic books and counted exactly how many times he got knocked out. And, including all of the ways he was rendered unconscious (knockout gas, chloroform, getting shot, almost drowning, and the ever popular whack on the head) it numbered to about 60 times.
60.
This is one guy in a 23 book series.
So, obviously that is overdoing it.
But what do you think is the proper use of this element in writing? Do you have any other examples of WAY overusing it?

[Hope Ann]

Knocking out characters can be convenient option in a book…too convenient sometimes (especially when you’re headbutting a man in a helmet and knock him out while remaining perfectly fine). I think, when used in a book, it needs to be realistic…how hard does someone really have to get hit to get knocked out? (does anyone know here?) And normally people aren’t unconscious for too long. Also, after getting knocked out, there may be after-effects, such as a headache or maybe even a concussion.

INTJ - Inhumane. No-feelings. Terrible. Judgment and doom on everyone.

[Emma]

Yes, people getting knocked out is a too casually and cheaply used occurrence in books. With taste, it’s great. But they just tend to be a way to get out of situations, rather than a realistic occurrence.

random thing: TINTIN THE MOVIE THOUGH

[Rosey Mucklestone]

Exactly. Both of you guys. 🙂 I really like it as an element when well used, but sometimes it’s just like “Oh my goodness… again?”

In response to your random thing: YES THE TINTIN MOVIE. <3

[Author]

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