The Best Albums to Start Your Adventure

Since 1959, Astérix and Obélix have been the heroes of Franco-Belgian comics, charming readers of all ages. Created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, these little Gauls have become cultural icons thanks to clever humor, unforgettable characters, and exciting adventures. If you’re new to Astérix, this guide will introduce you to the series, its history, and eight essential albums to start your journey.

How Astérix Was Born

Astérix began when two comic legends, Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny, joined forces in the mid-1950s. Their collaboration led to the launch of Pilote magazine in 1959, and with it, the debut of a clever, indomitable little Gaul. The first page of Astérix le Gaulois was published on October 29, 1959, and the series was an instant hit, captivating readers with its humor, historical references, and memorable characters.

The Golden Era: 1961–1979

From 1961 to 1979, Goscinny and Uderzo produced 24 albums, often called the golden era of Astérix. Each story combined humor, adventure, and a playful look at different cultures. Highlights include:

• Asterix and Cleopatra: A brilliant mix of clever gags and historical adventure.
• Asterix in Britain: A humorous exploration of Britain, complete with its famously “warm” beer.
• Asterix the Legionary: An adventure of epic proportions

This era ended tragically in 1977 with the death of René Goscinny during the creation of Astérix chez les Belges, marking the end of the original team’s run.

The Solo Era: Uderzo Takes the Lead

After Goscinny’s death, Albert Uderzo continued the series alone, founding Les Éditions Albert René. He took on both writing and illustrating, creating albums with a new personal touch while retaining the series’ spirit. Notable albums from this period include:

• Asterix and Son: Maybe Uderzo’s best solo album
• La Rose et le Glaive: One of Uderzo’s most personal stories.
• The Falling Sky: A controversial but memorable adventure.

While the style evolved, Uderzo kept the charm of Astérix alive, blending humor, history, and strong character-driven stories.

Carrying the Flame: Ferri and Conrad

In 2013, Jean-Yves Ferri (writer) and Didier Conrad (artist) took over the series. Their first album, Asterix and the Picts, was widely praised for capturing the spirit of the originals while adding modern humor and fresh ideas. The White Iris, written by Fabcaro, even got praised by some die-hard Goscinny fans.

Eight Essential Albums for New Readers

For anyone new to Astérix, these eight albums provide a perfect introduction (in no particular order):

1. Asterix and the Goths: The first Asterix I encountered as a kid
2. Asterix and Son: The first album I ever bought with my own money
3. Mansions of the Gods: An album so good it was adapted into a 3D animated adventure that is widely considered to be the best Asterix movie.
4. Asterix and the Laurel Wreath: An album with more adult themes than any other.
5. Asterix and the Magic Carpet: Uderzo’s best travel adventure
6. Asterix and Cleopatra: Probably a favorite of many Asterix fans.
7. Asterix and the Big Fight: This album was the inspiration for a Netflix show.
8. Asterix in Lusitania: The most recent album and a must-read for all fans.

These albums highlight the best of each era, showing the evolution of humor, storytelling, and artwork across decades. Whether you start with the golden classics, Uderzo’s solo adventures, or the modern Ferri and Conrad albums, you’ll discover why Astérix and Obélix remain beloved worldwide.