Asterix
Asterix, the iconic Gaulish hero, was created by writer René Goscinny and illustrator Albert Uderzo. First appearing in the French magazine Pilote on October 29, 1959, Asterix quickly became one of the most beloved comic book characters in the world. Set in 50 BCE, the series follows the adventures of Asterix, his best friend Obelix, and their small village of indomitable Gauls as they resist Roman occupation thanks to a magical potion brewed by their druid, Getafix, which grants superhuman strength.


The Creators
René Goscinny (1926–1977) was a prolific writer known for his sharp wit and storytelling prowess. Before creating Asterix, he worked on several notable projects, including Le Petit Nicolas, a series of humorous children’s books that became a classic in French literature. Goscinny also co-created Lucky Luke with the Belgian artist Morris and Iznogoud with Jean Tabary.
Albert Uderzo (1927–2020) was a highly skilled illustrator who brought the world of Asterix to life with vibrant and dynamic artwork. Before his collaboration with Goscinny, Uderzo worked on Buck Danny, a military aviation comic series created with Jean-Michel Charlier. After Goscinny’s death, Uderzo took on both writing and illustrating duties for Asterix until 2009.
In 2013, Jean-Yves Ferri (writer) and Didier Conrad (illustrator) were chosen to continue the series. Their work aimed to capture the spirit of the original stories while modernizing some aspects. In 2023 Fabcaro took over from Ferri with the album The White Iris.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The series’ satire of history and timeless humor have made it a cultural icon. It has been translated into over 100 languages, with Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge’s English translations praised for their creative adaptations. The stories are filled with pop-culture references, cameo’s, historic facts and quotes in Latin from the classics.
Asterix has been translated into over 100 languages, with special attention to maintaining the wordplay and cultural references in each version. Translations into other languages also feature localized jokes, often taking into account cultural differences to make the humor more relatable to local audiences. This adaptability has been crucial in making Asterix a truly international phenomenon.
With new albums and a Netflix series on the horizon, Asterix remains a beloved part of global pop culture, continuing to capture the imaginations of readers and viewers of all ages.


Merchandise and Theme Parks
Asterix has inspired a wide range of merchandise, from figurines to video games to card games to mugs … you name and it probably exists with Asterix’s image on it.
Parc Astérix, located near Paris, opened in 1989 and continues to delight visitors with rides and shows based on the series. The park is a must-visit for every Asterix fan.
The World of Asterix
The characters in Asterix are known for their humorous and clever names, often puns that reflect their personalities or roles:
- Asterix: Derived from “asterisk,” symbolizing his central role in the story.
- Obelix: From “obelisk,” referencing his large, stone-carrier physique.
- Dogmatix (Idéfix in French): A pun on “fixed idea” in French, symbolizing his loyalty and determination.
- Getafix (Panoramix in French): The druid, whose name refers to his potion-making skills.
- Vitalstatistix (Abraracourcix in French): The chief of the village, whose French name suggests a “short temper.”
- Cacofonix (Assurancetourix in French): The bard, whose French name plays on “insurance” and “noise,” hinting at his awful singing.
These names were brilliantly adapted into English by translators Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge, who preserved the humor and cultural references.
