List of Asterix volumes
Encyclopedia
This is a list of all Asterix
volumes, including the 34 official albums and various tie-ins.
Please note all original French publishing dates and volume numbers are shown. Other translation publishing dates and volume numbering may differ.
, Uderzo
continued the series by himself, writing his own stories on subjects such as feminism
and aliens
, with travels to India and Atlantis. These newer books are often criticised for lacking Goscinny's humor and writing style, and some fans consider the series ended with Asterix in Belgium. However, sales figures have shown no indication of diminished popularity.
, which is 43 pages, Asterix Conquers Rome
, which is 27 pages and Asterix and the Class Act
, which is a collection of short stories.
In 1989 a final illustrated story appeared. The story was by Goscinny (in 1965) with new, original art by Uderzo. It was 32 pages and appeared in the larger format used for the regular albums. It was the only one that was published in English:
Also in 1989–90 the first eight illustrated stories were reprinted in some locales as four books, each containing two of the original stories.
In 2007, Editions Albert René published Astérix et ses Amis
(Asterix and friends), a collection of short Asterix stories written and drawn by, and in the distinctive styles of, a number of cartoonists other than Uderzo. The book was dedicated to Uderzo on the occasion of his 80th birthday and carries a foreword by Sylvie, his daughter.
.
They have been released on home video and DVD by the following companies in the following countries:
– Cinema Plus Video – Palace Video – Select Video – Internacional Video Sistemas
Asterix
Asterix or The Adventures of Asterix is a series of French comic books written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo . The series first appeared in French in the magazine Pilote on October 29, 1959...
volumes, including the 34 official albums and various tie-ins.
Please note all original French publishing dates and volume numbers are shown. Other translation publishing dates and volume numbering may differ.
Goscinny and Uderzo
- 1961 – Asterix the GaulAsterix the GaulAsterix the Gaul is the first volume of the Asterix comic strip series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo .-Plot summary:...
(Astérix le Gaulois), The first album where the main characters are introduced. The style of Uderzo's drawing changes a lot until it stabilizes towards the end into the style he would keep and develop for the rest of the series.- The Romans discover that the secret of the Gauls' strength is the magic potion brewed by the druidDruidA druid was a member of the priestly class in Britain, Ireland, and Gaul, and possibly other parts of Celtic western Europe, during the Iron Age....
Getafix, so they decide to capture the druid and get the recipe out of him. It is up to Asterix and his wits to save Getafix.
- The Romans discover that the secret of the Gauls' strength is the magic potion brewed by the druid
- 1962 – Asterix and the Golden SickleAsterix and the Golden SickleAsterix and the Golden Sickle is the second volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was first serialized in Pilote issues 42-74 in 1960.-Plot summary:...
(La Serpe d'or) Travel to LutetiaLutetiaLutetia was a town in pre-Roman and Roman Gaul. The Gallo-Roman city was a forerunner of the re-established Merovingian town that is the ancestor of present-day Paris...
(ParisParisParis is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
)- Getafix's sickleSickleA sickle is a hand-held agricultural tool with a variously curved blade typically used for harvesting grain crops or cutting succulent forage chiefly for feeding livestock . Sickles have also been used as weapons, either in their original form or in various derivations.The diversity of sickles that...
breaks, so Asterix and Obelix volunteer to go to Lutetia to buy a new one. But there is a mysterious sickle shortage our heroes must get to the bottom of.
- Getafix's sickle
- 1963 – Asterix and the GothsAsterix and the GothsAsterix and the Goths is the third volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was first published in 1963 in French and translated into English in 1974.-Plot summary:...
(Astérix et les Goths) Germany- The druid Getafix is captured by a tribe of Goths, and Asterix and Obelix must rescue him.
- 1964 – Asterix the GladiatorAsterix the GladiatorAsterix the Gladiator is the fourth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was first serialized in the magazine Pilote, issues 126-168, in 1962.-Plot summary:...
(Astérix gladiateur) Rome- Odius Asparagus, the prefect of Gaul, captures Cacofonix and sends him as a present to Caesar. Unimpressed by Cacofonix, Caesar orders him to be thrown to the Lions at the Circus MaximusCircus MaximusThe Circus Maximus is an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium and mass entertainment venue located in Rome, Italy. Situated in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and its later Empire...
. Asterix and Obelix hitchhike all the way to Rome where they must become gladiatorGladiatorA gladiator was an armed combatant who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals. Some gladiators were volunteers who risked their legal and social standing and their lives by appearing in the...
s to rescue him.
- Odius Asparagus, the prefect of Gaul, captures Cacofonix and sends him as a present to Caesar. Unimpressed by Cacofonix, Caesar orders him to be thrown to the Lions at the Circus Maximus
- 1965 – Asterix and the BanquetAsterix and the BanquetAsterix and the Banquet is the fifth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was first serialized in the magazine Pilote, issues 172-213, in 1963.-Plot:...
(Le Tour de Gaule d'Astérix) various French cities- Unsuccessful at conquering the village, the Romans decide to isolate it by building a stockadeStockadeA stockade is an enclosure of palisades and tall walls made of logs placed side by side vertically with the tops sharpened to provide security.-Stockade as a security fence:...
. To remove it, Asterix strikes a bet with the Romans that he and Obelix can travel throughout Gaul and back to the village with various Gaulish delicacies without the Romans being able to stop them. The route is a parallel to the modern Tour de FranceTour de FranceThe Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France and nearby countries. First staged in 1903, the race covers more than and lasts three weeks. As the best known and most prestigious of cycling's three "Grand Tours", the Tour de France attracts riders and teams from around the world. The...
cycling event. It's in this adventure that ObelixObelixObelix is a fictional character from the French comic book series Asterix. He works as a menhir sculptor and deliveryman, and is Asterix's best friend. Obelix is noted for his fatness, the menhirs he carries around on his back and his superhuman strength...
gets his dog, DogmatixDogmatixDogmatix is a fictional character, a tiny white dog who belongs to Obelix in the Asterix comics. Dogmatix is a pun on the words dog and dogmatic. In the original French his name is Idéfix, itself a pun on the French expression idée fixe meaning an obsession...
.
- Unsuccessful at conquering the village, the Romans decide to isolate it by building a stockade
- 1965 – Asterix and CleopatraAsterix and CleopatraAsterix and Cleopatra is the sixth book in the Asterix comic book series by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. It was first published in serial form in Pilote magazine, issues 215-257, in 1963.-Synopsis:...
(Astérix et Cléopâtre) EgyptEgyptEgypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
- Caesar calls the Egyptians inferior to the Romans. Outraged, Cleopatra wagers with him that her people can build a grand monument in record time. Edifis, a bumbling, timid architectArchitectAn architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
is asked to perform the miracle, and asks his old friend Getafix for help. Meanwhile, his rival and Caesar's agents attempt to sabotage the effort.
- Caesar calls the Egyptians inferior to the Romans. Outraged, Cleopatra wagers with him that her people can build a grand monument in record time. Edifis, a bumbling, timid architect
- 1966 – Asterix and the Big FightAsterix and the Big FightAsterix and the Big Fight is a French comic book, the seventh in the Asterix comic book series. It was written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. Its original French title is Le Combat des chefs and it was first published in serial form in Pilote magazines, issues 261-302, in 1964...
(Le combat des chefs) no travels- The Romans conspire with a Roman-friendly Gaulish village to declare a ritual winner-takes-all fight between the village chiefs. One of Obelix's menhirMenhirA menhir is a large upright standing stone. Menhirs may be found singly as monoliths, or as part of a group of similar stones. Their size can vary considerably; but their shape is generally uneven and squared, often tapering towards the top...
s causes Getafix to lose his memory, leaving the Gauls without magic potion. The fight parodies professional boxingBoxingBoxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
.
- The Romans conspire with a Roman-friendly Gaulish village to declare a ritual winner-takes-all fight between the village chiefs. One of Obelix's menhir
- 1966 – Asterix in BritainAsterix in BritainAsterix in Britain is the eighth in the Asterix comic book series. It was published in serial form in Pilote magazine, issues 307-334, in 1965, and in album form in 1966...
(Astérix chez les Bretons) Britain- One small village in Britain still holds out against the Roman invaders. But with no Magic Potion, they need help, so Asterix's cousin Anticlimax comes to Gaul seeking aid.
- 1966 – Asterix and the NormansAsterix and the NormansAsterix and the Normans is the ninth book in the Asterix comic book series, written by René Goscinny and drawn by Albert Uderzo. It was first published in serial form in Pilote magazine, issues 340-361, in 1966...
(Astérix et les Normands) no travels- The Normans are fearless to the point of not even understanding the concept, so they travel to Gaul where they kidnap chief Vitalstatistix's cowardly visiting nephew Justforkix to teach them fear.
- 1967 – Asterix the LegionaryAsterix the LegionaryAsterix the Legionary is the tenth Asterix book in the Asterix comic book series by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. It was first published as a serial in Pilote magazine, issues 368-389, in 1966.-Synopsis:...
(Astérix légionnaire) Africa, first appearance of Panacea- Asterix and Obelix join the Roman Legion (in a parody of the French Foreign LegionFrench Foreign LegionThe French Foreign Legion is a unique military service wing of the French Army established in 1831. The foreign legion was exclusively created for foreign nationals willing to serve in the French Armed Forces...
) in an attempt to find the conscripted fiancé of Panacea, a villager on whom Obelix has a big crush. With an eclectic group of foreigners, they are sent to North Africa to fight the traitor ScipioScipio (cognomen)Scipio is a Roman cognomen representing the Cornelii Scipiones, a branch of the Cornelii family. Any individual male of the branch must be named Cornelius Scipio and a female Cornelia. The nomen, Cornelius, signifies that the person belongs to the Cornelia gens, a legally defined clan composed of...
.
- Asterix and Obelix join the Roman Legion (in a parody of the French Foreign Legion
- 1968 – Asterix and the Chieftain's ShieldAsterix and the Chieftain's ShieldAsterix and the Chieftain's Shield is the eleventh volume in the Asterix comic book series, written by René Goscinny and drawn by Albert Uderzo. It was originally published as a serial in Pilote issues 399-421 in 1967.The book is inspired by the battle of Alesia, where the Gaulish warrior chief...
(Le bouclier Arverne) Cities in southern France: Acqua Calidae (VichyVichyVichy is a commune in the department of Allier in Auvergne in central France. It belongs to the historic province of Bourbonnais.It is known as a spa and resort town and was the de facto capital of Vichy France during the World War II Nazi German occupation from 1940 to 1944.The town's inhabitants...
), Gergovia, Nemessos (Clermont-FerrandClermont-FerrandClermont-Ferrand is a city and commune of France, in the Auvergne region, with a population of 140,700 . Its metropolitan area had 409,558 inhabitants at the 1999 census. It is the prefecture of the Puy-de-Dôme department...
)- After too many banquets, chief Vitalstatistix is forced to visit a spa in the Arvernian countryside to nurse his sore liver. Meanwhile, Caesar orders his men to search the area for the shield of VercingetorixVercingetorixVercingetorix was the chieftain of the Arverni tribe, who united the Gauls in an ultimately unsuccessful revolt against Roman forces during the last phase of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars....
, regarded as a patriotic symbol by the Gauls.
- After too many banquets, chief Vitalstatistix is forced to visit a spa in the Arvernian countryside to nurse his sore liver. Meanwhile, Caesar orders his men to search the area for the shield of Vercingetorix
- 1968 – Asterix at the Olympic GamesAsterix at the Olympic GamesAsterix at the Olympic Games is the 12th comic book album in the Asterix series. Serialized in Pilote issues 434-455 in 1968 , it was translated into English in 1972...
(Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques) Greece- To participate in the Olympic GamesOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
in Greece, the Gauls register themselves as Romans. When the officials declare the magic potion to be a form of illegal doping, Asterix turns to his native abilities to compete.
- To participate in the Olympic Games
- 1969 – Asterix and the CauldronAsterix and the CauldronAsterix and the Cauldron is the thirteenth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo...
(Astérix et le chaudron) no travels- Whosemoralsarelastix, chief of a nearby village, asks Vitalstatistix to hide his village's money to prevent the Romans from taking it. When the money is stolen under his watch, Asterix is banished until he can repay the money and recover his honour.
- 1969 – Asterix in SpainAsterix in SpainAsterix in Spain is the fourteenth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was originally serialized in the megazine Pilote, issues 498-519, in 1969, and translated into English in 1971...
(Astérix en Hispanie) SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, first appearance of Unhygienix- Pepe, a young and spoiled child, is taken from the Romans. He turns out to be Spanish, and held hostage in an attempt to get them to surrender. Asterix and Obelix escort the child back to Spain.
- 1970 – Asterix and the Roman AgentAsterix and the Roman AgentAsterix and the Roman Agent is the fifteenth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo...
(La Zizanie) no travels- A troublemaker is brought to Caesar in Rome; he was to be executed in the ColosseumColosseumThe Colosseum, or the Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre , is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire...
, but is so conniving that he got the lionLionThe lion is one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera, and a member of the family Felidae. With some males exceeding 250 kg in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger...
s to eat each other instead. Caesar sends him to the Gaulish village in an attempt to destroy unity.
- A troublemaker is brought to Caesar in Rome; he was to be executed in the Colosseum
- 1970 – Asterix in SwitzerlandAsterix in SwitzerlandAsterix in Switzerland is the sixteenth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo...
(Astérix chez les Helvètes) SwitzerlandSwitzerlandSwitzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
- A poisoned Roman tax inspector seeks sanctuary in the village. Asterix and Obelix are sent to Switzerland to recover a Silver Star, or EdelweissEdelweissEdelweiss , Leontopodium alpinum, is a well-known European mountain flower, belonging to the sunflower family.-Names:The common name comes from German edel, meaning "noble", and weiß "white", thus signifying "noble whiteness".The scientific name Leontopodium is a Latin adaptation of Greek...
, which is needed to cure him.
- A poisoned Roman tax inspector seeks sanctuary in the village. Asterix and Obelix are sent to Switzerland to recover a Silver Star, or Edelweiss
- 1971 – The Mansions of the GodsThe Mansions of the GodsThe Mansions of the Gods is the seventeenth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo...
(Le Domaine des dieux)- A satire of real estateReal estateIn general use, esp. North American, 'real estate' is taken to mean "Property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals, or water; immovable property of this nature; an interest vested in this; an item of real property; buildings or...
speculationSpeculationIn finance, speculation is a financial action that does not promise safety of the initial investment along with the return on the principal sum...
; Caesar tries to dilute solidarity and weaken local customs in Gaul by creating a vacation resort near the Village. The villagers sabotage the efforts, first by magically replanting the forest as soon as it's cut, and by creating a slaves' union; later by being obnoxious neighbors to the resident Romans.
- A satire of real estate
- 1972 – Asterix and the Laurel WreathAsterix and the Laurel WreathAsterix and the Laurel Wreath is the eighteenth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was originally serialized in the magazine Pilote, issues 621-642, in 1971 and translated in to English in 1974.-Plot summary:The story begins in Rome where Asterix and...
(Les Lauriers de César) RomeRomeRome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
- Thoroughly chagrined by his obnoxious brother-in-law, Vitalstatistix gets drunk and boasts that he will create a dish seasoned with Caesar's laurel wreathLaurel wreathA laurel wreath is a circular wreath made of interlocking branches and leaves of the bay laurel , an aromatic broadleaf evergreen. In Greek mythology, Apollo is represented wearing a laurel wreath on his head...
. He orders Asterix and Obelix travel to Rome to retrieve it.
- Thoroughly chagrined by his obnoxious brother-in-law, Vitalstatistix gets drunk and boasts that he will create a dish seasoned with Caesar's laurel wreath
- 1972 – Asterix and the SoothsayerAsterix and the SoothsayerAsterix and the Soothsayer is the nineteenth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was originally serialized in Pilote issues 652-673 in 1972.-Plot summary:...
(Le Devin) no travels- In the absence of Getafix, a fraudulent seer seeks shelter against rain in the Village, then ingratiates himself to everyone by predicting the futures they want to hear, asking no foodFoodFood is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. It is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals...
or moneyMoneyMoney is any object or record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts in a given country or socio-economic context. The main functions of money are distinguished as: a medium of exchange; a unit of account; a store of value; and, occasionally in the past,...
, merely items to "read" the future in (mainly as food and money). Unbeknown to the Gauls, he is hired by the Romans to convince the Gauls to abandon the village by that disaster would befall the village were he to be chased off.
- In the absence of Getafix, a fraudulent seer seeks shelter against rain in the Village, then ingratiates himself to everyone by predicting the futures they want to hear, asking no food
- 1973 – Asterix in CorsicaAsterix in CorsicaAsterix in Corsica is the twentieth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was originally serialized in Pilote issues 687-708 in 1973...
(Astérix en Corse) CorsicaCorsicaCorsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....
- As part of the celebrations of the anniversary of Vercingetorix's victory at the Battle of Gergovia, the Gauls and their friends raid one of the nearby Roman camps. A very stoic and composed prisoner is discovered, who reveals himself as Boneywasawarriorwayayix, a tribal leader from CorsicaCorsicaCorsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....
. Asterix and Obelix accompany him back to Corsica, to unite the quarrelling tribes against the Romans.
- As part of the celebrations of the anniversary of Vercingetorix's victory at the Battle of Gergovia, the Gauls and their friends raid one of the nearby Roman camps. A very stoic and composed prisoner is discovered, who reveals himself as Boneywasawarriorwayayix, a tribal leader from Corsica
- 1974 – Asterix and Caesar's GiftAsterix and Caesar's GiftAsterix and Caesar's Gift is the twenty-first volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was the first Asterix adventure that was not published in serial form in Pilote prior to its publication as a book.-The gift of Caesar:The story begins c...
(Le Cadeau de César) Rome- At the end of their career, legionaries are granted estate in the Empire to settle down. A perpetually inebriated soldier is given the Village, by Caesar's hand, which he promptly sells to an innkeeper for wineWineWine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
. Pushed by his dominant wife, the innkeeper sells his property and attempts to claim the village as his own. Upon discovering that his ownership is void, he campaigns to be elected chief, causing rivalries to ensue throughout the village. To complicate matter, the soldier returns and asks the local legions' aid in reclaiming his village, since he didn't get enough wine for it.
- At the end of their career, legionaries are granted estate in the Empire to settle down. A perpetually inebriated soldier is given the Village, by Caesar's hand, which he promptly sells to an innkeeper for wine
- 1975 – Asterix and the Great CrossingAsterix and the Great CrossingAsterix and the Great Crossing is the twenty-second volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo .-Plot summary:...
(La Grande traversée) North AmericaNorth AmericaNorth America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
- Brewing the magical potion requires fresh fishFishFish are a paraphyletic group of organisms that consist of all gill-bearing aquatic vertebrate animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish, as well as various extinct related groups...
, and Unhygienix has none since he imports it from Lutetia (Paris) (in spite of living near the sea). Asterix and Obelix sail out to catch fish, but become lost and end up on the other side of the ocean, discovering a New WorldNew WorldThe New World is one of the names used for the Western Hemisphere, specifically America and sometimes Oceania . The term originated in the late 15th century, when America had been recently discovered by European explorers, expanding the geographical horizon of the people of the European middle...
, where they eventually become a legend to the Native AmericanIndigenous peoples of the AmericasThe indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
populace. Soon afterwards, a Viking explorer discovers America, and captures the first natives he finds (i.e. them) and brings them home. A running joke in this comic is that none of the races are able to understand one another, the Vikings speaking with Scandinavian vowels that the Gauls are unable to duplicate, but that their dogs are able to communicate perfectly.
- Brewing the magical potion requires fresh fish
- 1976 – Asterix Conquers RomeAsterix Conquers RomeAsterix Conquers Rome first published in 1976, was the comic book adaptation of the animated Asterix film The Twelve Tasks of Asterix and "unofficially" the twenty-third Asterix volume to be published. It has very rarely been printed and is not widely known even amongst Asterix fans...
(Les 12 Travaux D'Asterix) various locations- To prove to his critics that the Gauls are mere mortals, Julius Caeser challenges the village to perform twelve tasks that only gods could perform, similar to the twelve tasks of Hercules. If they succeed, he will admit defeat and let them become the rulers of Rome, but if they fail, they will become his slaves. The challenge is accepted and Asterix and Obelix are chosen to represent the village, eventually succeeding in all tasks. (This comic book, published in 1976, is an adaptation of the original story animated film The Twelve Tasks of AsterixThe Twelve Tasks of AsterixThe Twelve Tasks of Asterix is an animated feature film based on the Asterix comic book series. René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, the creators of the series, wrote the story and directed the film themselves; with co-direction by Pierre Watrin and the screenplay co-written by Pierre Tchernia, a...
. The artwork is thought to be the work of Uderzo's brother Marcel. It has very rarely been printed and usually excluded from the canonical list of Asterix volumes.)
- To prove to his critics that the Gauls are mere mortals, Julius Caeser challenges the village to perform twelve tasks that only gods could perform, similar to the twelve tasks of Hercules. If they succeed, he will admit defeat and let them become the rulers of Rome, but if they fail, they will become his slaves. The challenge is accepted and Asterix and Obelix are chosen to represent the village, eventually succeeding in all tasks. (This comic book, published in 1976, is an adaptation of the original story animated film The Twelve Tasks of Asterix
- 1976 – Obelix and Co.Obelix and Co.Obelix and Co. is the twenty-third volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . The book's main focus is on the attempts by the Gaul-occupying Romans to corrupt the one remaining village that still holds out against them by instilling capitalism.-Plot...
(Obélix et Compagnie) no travels; a satire of economicsEconomicsEconomics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
- Caesar sends one of his advisors to the Gaulish village, in an effort to make them rich, decadent and utterly dependent on Rome. He starts by buying menhirs at ever-increasing prices, thus persuading most of the village to make useless menhirs, and in turn employing other villagers to hunt for their food. The plan goes awry when Caesar's treasury turns out insufficient to fund the menhirs, and a commercial campaign to sell them in Rome fails because of competition from Egyptian menhirs and slave-made Roman menhirs.
- 1979 – Asterix in BelgiumAsterix in BelgiumAsterix in Belgium is the twenty-fourth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo .It is noted as the last Asterix story Goscinny worked on...
(Astérix chez les Belges) BelgiumBelgiumBelgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
- When Vitalstatistix hears that Caesar has said that the BelgiansBelgiansBelgians are people originating from the Kingdom of Belgium, a federal state in Western Europe.-Etymology:Belgians are a relatively "new" people...
are the bravest of all the GaulishGaulsThe Gauls were a Celtic people living in Gaul, the region roughly corresponding to what is now France, Belgium, Switzerland and Northern Italy, from the Iron Age through the Roman period. They mostly spoke the Continental Celtic language called Gaulish....
peoples he heads to BelgiumBelgiumBelgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
in a huff to show the world that his ArmoricaArmoricaArmorica or Aremorica is the name given in ancient times to the part of Gaul that includes the Brittany peninsula and the territory between the Seine and Loire rivers, extending inland to an indeterminate point and down the Atlantic coast...
ns are really the best.
- When Vitalstatistix hears that Caesar has said that the Belgians
Uderzo only
After the death of GoscinnyRené Goscinny
René Goscinny was a French comics editor and writer, who is best known for the comic book Astérix, which he created with illustrator Albert Uderzo, and for his work on the comic series Lucky Luke with Morris and Iznogoud with Jean Tabary.-Early life:Goscinny was born in Paris in 1926, to a family...
, Uderzo
Albert Uderzo
Albert Uderzo is a French comic book artist, and scriptwriter. He is best known for his work on the Astérix series, but also drew other comics such as Oumpah-pah, also in collaboration with René Goscinny.-Early life:...
continued the series by himself, writing his own stories on subjects such as feminism
Feminism
Feminism is a collection of movements aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, and social rights and equal opportunities for women. Its concepts overlap with those of women's rights...
and aliens
Extraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
, with travels to India and Atlantis. These newer books are often criticised for lacking Goscinny's humor and writing style, and some fans consider the series ended with Asterix in Belgium. However, sales figures have shown no indication of diminished popularity.
- 1980 – Asterix and the Great DivideAsterix and the Great DivideAsterix and the Great Divide is the twenty-fifth volume of the Asterix comic book series. It was first published in 1980.-Plot summary:In a village similar to Asterix's, two rival chiefs, Cleverdix and Majestix, have been elected...
(Le Grand fossé) A fictional Gaulish village- Asterix and Obelix visit a village divided in half by its rival chiefs. However, one chief's son and the other's daughter are in love, and together with Asterix and Obelix, they reunite the village. The dividing chasm itself resembles the Berlin WallBerlin WallThe Berlin Wall was a barrier constructed by the German Democratic Republic starting on 13 August 1961, that completely cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and from East Berlin...
. There is also a reference here to Romeo and JulietRomeo and JulietRomeo and Juliet is a tragedy written early in the career of playwright William Shakespeare about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular archetypal stories of young, teenage lovers.Romeo and Juliet belongs to a...
.
- Asterix and Obelix visit a village divided in half by its rival chiefs. However, one chief's son and the other's daughter are in love, and together with Asterix and Obelix, they reunite the village. The dividing chasm itself resembles the Berlin Wall
- 1981 – Asterix and the Black GoldAsterix and the Black GoldAsterix and the Black Gold is the twenty-sixth volume of Asterix comic book series, originally published in 1981. It is the second book to be published after the death of René Goscinny and is thus both written and drawn by Albert Uderzo.The book describes Asterix's and Obelix's voyage to the...
(L'Odyssée d'Astérix) The Middle EastMiddle EastThe Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
, Jerusalem.- Getafix has run out of rock oilPetroleumPetroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
and sends Asterix and Obelix to MesopotamiaMesopotamiaMesopotamia is a toponym for the area of the Tigris–Euphrates river system, largely corresponding to modern-day Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey and southwestern Iran.Widely considered to be the cradle of civilization, Bronze Age Mesopotamia included Sumer and the...
in search of it. They are accompanied by a Gaulish-Roman druid called Dubbelosix, who is really a double agentDouble agentA double agent, commonly abbreviated referral of double secret agent, is a counterintelligence term used to designate an employee of a secret service or organization, whose primary aim is to spy on the target organization, but who in fact is a member of that same target organization oneself. They...
seeking to foul their mission. Includes a tribute to Goscinny, who was Jewish.
- Getafix has run out of rock oil
- 1983 – Asterix and SonAsterix and SonAsterix and Son is the twenty-seventh volume of the Asterix comic book series, created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo .-Plot summary:A baby boy inexplicably appears at the porch of Asterix's house one morning...
(Le Fils d'Astérix) no travels- A baby boy mysteriously turns up at Asterix's doorstep. No one in the village knows who he is, so Asterix is forced to be his adoptive father. Meanwhile, the Roman legions led by Brutus are after the baby, because in reality, he is Caesar's full-blooded son, CaesarionCaesarionPtolemy XV Philopator Philometor Caesar , better known by the nicknames Caesarion and Ptolemy Caesar , was the last king of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt, who reigned jointly with his mother Cleopatra VII of Egypt, from September 2, 44 BC...
.
- A baby boy mysteriously turns up at Asterix's doorstep. No one in the village knows who he is, so Asterix is forced to be his adoptive father. Meanwhile, the Roman legions led by Brutus are after the baby, because in reality, he is Caesar's full-blooded son, Caesarion
- 1987 – Asterix and the Magic CarpetAsterix and the Magic CarpetAsterix and the Magic Carpet is the twenty-eighth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was first published in 1987...
(Astérix chez Rahazade) IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
- A fakirFakirThe fakir or faqir ; ) Derived from faqr is a Muslim Sufi ascetic in Middle East and South Asia. The Faqirs were wandering Dervishes teaching Islam and living on alms....
from far-away India travels to Asterix's village and asks Cacofonix to save his land from drought since his horrible voice can make it rain. Cacofonix, accompanied by Asterix and Obelix, must travel to India aboard a magic carpet to save the life of the princess Orinjade, who is to be sacrificed to stop the drought.
- A fakir
- 1991 – Asterix and the Secret WeaponAsterix and the Secret WeaponAsterix and the Secret Weapon is the twenty-ninth volume of the Asterix comic book series and the fifth by Albert Uderzo alone. It parodies male-female relationships and military secrets.-Plot summary:...
(La Rose et le glaive) no travels- A feministFeminismFeminism is a collection of movements aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, and social rights and equal opportunities for women. Its concepts overlap with those of women's rights...
satire in which a female bard called Bravura replaces Cacofonix as school teacher and "liberates" the village women, causing the men to leave and live in the forest. Caesar secretly sends a battalion of female legionaries to conquer the village, having heard that the Gauls will not strike a woman. The men and woman have to settle their differences to overcome this threat.
- A feminist
- 1996 – Asterix and Obelix All at SeaAsterix and Obelix All at SeaAsterix and Obelix All at Sea is the thirtieth volume of the Asterix comic book series, by Albert Uderzo. The album was dedicated to Uderzo's grandchild, as well as American actor Kirk Douglas.-Plot summary:...
(La Galère d'Obélix) AtlantisAtlantisAtlantis is a legendary island first mentioned in Plato's dialogues Timaeus and Critias, written about 360 BC....
- Left alone in Getafix's hut, Obelix drinks a whole cauldron of magic potion. He first turns to stone, then into a small boy. Meanwhile, a group of men have escaped from Roman slavery on board a ship. Together, they travel to AtlantisAtlantisAtlantis is a legendary island first mentioned in Plato's dialogues Timaeus and Critias, written about 360 BC....
to make Obelix a grown man again.
- Left alone in Getafix's hut, Obelix drinks a whole cauldron of magic potion. He first turns to stone, then into a small boy. Meanwhile, a group of men have escaped from Roman slavery on board a ship. Together, they travel to Atlantis
- 2001 – Asterix and the ActressAsterix and the ActressAsterix and the Actress is the 31st volume of the Asterix comic book series, written and illustrated by Albert Uderzo.-Plot summary:For Asterix and Obelix' birthday party, their parents have decided to come from Condatum...
(Astérix et Latraviata) no travels- A Roman actress pretends to be Panacea in order to steal back a fancy sword/scabbard and helmet belonging to PompeyPompeyGnaeus Pompeius Magnus, also known as Pompey or Pompey the Great , was a military and political leader of the late Roman Republic...
, which Asterix and Obelix got for their birthday before Caesar learns Pompey is in Armorica.
- A Roman actress pretends to be Panacea in order to steal back a fancy sword/scabbard and helmet belonging to Pompey
- 2003 – Asterix and the Class ActAsterix and the Class ActAsterix and the Class Act is officially the thirty-second album of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo , published in 2003. Unlike the other Asterix books it is a compilation of short stories, rather than one long story...
(Astérix et la rentrée gauloise) most stories take place in the village, though one story is set in Lutetia (modern day Paris)- A collection of several short stories, including an experiment at different drawing and storytelling styles. Some stories are written by Goscinny.
- 2005 – Asterix and the Falling SkyAsterix and the Falling SkyAsterix and the Falling Sky is the thirty-third volume of the Asterix comic book series, by Albert Uderzo . It was released on October 14, 2005....
(Le ciel lui tombe sur la tête) no travels- Two rival outer space alienExtraterrestrial lifeExtraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
ships appear above the Gaulish village. The aliens want to know the secret of the great weapon the Gauls have, which is "known throughout the universe". The aliens are styled on the happy-faced Walt DisneyWalt DisneyWalter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...
and Marvel ComicsMarvel ComicsMarvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
superheroSuperheroA superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
es of the American comic book style on one side, and futuristic robot and insect-like JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese mangaMangaManga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
style on the other. The album is explained by Uderzo as a tribute to Walt Disney, who inspired him to be an artist. Reception of the album was mixed, with many fans criticizing the sci-fi setting, and thinly veiled references to the BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
administration. Despite this criticism, the album was not disliked by everyone, and reportedly sold well.
- Two rival outer space alien
- 2009 – Asterix and Obelix's Birthday: The Golden BookAsterix and Obelix's Birthday: The Golden BookAsterix and Obelix's Birthday: The Golden Book is the thirty-fourth episode of the Asterix comic book series, designed and written by Albert Uderzo. The usage of previous Asterix stories led to co-creator Late René Goscinny also being credited...
- Several short stories, including some written by Goscinny.
Format
The storyline in a volume is typically 44 pages long; the exceptions are Asterix and the GothsAsterix and the Goths
Asterix and the Goths is the third volume of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo . It was first published in 1963 in French and translated into English in 1974.-Plot summary:...
, which is 43 pages, Asterix Conquers Rome
Asterix Conquers Rome
Asterix Conquers Rome first published in 1976, was the comic book adaptation of the animated Asterix film The Twelve Tasks of Asterix and "unofficially" the twenty-third Asterix volume to be published. It has very rarely been printed and is not widely known even amongst Asterix fans...
, which is 27 pages and Asterix and the Class Act
Asterix and the Class Act
Asterix and the Class Act is officially the thirty-second album of the Asterix comic book series, by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo , published in 2003. Unlike the other Asterix books it is a compilation of short stories, rather than one long story...
, which is a collection of short stories.
In addition
In the mid 1980s a series of illustrated text stories appeared, with some original art, but mostly taken and modified from existing albums. These were 26 pages in a smaller format than the normal albums with large print. They are aimed at a younger audience and were not enthusiastically received; translation into other languages was spotty.- 1984 – Les Pirates (The Pirates)
- 1985 – L'illustrissime Belcantus (The Illustrious Belacantus)
- 1985 – L'abominable horrifix (The Dreadful Horrifix)
- 1985 – Jericocorix (The Jericocorix)
- 1986 – La course de chars (The Great Chariot Race)
- 1986 – Le feu de pommes (The Apple Cider)
- 1986 – Marmaille et pagaille (Kids and Chaos)
- 1986 – L'eau du ciel (Water from Heaven)
In 1989 a final illustrated story appeared. The story was by Goscinny (in 1965) with new, original art by Uderzo. It was 32 pages and appeared in the larger format used for the regular albums. It was the only one that was published in English:
- 1989 – Comment Obelix est tombe dans la marmite du druide quand il etait petit (How Obelix Fell into the Magic Potion When he was a Little BoyHow Obelix Fell into the Magic Potion When he was a Little BoyHow Obelix Fell into the Magic Potion When he was a Little Boy is an Asterix story written by René Goscinny and originally published in the French magazine Pilote issue 291 , with only a few drawings...
)
Also in 1989–90 the first eight illustrated stories were reprinted in some locales as four books, each containing two of the original stories.
- 1999 – Le livre d' Asterix le Gaulois
In 2007, Editions Albert René published Astérix et ses Amis
Astérix et ses Amis
Astérix et ses amis is a tribute volume published in 2007 by Les Editions Albert René. The full original title is Astérix et ses Amis - Hommage à Albert Uderzo. It was released to pay tribute to Albert Uderzo, for his 80th birthday...
(Asterix and friends), a collection of short Asterix stories written and drawn by, and in the distinctive styles of, a number of cartoonists other than Uderzo. The book was dedicated to Uderzo on the occasion of his 80th birthday and carries a foreword by Sylvie, his daughter.
Movie adaptions
Asterix films not based closely on a single book have had film books released in a format similar to the original albums, but with scenes from the films and a written story. Fans don't consider them as truly part of the canonCanon (fiction)
In the context of a work of fiction, the term canon denotes the material accepted as "official" in a fictional universe's fan base. It is often contrasted with, or used as the basis for, works of fan fiction, which are not considered canonical...
.
- 1976 – The Twelve Tasks of AsterixThe Twelve Tasks of AsterixThe Twelve Tasks of Asterix is an animated feature film based on the Asterix comic book series. René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, the creators of the series, wrote the story and directed the film themselves; with co-direction by Pierre Watrin and the screenplay co-written by Pierre Tchernia, a...
(Les douze travaux d'Astérix) - 1985 – Asterix Versus CaesarAsterix Versus CaesarAsterix Versus Caesar is the first of the 1980s Asterix films and the fourth film adaption based on the Asterix comic books...
(Astérix et la surprise de César) - 1989 – Operation Getafix (Astérix et le coup du menhir) – from Asterix and the Big FightAsterix and the Big FightAsterix and the Big Fight is a French comic book, the seventh in the Asterix comic book series. It was written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. Its original French title is Le Combat des chefs and it was first published in serial form in Pilote magazines, issues 261-302, in 1964...
- 1994 – Asterix Conquers AmericaAsterix Conquers AmericaAsterix Conquers America is a 1994 animated movie directed by Gerhard Hahn. It was produced in Germany as Asterix in Amerika by Gerhard Hahn and Jürgen Wohlrabe, and is the first Asterix film produced outside of France...
(Astérix et les indiens) - 2006 – Asterix and the VikingsAsterix and the VikingsAsterix and the Vikings is an animated feature film, produced in France and Denmark, and directed by Stefan Fjeldmark and Jesper Møller. The story was adapted from the graphic novel Asterix and the Normans, which was written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo...
(Astérix et les Vikings)
They have been released on home video and DVD by the following companies in the following countries:
– Cinema Plus Video – Palace Video – Select Video – Internacional Video Sistemas
External links
- Asterix NZ: Take a look Inside– Information on all the 33 Asterix books