Tintin and the Picaros series "The Adventures of Tintin" by Ellipse and Nelvana. Tintin and his dog Snowy visit their friends Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus at Marlinspike Hall. There, they learn that Bianca Castafiore, her maid Irma, pianist Igor Wagner and the detectives Thomson and Thompson have been imprisoned in San Theodoros for allegedly attempting to overthrow the military government of General Tapioca. Tapioca's government have further alleged that the plot was masterminded by Tintin, Haddock, and Calculus themselves. Tapioca invites the trio to visit San Theodores, promising them safe passage, but Tintin deems it to be a trap, leaving Haddock and Calculus
The Secret of the Unicorn Haddock was "the best realised character" in the story, conversely describing the Bird Brothers as "relatively uninspired villains". They went on to state that "The Secret of the Unicorn"-"Red Rackham's Treasure" arc represents "a turning point" for the series as it shifts the reader's attention from Tintin to Haddock, who has become "by far, the most interesting character". They praised the "truly outstanding storytelling" of "The Secret of the Unicorn", ultimately awarding it a rating of four out of five. Phillipe Goddin commented on the scene in the story in which Haddock relates the life of his ancestor, stating that