A major new Asterix adventure is on the horizon, and it won’t be limited to the big screen. Alongside the release of the upcoming animated film Asterix – The Kingdom of Nubia, an illustrated album will arrive in bookstores on December 2, 2026, marking a coordinated double release for the famous Gaul.
A Film and Book Release, Side by Side
The new animated film, directed by Alexandre Heboyan and based on an original story by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, is set to premiere during the Christmas 2026 season. At the same time, publisher Les Éditions Albert René will release a 48-page hardcover illustrated album, designed to accompany the film.
Rather than adapting the story into a traditional 44-page comic album, the publishers have once again opted for an illustrated format. This approach allows the story to be retold with full-page artwork and expanded narrative text, giving it a longer life beyond the cinema.
An Original Story Set Far from Gaul
Unlike many classic Asterix adventures, The Kingdom of Nubia is based on an entirely original screenplay created for the film.
The story begins with a mishap in the village: a youth elixir is accidentally mixed into the magic potion prepared by Getafix. The result is catastrophic—every villager is transformed into a harmless child.
With the village now defenseless and vulnerable to Roman attack, Asterix and Obelix must set out on a long and dangerous journey. Their destination: the distant Kingdom of Nubia, where they hope to obtain a rare baobab seed—the only ingredient capable of producing an antidote.
The Illustrated Album
The accompanying album will feature a text by Olivier Gay, paired with full-page illustrations by Fabrice Tarrin. Known for his dynamic and expressive style, Tarrin brings the world of Asterix to life with warmth and energy.
The book will be released simultaneously in 17 languages and dialects, ensuring a global audience can experience the story alongside the film. In France alone, the initial print run is expected to reach 200,000 copies, highlighting the scale of the launch.
Continuing a Modern Asterix Tradition
This release follows the strategy established with earlier animated films such as The Secret of the Magic Potion and The Middle Kingdom, where original cinematic stories are complemented by illustrated albums rather than standard comic adaptations.
For fans, it means that The Kingdom of Nubia will not only be a cinematic event, but also a collectible addition to the Asterix library—offering a different way to experience the adventure beyond the screen.
A Double Celebration for Asterix Fans
With a brand-new story, a journey far beyond Gaul, and a simultaneous film and book release, The Kingdom of Nubia is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Asterix projects in recent years.
On December 2, 2026, readers and viewers alike will be able to follow Asterix and Obelix on their latest quest—whether in the cinema or on the page.
A major new Asterix adventure is on the horizon, and it won’t be limited to the big screen. Alongside the release of the upcoming animated film Asterix – The Kingdom of Nubia, an illustrated album will arrive in bookstores on December 2, 2026, marking a coordinated double release for the famous Gaul.
A Film and Book Release, Side by Side
The new animated film, directed by Alexandre Heboyan and based on an original story by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, is set to premiere during the Christmas 2026 season. At the same time, publisher Les Éditions Albert René will release a 48-page hardcover illustrated album, designed to accompany the film.
Rather than adapting the story into a traditional 44-page comic album, the publishers have once again opted for an illustrated format. This approach allows the story to be retold with full-page artwork and expanded narrative text, giving it a longer life beyond the cinema.
An Original Story Set Far from Gaul
Unlike many classic Asterix adventures, The Kingdom of Nubia is based on an entirely original screenplay created for the film.
The story begins with a mishap in the village: a youth elixir is accidentally mixed into the magic potion prepared by Getafix. The result is catastrophic—every villager is transformed into a harmless child.
With the village now defenseless and vulnerable to Roman attack, Asterix and Obelix must set out on a long and dangerous journey. Their destination: the distant Kingdom of Nubia, where they hope to obtain a rare baobab seed—the only ingredient capable of producing an antidote.
The Illustrated Album
The accompanying album will feature a text by Olivier Gay, paired with full-page illustrations by Fabrice Tarrin. Known for his dynamic and expressive style, Tarrin brings the world of Asterix to life with warmth and energy.
The book will be released simultaneously in 17 languages and dialects, ensuring a global audience can experience the story alongside the film. In France alone, the initial print run is expected to reach 200,000 copies, highlighting the scale of the launch.
Continuing a Modern Asterix Tradition
This release follows the strategy established with earlier animated films such as The Secret of the Magic Potion and The Middle Kingdom, where original cinematic stories are complemented by illustrated albums rather than standard comic adaptations.
For fans, it means that The Kingdom of Nubia will not only be a cinematic event, but also a collectible addition to the Asterix library—offering a different way to experience the adventure beyond the screen.
A Double Celebration for Asterix Fans
With a brand-new story, a journey far beyond Gaul, and a simultaneous film and book release, The Kingdom of Nubia is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Asterix projects in recent years.
On December 2, 2026, readers and viewers alike will be able to follow Asterix and Obelix on their latest quest—whether in the cinema or on the page.