Goscinny and Uderzo, the legendary creators of the Asterix comic series, established a tradition of weaving the real world into their fantastical Gaulish universe. Their albums are famous not only for their slapstick humor and historical satire but also for featuring caricatures and cameos of famous and less famous people, including friends, colleagues, and celebrities.
This playful practice has been lovingly carried on by the current author, Fabcaro, and illustrator, Didier Conrad, ensuring that a touch of meta-humor persists in the modern stories.
However, the most enduring and personal cameos are those of the creators themselves. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the 1968 classic, Asterix at the Olympic Games.
An Olympian Self-Portrait
As Asterix and Obelix journey to Greece to compete, they pass through the monumental gateway leading into the Olympic venue. A closer inspection of the triumphal arch reveals an astonishing detail: a large stone relief carved into the architecture.
The image you have provided captures this very scene, which is perhaps the most explicit self-insertion by the duo:
Here, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo are immortalized in the style of classical Greek sculpture. They are shown in an heroic pose, resembling the conquering figures of ancient myths, having just beaten and subdued a bull-like creature. This specific depiction is highly likely a humorous reference to the Greek legend of Theseus and the Minotaur—a classic hero overcoming a powerful, monstrous foe.
The Despot and the Tyrant
Below the impressive relief, the names of the creators are proudly carved in Greek capital letters: ΓOΣKINNΥ (Goscinny) and ΥΔEPZO (Uderzo).
What adds a layer of sharp, self-deprecating humor, however, are the labels within the relief itself. The two creators, despite their heroic poses, are given unflattering titles, written in Greek above their heads:
- Goscinny is labeled ΔEΣΠOΘHΣ (Despothes or “Despot”).
- Uderzo is labeled TΥPANNOΣ
These titles are a brilliant example of the authors’ inside joke and trademark irreverent wit. By calling themselves a “despot” and a “tyrant,” Goscinny and Uderzo are playfully referencing their own perceived creative authority and absolute control over their characters and stories. It is a self-mocking nod to the intense, and sometimes contentious, nature of their collaboration that ultimately produced a masterpiece.
