Only 10 days remain until the release of the 41st album, Asterix in Lusitania! This new adventure once again blends humor, history, and cultural caricature in the trademark Asterix style. The creators, Fabcaro and Didier Conrad, promise a story that pays tribute to Portuguese culture while continuing the timeless themes of friendship, resistance, and identity that define the series.
The Spirit of Saudade
One of the key themes revealed in the publisher’s announcement is saudade — that untranslatable Portuguese feeling of longing, nostalgia, and hope. It’s a deeply emotional concept that has inspired generations of poets, musicians, and artists, and now it finds its way into the world of Asterix. The upcoming album will weave this sentiment into its dialogue and atmosphere, offering both humor and heart as the Gauls encounter the Lusitanians.
Historical Roots and the Hero Viriato
The story will also feature Viriato, the legendary Lusitanian leader who resisted Roman conquest in the 2nd century BCE. Known for his guerrilla warfare tactics and betrayal by his own allies, Viriato remains a national hero in Portugal, much like Vercingetorix in Gaul. His inclusion ties Asterix in Lusitania to real historical events and celebrates the enduring spirit of resistance that the series has always embodied.
Hospitality and Cultural Identity
The publisher’s preview highlights another defining Lusitanian trait: hospitality. Even Roman chroniclers praised the warmth and generosity of the people in the western Iberian Peninsula. This hospitality, combined with the Portuguese love of music, food, and community, is expected to provide rich material for the album’s humor and cultural observations.
Sneak Peek and Global Release
To the delight of fans, a few panels from the upcoming album have been released as a sneak peek. These glimpses reveal vivid landscapes, expressive characters, and plenty of playful references to Portuguese traditions. The art continues Didier Conrad’s dynamic style, filled with movement and humor, while Fabcaro’s writing promises sharp wit and affection for the culture being portrayed.
A Worldwide Event
Asterix in Lusitania will be published in 5 million copies and besides French, across 19 languages and dialects, including Portuguese, Mirandese, Dutch, and English. This makes it one of the largest simultaneous comic book releases of the year. Fans from around the world will soon be able to follow Asterix and Obelix as they journey to the far reaches of the Roman Empire once again — this time to Lusitania, the land of saudade.
