In December 2006, Hachette and Les Éditions Albert René launched La Grande Collection, a deluxe reissue of the beloved Asterix albums. Far more than a simple reprint, this collection restored the artistry of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo while presenting the stories in a premium hardcover format that immediately caught the attention of collectors and fans.

A Complete and Restored Series

La Grande Collection includes 34 numbered volumes, encompassing all the canonical Asterix albums published up to that point. Each volume was carefully restored: original artwork was cleaned, black lines re-inked, colours re-balanced for modern printing, and lettering retouched. The series was presented in an oversized format, approximately 253 × 333 mm, giving readers a larger, more detailed view of the illustrations than earlier editions.

Collectors were also treated to a special “album 0”, titled RéFondation, produced in a limited run of 1,000 copies. This hors-commerce edition served as an introduction to the collection, highlighting the restoration process and explaining the rationale behind the deluxe reissues. RéFondation remains a highly sought-after item for collectors.

Design and Presentation

One of the most distinctive features of La Grande Collection is its design. Each album carries a vertical banner along the left side of the cover with the series title. When the albums are placed side by side on a shelf, the spines create a continuous panoramic display, offering an effect often seen in European comic publishing but rarely in North America. The consistent hardcover format, colour restoration, and spine continuity make the collection a striking visual presence as well as a functional reading set.

Some Covers

The covers are too big for my scanner, but here a are few covers to give you an idea.

Practical Collector Information

• Format: Hardcover (“Première édition luxe”), 253 × 333 mm, 48–64 pages per volume.
• Numbering: 34 canonical albums (1–34) + 1 limited hors-commerce RéFondation (0).
• Print Details: Early editions feature “Première édition luxe” labelling; volumes were released progressively from 2006 to around 2010.
• Availability: While the numbered albums remain in circulation, RéFondation is extremely rare due to its limited print run of 1,000 copies and is usually found only through collector auctions or private sales.
• Shelf Appeal: The vertical banner and consistent spine design allow collectors to create an impressive panoramic display on bookshelves.
• Spanish Edition: The collection was also released in Spain under the title La Gran Colección, maintaining the same deluxe format and visual identity.

For collectors, La Grande Collection represents the ultimate way to experience Asterix — a combination of artistic fidelity, thoughtful restoration, and high-quality presentation. It’s a must-have for fans who appreciate the visual and historical value of the series as well as the stories themselves. A warning though, if you decide now you want to have the complete series, be prepared to spend some money …