SWEDEN – What began as a child’s fascination with a few comic books has become one of the most extensive Asterix and Obelix collections in Sweden. For Jonas, 51, the world of the indomitable Gauls has never lost its charm. In fact, after nearly three decades of collecting, his passion shows no sign of slowing down.
A Childhood Spark That Never Went Out
Jonas’s first encounter with the series came through Asterix the Gaul—Asterix – Gallernas hjälte in Swedish. Growing up, the albums were a constant presence in his life, until one day they suddenly disappeared. His mother, believing he had outgrown them, sold the entire stack at a car boot sale.
“I always missed them,” Jonas recalls. “So when I was older and earning my own money, I started buying them all back.”
Today, he owns every Swedish album in its first edition, a personal victory that laid the foundation for the collection that followed.
Three Decades of Hunting for Gauls
Over the past 30 years, Jonas has built a collection that may very well be the largest in the country—something he himself notes with modest pride. “I haven’t seen anyone in Sweden with a collection as big as mine,” he says.
His shelves hold far more than albums. Jonas collects anything connected to Asterix and Obelix, and the variety is striking. The collection includes:
- Swedish first-edition albums
- German magazines featuring Asterix
- Figurines and small-scale sculptures
- Board games and puzzles
- Household items such as mugs
- Bumper stickers and advertising items
- Papers, scraps, and ephemera tied to the franchise
- Oddities and curiosities that even seasoned fans may not know existed
He finds these pieces everywhere—at flea markets, online auctions, second-hand shops, and even during travels abroad. In France, he has picked up newspaper supplements and Asterix-themed print material seldom seen in Sweden.
“I like finding the odd things,” he says. “Not the expensive limited editions, but the surprises.”
Treasures With Emotional Value
Although his collection contains items that could be considered rare or sought-after, Jonas is quick to downplay their monetary value. What matters most are the objects given to him by his family. Their encouragement and shared amusement over his passion make those pieces the most meaningful.
Still, a few items stand out for their rarity.
One is a PlayStation memory card adorned with Asterix—a quirky collectible rarely seen. Another is the low-print Swedish edition of Asterix and the Class Act, Åter till Galien, which has become difficult and expensive to obtain on the secondary market.
A Simple Approach to a Big Collection
Despite the scale of his collection, Jonas organizes everything in a straightforward manner: albums arranged chronologically on shelves, with collectibles displayed neatly around them. He keeps no digital inventory or catalog.
“It works for me,” he says simply.
Asterix Is Having a Moment Again
Interestingly, Jonas has noticed renewed interest in the Gaulish heroes. “It feels like there’s been a bit of a boom again,” he notes, referring to the resurgence in popularity through new publications, media attention, and the enduring charm of the characters.
Beyond the Village of Indomitable Gauls
Jonas’s collecting interests don’t stop at Asterix. He has dabbled in Iznogoud, another classic comic series, and his family keeps a small collection of Smurfs. Still, Asterix and Obelix remain at the heart of his passion.
Possibly Sweden’s Largest Asterix Collection
With 30 years of dedication, a vast range of memorabilia, and an eye for unusual finds, Jonas has built something truly exceptional. Whether or not it is definitively the largest Asterix collection in Sweden, it is certainly one of the most impressive—an evolving tribute to a pair of Gauls who continue to delight readers across generations.
Are you an Asterix collector too? I’d love to hear your story! If you’d like your collection to be featured on AsterixtheGaul.com, feel free to contact me—big or small, every Gaulish treasure has a tale worth sharing. Join the village!
