Kolleen O'Meara of the Borders Group has confirmed to ICv2 that Borders' American outlets will follow the lead of its British stores and rack the controversial Tintin in the Congo in the graphic novel section rather than with the children's books.  First published in 1931, Herge's Tintin in the Congo reflects the racist and colonialist attitudes of many of the European right wing political groups of the era (Herge drew the Tintin comic strip for a right wing Catholic newspaper -- see 'Tintin Title Pulled From Children's Section'). 

Explaining Borders' handling of the title Ms. O'Meara released a statement to  ICv2.  'With respect to the specific title Tintin in the Congo, which could be considered offensive by some of our customers, we have decided to place this title in a section of our store intended primarily for adults -- the Graphic Novels section,' the statement said.  'We believe adults have the capacity to evaluate this work within historical context and make their own decision whether to read it or not.  Other Tintin titles will remain in the children's section.'

Little Brown is publishing Tintin in the Congo, along with Tintin in the Land of the Soviets and Tintin and Alph-Art for the first time in the U.S. in September.  Tintin in the Congo will come with a preface explaining the historical context of the book as well as with a belly band alerting readers to its contents.