Courtesy of Les Éditions Dargaud

The huge success of Asterix is not a miracle, it’s simply due to the fact that Rene Goscinny is a brilliant comedic writer, certainly one of the best ever in French comics, and that Albert Uderzo is an equally brilliant artist, at ease with any type of scenes. Astérix was originally serialized in the magazine Pilote, in the very first issue published on 29 October 1959. In 1961 the first book was put together entitled Asterix the Gaul. From then on, books were released generally on a yearly basis. We are at 34 albums so far. The Asterix series is one of the most popular Franco-Belgian comics in the world; with the series being translated over 100 languages. The success of the series has led to the adaptation of several books into 11 films: 8 animated, and 3 with live actors (trailers below).

Courtesy of Les Éditions Dargaud

The series follows the exploits of a village of invincible Gauls as they resist Roman occupation. They do so by means of a magic potion, brewed by their druid (ancient priest) Getafix, which gives the recipient superhuman strength. The main characters are Asterix with his eternal friend Obelix and his dog dogfix. The “ix” suffix of most names in the series is an echo the name of Vercingetorix an historical Gaul chieftain defeated by the great Caesar of Rome. In many cases, the stories have them travel to various countries around the world, though other books are set in and around their village. René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo are France’s bestselling authors abroad.

Courtesy of Les Éditions Dargaud